Despite the presence of upgraded rivals, the Ford Ranger is still a force to be reckoned with in the midsize pickup segment, having notched the most sales in 2020 for 4x4 trucks in the country.
The Ranger line led 4x4 pickup sales in the country for 2020
For 2021, Ford Philippines has pulled the covers off the updated model with a slew of updates and enhancements, all towards reinforcing the Ranger’s position as a premier choice for work and play. This could very well be the Ranger’s final iteration in T6 guise, so Ford is pulling out the stops.
Exterior
The Ranger retains the familiar strong silhouette that has defined this generation in the last decade, with bulging fenders punctuating the truck’s four corners.
A revamped grille with Saber accents now dominates the fascia, doing away with the twin horizontal bars in favor of a cleaner black aesthetic, and flanked by dual ports loosely based on the U.S.-spec XL variant. This will be the standard look across the range.
The skid plate is now rendered in a more menacing black color, complemented by new black alloy wheels that give the Ranger a more assertive stance.
A black sport bar on the bed of the Wildtrak 4x4 trim continues to enhance the cargo bed’s appearance, with a new remote-operated power roller shutter as an available option.
Ford PH says it will announce how much the optional power roller shutter will cost by March or April. The Ranger retains its 232mm ground clearance for conquering unpredictable terrain.
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Interior
Ford has opted not to alter the formula for the Ranger’s cabin, so long-time owners and fans will feel right at home.
2021 Ford Ranger XLS
Up to five occupants can settle down on leather upholstery, while drivers benefit from the convenience of power-adjustable seats. Meanwhile, the rear bench features a center armrest and can be folded up to make room for additional cargo when necessary.
Tech & Safety
As far as gadgetry is concerned, the 2021 Ranger showcases an 8-inch touchscreen head unit that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with SYNC 3, voice command, and offline navigation. Windshield-mounted USB ports provide an easier way to hook up mobile devices.
The large analog speedometer rests between dual-color 4.2-inch cluster screens on the instrument panel, providing easy-to-read vehicle information. Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning keeps everyone cools even on extended journeys.
2021 Ford Ranger FX4
Standard safety kit on the refreshed Ranger includes up to six airbags, ISOFix anchors, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, and hill start assist.
On top of that, there are also driver-assist technologies onboard such as adaptive cruise control, pre-collision assist with autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping aid, and a driver alert system.
Engine & Drivetrain
Ford continues to bring its trio of engine options for the 2021 Ranger, starting with a 2.2L turbodiesel mill good for 158 hp and 385 Nm of torque. Moving up the range is a 2.0L version packing 178 horses and 420 Nm of twist. Both engines are mated to either a manual or automatic transmission, both with six forward gears.
Under the hood of the Wildtrak lies a 2.0L bi-turbo oil burner capable of 210 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This works in concert with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Ranger lineup is available in both 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains.
2021 Ford Ranger FX4
>>> Related: 2021 Ford Ranger Old vs. New: Spot the differences
Pricing
The 2021 Ford Ranger will be available in Ford dealerships beginning February 17, 2021, with pricing as follows:
- XLS 4x2 M/T – Php 1,062,000
- XLS 4x2 A/T - Php 1,092,000
- XLT 4x2 M/T – Php 1,176,000
- XLS 4x4 M/T – Php 1,181,000
- XLT 4x2 A/T – Php 1,236,000
- FX4 4x2 M/T – Php 1,256,000
- FX4 4x2 A/T – Php 1,316,000
- FX4 4x4 M/T – Php 1,356,000
- Wildtrak 4x2 M/T – Php 1,390,000
- FX4 4x4 A/T – Php 1,416,000
- Wildtrak 4x2 A/T – Php 1,455,000
- Bi-turbo Wildtrak 4x4 A/T – Php 1,728,000
- Bi-turbo Raptor 4x4 A/T – Php 1,998,000
“Our new Ford Ranger lineup will allow us to continue building on our leadership in the pickup segment in the country,” says PK Umashankar, Ford Philippines president and managing director. “The new Ranger is set to deliver on its promise of functionality and capability while enabling the diverse needs and lifestyles of our customers.”
More automotive updates at Philkotse.com.