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

Updated Mar 04, 2022

User's: 5.0/5
Look through our in-depth review for the Ford Ranger 2018 Philippines to find out latest price, specs, facelift updates, interior, exterior, pros & cons of this beautiful beast.

In this review...

  1. Introduction
  2. Exterior
  3. Interior
  4. Engine & Performance
  5. Specs
  6. Pros & cons
  7. Price

1. Ford Ranger 2018 Philippines: Introduction

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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2. Ford Ranger 2018 Philippines: Exterior

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.

Angular front of a Ford Ranger 2018Angular front of a Ford Ranger 2002

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

Angular front of a Ford Ranger 2018

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.

Wheel fender of a Ford Ranger 2018

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

Angular rear of a Ford Ranger 2018

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.

Ford Ranger 2018 bed

The Ranger boasts to own the largest bed in its segment 

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3. Ford Ranger 2018 Philippines: Interior

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.

Ford Ranger 2018's driver seat

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.

Ford Ranger 2018 rear seats

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.

Ford Ranger 2018 Sync 3 infotainment system

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.  

Ford Ranger 2018 Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

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.

Ford Ranger 2018 steering wheel

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

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4. Ford Ranger 2018 Philippines: Engine & Performance

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.

 3.2 L turbodiesel Duratorq engine

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.

A Ford Ranger 2018 on the rough road  

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.

5. Ford Ranger 2018 Specs in the Philippines

  Ford Ranger 2018 specs in the Philippines
(Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2018 variant)

The Basics
Body Type 4-Door Pick-Up
Seating 5
Engine / Drive F/4WD, high, low
Under the Hood
Displacement (liters) 3.2
Aspiration Turbocharged
Layout / # of Cylinders I5
BHP @ rpm 200 @ 3,000 rpm
Nm @ rpm 470 @ 1,500 - 2,750 rpm
Fuel / Min. Octane Diesel
Transmission 6 AT
Cruise Control Yes
Dimensions and Weights
Length (mm) 5,351
Width (mm) 2,163
Height (mm) 1,848
Wheelbase (mm) 3,220
Curb Weight (kg) N/A
Suspension and Tires
Front Suspension Independent
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension Beam Axle,
Leaf Springs
Front Brakes Vented Disc
Rear Brakes Drum
Tires 265/60R18
Wheels Alloy
Safety Features
Airbags 2
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Yes
Traction / Stability Control Yes
Parking Sensors Yes, Camera
Exterior Features
Headlights Halogen
Fog Lamps Yes, Front, Rear
Auto Lights Yes
Auto Wipers Yes
Interior Features
Steering Wheel Adjustment Tilt
Steering Wheel Material Leather
Seating Adjustment Electric (driver)
Seating Surface Leather
Folding Rear Seat Yes, Bench
On-Board Computer Yes
Convenience Features
Power Steering Yes
Power Door Locks Yes
Power Windows Yes
Power Mirrors Yes, Fold
Climate Control Yes, Dual
Audio System
  • Stereo
  • CD
  • MP3
  • USB
  • Bluetooth
No. of Speakers 6
Steering Wheel Controls Yes

6. Ford Ranger 2018 Review: Pros & cons

Ford Ranger 2018 Review: Pros & cons

Pros
  • Appealing and futuristic exterior design
  • Large cabin and bed space
  • Great payload capability
  • The adequate braking system
Cons
  • Slow acceleration
  • Need a large parking space
  • Torque values and power need to be improved

7. Ford Ranger 2018 Price in the Philippines

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.

Ford Ranger 2018 price in the Philippines
Ford Ranger 2.2 Base 4x2 MT ₱868,000
Ford Ranger 2.2 Cab and Chassis 4x2 MT ₱720,000
Ford Ranger 2.2 FX4 4x2 AT 1,278,000
Ford Ranger 2.2 FX4 4x2 MT 1,218,000
Ford Ranger 2.2 Single Cab 4x2 MT ₱780,000
Ford Ranger 2.2 Wildtrak 4X2 AT 1,428,000
Ford Ranger 2.2 Wildtrak 4X2 MT 1,368,000
Ford Ranger 2.2 Wildtrak 4X4 AT 1,508,000
Ford Ranger 2.2 Wildtrak 4X4 MT 1,448,000
Ford Ranger 2.2 XLS 4x2 MT 1,023,000
Ford Ranger 2.2 XLS 4x4 MT 1,158,000
Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT 4x2 AT 1,213,000
Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT 4x2 MT 1,148,000
Ford Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak 4X4 AT 1,668,000
Ford Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak 4X4 MT 1,588,000

>>> Check out cheaper options in our Ford Ranger for sale section

Once for all, the Ford Ranger is one of the first names that appear in our mind whenever we think about a capable pickup truck. With this Ford Ranger 2018 reviewPhilkotse.com hopes that you will have a better understanding about this vehicle and agree with us that it is well-deserved to be one of the most typical models in its segment.

This month, Ford Philippines has been running its Year-end Sale promo which will offer its clientele more opportunities to take a Ford home before the year ends. This promo lasts from October 5 to December 31, 2017 and is applicable to the Ranger, EcoSport, Focus, Fiesta, and Everest models. Ford’s Year-end sale deals allow you to purchase cars with all-in low downpayment, cash discount OR low monthly fees. Refer to our Ford Philippines price list to get the latest pricing changes.

So now, needless to wait, wonder or doubt anything else, let’s drive home and experience the most exciting off-road challenges behind the wheel of the top-spec Ford Ranger.

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