Choosing the right pick-up truck or vehicle, in general, can be confusing. There are things to consider, including comfort, luxury, and utility. And sometimes, it’s hard to find a vehicle that fits all of that criteria. But when you find one, these pick-up trucks tend to come in a sub 2 million peso price point. Few examples of these are the Ford F-150 and the Ranger Raptor.
And then, there’s this – the 2020 Ford Ranger FX4. The Ford Ranger 4X4 and XLTs have been one of Ford’s best selling pick-up trucks because of their price and the things they can offer. 2020 came, Ford made an update with the FX4. Aside from its updated front grille, this truck is also equipped with modern technology for better ease of use.
Design
Starting with its exterior, the Ford FX4 can easily be mistaken as the old Ranger XLT because it is an XLT with few minor design changes. Upfront, we are greeted with its new mesh grill alongside its Projector headlamps, and below it is its Halogen Front Fog lamps.
Onto the side mirrors, it carries the glossy black accent with repeaters. Around this vehicle, there are step boards and an “FX4” decals to indicate that this is a new ranger.
One new update on this vehicle is the addition of an 18-inch ebony black alloy wheel, which looks pretty aggressive as compared to the stock wheels you found on the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and the XLT. Also, chrome accents are gone in this iteration. Also, one new indicator that this is the new Ford Ranger FX4 is the addition of a new roll bar, which is placed on top of the cargo bed. One thing I wish this new FX4 has is a tailgate assist because opening and closing this thing is massive.
Getting inside this truck, we are greeted with black leather with red stitching interior and glossy polycarbonate accents around the cabin. There are also embossed FX4 logos found on the front backrests, which are also an indicator that this vehicle is not your ordinary Ranger.
Seating over to the driver’s side, on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, you’ll get all your media controls, and your driver assist buttons and cruise control. Since we’re talking about the steering wheel, it is also worth mentioning that it has an Electronic Power-Assist Steering technology. Even on the driver’s side, you have the usual power windows controls, electronic door lock and unlock buttons, a knob to control your headlamps, and above that is the adjustable side mirror controls.
Onto the gauge cluster, right in the middle, you have an LED screen that shows you the remaining kilometers you have, your driving modes.
On the left, you have your RPM and on the left is the speedometer.
Situated in the middle is an 8-inch TFT touchscreen infotainment system with support for both CarPlay and Android Auto. Right below it is the hazard indicator, and vent controls– although you can adjust digitally through the infotainment screen, it is still nice to have physical knobs for quicker access.
Below, you’ll also find two 5W USB ports: one is for connecting your device through the infotainment display, and the other one is for regular charging and even a car socket. Aside from that, you’ll also find a pocket here where you can safely place your phone while driving.
Also located at the center console is the gear shifter, cup holder, and storage compartment.
However, for me, the white trims on the A-pillar up to the roof panel, kind of ruined this vehicle’s interior design aesthetic since everything is clad in black and red accent. Up top is the visor for the driver and passenger side, a noise-canceling microphone for a quieter riding experience, cabin lights, and your rearview mirror.
Sitting at the back, as you would expect on a pick-up truck, sitting isn’t the most comfortable experience, but with the Ford FX4, the legroom on this vehicle is pretty decent. It can fit 2 to 3 passengers comfortably, but if by any means, it can accommodate four but in a cramped sitting position. Also found here is the middle armrest with cup holders for additional comfortability, and you also do get a lighter plug here at the back so you can hook-up a car charger just in case a passenger wants to juice up their phone and such.
Performance
The Ford FX4 runs on a 2.2L Duratorq diesel engine with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, capable of delivering 158hp and 385Nm of torque. This vehicle has a wheelbase of 3,220mm and a ground clearance of 232mm, which I think is pretty standard considering that this is a Ford Ranger.
Safety Features
- Dual front Airbags
- Automatic Braking System with EBD
- ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Fuel Economy
The Ford FX4 has a fuel tank capacity of 80 liters. For fuel economy, we got an average of 14.5 Km/L on a Highway and right about 10.5 Km/L for city driving.
Driving Experience
Driving the FX4 isn’t as intimidating as you would expect when you drive a Ranger Raptor, or let’s say the new F-150. But putting its outside looks aside, it runs like a beast. Steering is light, thanks to its electronic Power-Assist Steering technology; also, acceleration responds quickly, and the overall riding experience is smooth as butter.
The new Ford FX4 comes in two variants:
- 4×2 manual transmission which will set you back PHP 1,256,000
- 4×2 automatic variant for PHP 1,316,000
It comes in five colors:
- Absolute Black
- Arctic White
- Aluminum Metallic
- Meteor Grey
- True Red
Conclusion
If you are interested in a vehicle that offers both practicality and comfort, you should check out the new Ford Ranger FX4. Although this truck doesn’t have everything a high-end Ford vehicle has like keyless entry, rearview cameras, and such, but considering its price, I don’t mind not having that extra stuff.
So, what do you guys think about the 2020 Ford Ranger FX4? Are you interested in buying one? Let us know in the comments section below!