2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max vs Nissan Navara PRO-4X: The Philippine truck wars
Filipinos have always liked pickup trucks. This type of vehicle is versatile, providing a comfortable ride for families, while utilitarian enough to be used as workhorses. At the same time, they are also tough enough to withstand the rigors of rough roads, or even the tight busy streets or urban areas.
2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max Quick Look: The work-and-play truck
To this end, car manufacturers have been updating their pickup trucks to better suit the Filipino consumer in 2021. Ford Philippines has expanded its Ranger variant lineup with the all-new FX4 Max. It has been dubbed as the “Raptor-lite” as it shares some capabilities with its larger brother while having more practicality.
Nissan also released an updated version of the Navara. It’s a facelift of the third-gen D23 model, but it comes with a lot of improvements.
So yes, both these trucks use 4x4 drivetrains, both look macho and tough, and both are very capable off-road. But this begs the question: which truck is better on paper? To find out, we’ll be comparing the Ford Ranger FX4 Max against the top-of-the-line Navara PRO-4X.
Let's find out which of these trucks are better on paper
2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max vs Nissan Navara PRO-4X: Exterior
Size-wise, the Ranger FX4 Max measures 5,354 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,852 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase of 3,220 mm, and a ground clearance of 256 mm.
Meanwhile, the Navara PRO-4X is 5,260 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,855 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 3,150 mm, and a ground clearance of 220 mm.
Compare the Ranger FX4 Max (left) and the Navara PRO-4X (right) using the slider
By comparing the figures, we can see that the Ranger FX4 Max is the longer pickup truck. It also has a longer wheelbase length. The Navara PRO-4X however is both wider and taller than the aforementioned Ranger variant. However, it has less in the way of ground clearance.
As for exterior equipment, both the FX Max and the Navara PRO-4X come with power-folding and power-adjustable side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, side steps, and inner tie downs. The Ford variant however, lacks roof rails, LED headlamps and daytime running lamps and the automatic LED front foglamps which are all available on the PRO-4X.
The Nissan Navara PRO-4X from the rear
Moving on to wheels, both the FX4 Max and the Navara PRO-4X ride on a set of 17-inch alloys. Both also feature black-colored exterior trim pieces, although the Nissan-made truck lacks the rear sports bar and bedliner which are present on the FX4 Max.
The rear of the Ford Ranger FX4 Max
2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max vs Nissan Navara PRO-4X: Interior
In terms of interior equipment, the FX4 Max and the PRO-4X both offer a lot. Both of these trucks come equipped with leather seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control system, electrochromic rear-view mirrors, a push to start button, as well as cruise control.
Inside the 2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max
Both are also equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen with similar connectivity options. The two pickup trucks have Bluetooth streaming, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Aux-in, and USB connectivity. Both trucks also have the same amount of audio speakers numbering at six.
The cockpit of the 2021 Nissan Navara PRO-4X
The system on the FX4 Max however, does come with Ford’s Sync 3 which allows for voice-activated controls. In turn, the PRO-4X does get more USB ports positioned in four key points in its interior. The FX4 Max in comparison only gets two. Then again, the new Ranger variant also gets an auxiliary switch pack mounted on the top of its dashboard. With this new addition, you can easily control any of your added aftermarket additions from inside the truck’s cabin.
2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max vs Nissan Navara PRO-4X: Engine and Performance
When it comes to engines, the Ranger FX4 Max uses a 2.0-liter bi-turbo inline-4 diesel engine. At most, it can make up to 210 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. The said engine is then mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
In comparison, the Navara PRO-4X is propelled by a 2.5-liter inline-4 diesel engine with a single turbo. This engine can make up to 190 horsepower and 450 Nm, and it is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
With that, it is fairly obvious that the Ranger FX4 Max’s engine produces more power. Coupled with the fact that it has more gears might also mean that the Ranger can reach a higher top speed.
As for off-roading chops though, both of these models come from the factory with a locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, and a 4x4 drivetrain.
In terms of suspension setups, these two are also fairly different. The Ford Ranger FX4 Max uses 2-inch monotube FOX shocks with coil springs for its front end. Its main rear system however is a leaf spring type suspension, which is then supported by FOX shocks. In contrast to that, the Navara PRO-4X uses a double-wishbone front suspension, and a multi-link rear suspension. Despite this setup, the PRO-4X can carry up to 1,017 kg of cargo. In turn, the Ranger FX4 Max can only carry up to 981 kg.
| SPECS | Ford Ranger FX4 Max | Nissan Navara Pro-4X |
| Engine | 2.0-liter Bi-turbo Inline-4 diesel | 2.5-liter YD25 Inline-4 turbodiesel |
| Horsepower | 210 horsepower | 190 horsepower |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4x4 | 4x4 |
2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max vs Nissan Navara PRO-4X: Safety
Safety-wise, the Navara PRO-4X has more driver-assist features. It comes equipped with intelligent emergency braking, driver attention and blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, a 360-degree view monitor, and a moving object detection system. On top of this, the Navara PRO-4X has six airbags, while the Ranger FX4 max only has dual front airbags.
Both trucks do get hill descent control, stability control, traction control, parking sensors, a car alarm and engine immobilizer. The Ranger variant in question however lacks a rear-view parking camera, while the Nissan in turn comes standard with one. Anti Lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution is also standard on these two trucks.
2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max vs Nissan Navara PRO-4X: Variants and Prices
| 2021 Ford Ranger Variants | Price |
| Ranger 2.2 XLS 4x2 MT | Php 1,155,000 |
| Ranger 2.2 XLS 4x2 AT | Php 1,215,000 |
| Ranger 2.2 XLT 4x2 MT | Php 1,299,000 |
| Ranger 2.2 XLS 4x4 MT | Php 1,304,000 |
| Ranger 2.2 FX4 4x2 MT | Php 1,320,000 |
| Ranger 2.2 XLT 4x2 AT | Php 1,330,000 |
| Ranger 2.2 FX4 4x2 AT | Php 1,380,000 |
| Ranger 2.2 FX4 4x4 MT | Php 1,450,000 |
| Ranger 2.0 Wildtrak 4x2 MT | Php 1,480,000 |
| Ranger 2.2 FX4 4x4 AT | Php 1,510,000 |
| Ranger 2.0 Wildtrak 4x2 AT | Php 1,540,000 |
| Ranger 2.0 Biturbo FX4 Max 4x4 AT | Php 1,698,000 |
| Ranger 2.0 Biturbo Wildtrak 4x4 AT | Php 1,728,000 |
| 2021 Nissan Navara Variants | Price |
| Navara EL 2.5 4x2 MT | Php 1,149,000 |
| Navara VE Calibre 2.5 4x2 MT | Php 1,369,000 |
| Navara VE Calibre 2.5 4x2 AT | Php 1,459,000 |
| Navara VE 2.5 4x4 MT | Php 1,499,000 |
| Navara VL Calibre 2.5 4x2 AT | Php 1,599,000 |
| Navara VL 2.5 4x4 MT | Php 1,699,000 |
| Navara VL 2.5 4x4 AT | Php 1,779,000 |
| Navara Pro-4X 2.5 4x4 AT | Php 1,849,000 |
2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max vs Nissan Navara PRO-4X: Conclusion
If we’re talking about price, then the Ford Ranger FX4 Max is a fair bit cheaper than the Nissan Navara PRO-4X. Then again, the PRO-4X is currently a top-spec variant, while the Ranger FX4 Max is not. This is made apparent by the difference in their on-board safety features.
Do you prefer the look of the Nissan Navara
With that, the PRO-4X offers more driver assistance, and it also has more passive safety equipment. This of course is one huge consideration if you’re planning to get a pickup truck and using it as a family vehicle.
If you’re wanting a good old truck for off-roading though, these two will likely do great. For maximizing cargo however, the Navara PRO-4X has the Ranger FX4 Max beat by 36 kilograms. That might be a small difference, but some people do need to maximize the use of their pickup truck’s beds.
Or do you prefer the design of Ford Ranger FX4 Max?
If you want more comparison articles like this, more car news, and car reviews, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.