Ford Ranger 2018 Philippines Review: A stylish and tough off-roader

The Ford Ranger has been known as one of the most popular pick-up truck in the Philippines since its first launch in March 2002. Up to now, the pickup has gone through over 15 years in our country and 19 years in the global market with 3 generations. The current Ranger is the third gen and also the latest-updated model in the lineup .

In 2015, Ford quietly updated the Ranger with a number of improvements in terms of technology and steering system. However, according to drivers who have experienced this facelift, the changes are even beyond just an upgrade in the infotainment system.

To make this clearer, we are here to bring you the Ford Ranger 2018 review with a more detailed insight into the top-spec variant of the pickup - the Ranger Wildtrak 3.2L 4x4 AT.

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For starter, the Ford Ranger 2018 Philippines gets no change in its exterior. The pickup remains its bold and aggressive front fascia as seen in the 2015 model. At first glance, the Ranger impresses us with dark gray sleek grilles featuring 3 thick chrome slats, slim headlights, a muscular bumper adorned with large air intakes and two defined circular fog lamps, bringing it a handsome and striking look.

Third-generation Ford Ranger 2018 vs. First-generation Ford Ranger 2002

The Ford Ranger remains its bold and aggressive front fascia as in the 2015 model

Moving to the side profile, the vehicle gets a dynamic and sporty appearance with a big wheel fender accompanied by athletic roof rails at the top. Some other premiumnesses of the pickup also include chrome/black combination wing mirrors, tidy aluminum side step, blackened B pillar and chrome door handles.

And the tail lights are ideally placed on either side, while there are an antenna and high suspension lights mounted on the roof. The tailgate features Ford emblem and the vehicle’s nameplate - RANGER.

Moving to the side profile, the vehicle gets a dynamic and sporty appearance with a big wheel fender

The tailgate features “Ford’ emblem and the vehicle’s nameplate - RANGER

For the Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2L 4x4 AT, the additional Wildtrak goodies make the vehicle look more stylish and completed even in its feature color - the Pride Orange paint or this shade of Metropolitan Gray.

One thing we can’t ignore whenever speaking of a pickup is its bed. The Ranger boasts to own the largest bed in its segment which has 1,549 mm in length, 1,560 mm in width and 511 mm in height. Despite having the most spacious bed, still, the Ranger is not the biggest pickup in its class.

The Ranger boasts to own the largest bed in its segment 

Seating capacity

Stepping inside, the Ford Ranger 2018 interior feels just the same as its predecessor. In detail, be the top-of-the-line variant in its range, the Ranger Wildtrak offers leather and fabric combination seats and beautiful backrests with the stitched Wildtrak.

The Ranger Wildtrak offers leather and fabric combination seats and beautiful backrests with the stitched Wildtrak

As for cabin space, the pickup provides not only a lot of rooms in front but also a large space for head, toe, hip and legroom at the back. The Ranger comes equipped with a power seat comforting the driver and a 230V inverter - a useful feature for long trip and camping.

The pickup provides not only a lot of rooms in front but also a large space for head, toe, hip and legroom at the back

Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2018 Interior

Infotainment system

The major refreshment of the Ford Ranger 2018 lies in its infotainment system. The American pickup is now armed with a new Sync 3 infotainment system, instead of the Sync 2 in the previous model.

The Ranger is now armed with a new Sync 3 infotainment system, instead of the Sync 2 in the previous model

The dashboard is arranged more neatly and logically, which make the usage of the main menu and other options on the screen easier and more convenient. Additionally, it is also complemented by Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to reduce the distraction of drivers.  

The all new Ford Ranger 2018 is also complemented by Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to reduce the distraction of drivers

Although from the passenger point of view, the upgraded Sync 3 infotainment system might not be a really significant change, it is still largely appreaciated by drivers for its ergonomic design, bringing more exciting experiences on the road.

The upgraded Sync 3 infotainment system is largely appreaciated by drivers for its ergonomic design

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Engine

Under the hood of the all new Ford Ranger 2018 is a refreshed 3.2 L turbodiesel Duratorq engine which is capable of cranking out 198 hp and 470 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with an optional manual mode. The updated engine which is now equipped with rear-locking differential has not only further enhanced the Ranger’s handling capacity in harsh and tough terrains, but also brings firmer sense of driving while behind steering wheel.

Under the hood of the 4-wheel drive Wildtrak is a refreshed 3.2 L turbodiesel Duratorq engine

Performance

In the city, the all new Ford Ranger offers a smooth and stable ride thanks to some more weight added to the wheel. Not to mention, a reversible camera, relatively tight rotation circle and the barrage of sensors has helped drivers controll the vehicle much easier.

Besides these systems, the Ranger also provides the driver and passengers a great visibility, supported by its large greenhouses and wide-face mirrors.

Ford Ranger is truly a powerful off-road vehicle

On provincial roads, the upgraded steering system with more feedback added brings more confidence for drivers, enabling the vehicle to achieve greater performance, especially on winding and rough roads. While this might be a minor tweak to some, it is still our strong belief that it has significantly improved the driving experience for this already-good off-roader.

In a word, it is not an overstatement ot say that the Ford Ranger is one of the most excellent pickup trucks in its class. Except for lacking telescopic adjustment, the pickup’s package is almost completed and impressive enough for many gearheads.

The Ranger is worthy being one of the most excellent pickup trucks in its segment

With the leaf-spring arrangement at the back, the Ranger satisfies passengers with its comfort and smoothness even after a long trip or a rough and harsh ride for hours.

For the pickup’s fuel economy, it guzzles 8.7 km/l at a speed of 16 km/h in average and 14 km/l at an average of 90 km/h on the expressway.

Speaking of the payload capacity, the Ranger is capable of loading up to 1,300 kilograms. This means the pickup can completely weight a vehicle in A-segment will all the seats filled up.

Since the first updates in 2015, the top-spec variant has increased considerably in price. Particularly, from a price tag of ₱1,679,000 in 2015, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2018 price in the Philippines has rised to ₱1,668,000 at the present.

It sounds quite expensive but you know, you get what you pay for. And with an advanced infotainment system, a full kit of safety features, a powerful engine, a great payload capacity and a large bed, Philkotse.com personally thinks that this number is reasonable for an excellent pickup. The Ranger is even listed among 5 least pickup trucks you can buy today. You can find the other four names in our full list here.