The bed
The bed is five feet long (more than six feet if you keep the rear panel down). There are some tie-down points, but I would have liked to see some small steps in the rear bumper for easier access. And, the space between the fender wells is only 44 inches, which does not allow for the transport of flat-lying 4' x 8' panels.
The only engine available in the Ranger remains the turbocharged 2.3L 4-cylinder (same as found under the hood of the base Mustang) good for 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. And it only comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Our FX4 tester's electronic transfer case only allows for four-wheel drive (on command) in either regular (4 High) or overdrive (4 Low) mode. The tires on our vehicle were Hankook DynaPro AT-M 265-60 R18. Of course, the front suspension can be independent, but the rear one is still a rigid axle on leaf springs.
This suspension allows the body to support a load of 1,860 lb, while this Ranger has a towing capacity of 7,500 lb (the vehicle was equipped with the Tow/Haul function, which facilitates towing and reduces fuel consumption by balancing the engine's power with the effort required).
On the road
Yes, getting into this Ranger can be a bit of an effort (there are no steps), but the reward once you’re in is that it's pretty fun to drive. The driving position is impressive, and since the vehicle sits quite high, you have a commanding view of the road. However, when it comes to parking manoeuvres, you'll have to rely on the cameras.
That aside, the Ranger's reasonable dimensions make it an easy truck to drive in the city with comfortable acceleration (0 to 100 km/h can be done in less than 8 seconds). The transmission not only improves fuel economy but also helps deliver a smooth driving experience.
On the highway, the Ranger can be very quiet and comfortable as long as the road is in good condition. The first few inches of suspension travel are flexible enough to smoothly absorb road imperfections. But if the road is more heavily pockmarked, the rear suspension (rigid axle, remember) tends to hop around. If the vehicle is loaded, this is less pronounced.
By the way, if you feel the need to overtake, don't worry, the 2.3L turbo four has plenty of power to do so safely. On nicer roads, the driver can also set the adaptive cruise control.
Our Ranger Splash was equipped with the FX4 package, which allows for fun off-road excursions. All the driver has to do is put the shifter in 4 High (or 4 Low if the trail is very demanding). What's more, you can even choose some driving assistance with the Terrain Management control (the TM button in the center of the four-wheel drive rotary control).
Add to that a form of cruise control that will help maintain a slow but very steady speed. The vehicle has good ground clearance and proper tires.
The only problem is that this Ranger's transfer case doesn't have a 4x4 Auto function that motorists in Canada would appreciate in winter!
In terms of fuel consumption, we averaged 12.1L/100 km in an even mix of city and highway driving. The trip computer displayed 11.4 on the instrument panel, while EnerGuide Canada reports 10.4.
Pricing
While the base price is $43,340, you have to add some $8,630 in options to that (including $3,405 for the 501 A package that includes cruise control and the Technology Package), $850 for the orange paint, $1,400 for the off-road wheels and tires, $600 for the towing package and $100 for the federal excise tax for the A/C).
Of course, there is also $1,995 for shipping and preparation, for a total of $53,965...plus taxes!
The upcoming Ranger
This Splash version signals the last kick at the can for this generation of the Ford Ranger. However, in the 2023 version, which has already been unveiled (with a redesigned body including a front end similar to the F-150, more sculpted sides and above all, access steps for the body at the end of the rear bumpers, as well as a redesigned interior), the mechanics will remain the same except for the more robust Raptor version to come, which could have a 3.0L turbo V6 in its catalog. There could even be a hybrid electric version to come.
Ford has announced that the new Ranger will be available in North America at the end of November. In the meantime, we have the Splash version!
We like
The sporty look of the Splash version
The performance of the 2.3-litre turbo engine
The very smooth 10-speed automatic transmission
We like less
The lack of access to the body
The narrowness of the floor between the wheel arches
The relatively high price
The competition
Chevrolet Colorado
GMC Canyon
Honda Ridgeline
Jeep Gladiator
Nissan Frontier
Toyota Tacoma
