Published: Commercial Motor, 22 Nov 2001
Sloane Rangerby: Kevin Swallow
Many four-wheel-drive pickups are go-anywhere workhorses for tradesmen and utility workers but, following the trend set in the US, more and more are being bought as "recreational vehicles". The top-of-the-range Ford Ranger XLT is as likely to be seen on a school run as it is on-site, but could it earn its keep in the real world? CM took this "ideal out-door pursuit vehicle" round our van test route to see how well it pursued the outdoors.
Verdict
Ford knows its stuff when it comes to equipping range-topping vehicles, and it shows: the XLT has everything the self-indulgent owner-driver could ask for. This is not typical fare for CM, but we thoroughly enjouyed our time behind the wheel.
All that luxury bumps up the price, of course, but under the fancy trappings the XLT's payload and fuel consumption give it plenty of potential to pay its way. The pickup market seems buoyant and, as stated, Ford is pretty confident that Ranger sales will at least match last year's figures.
CM did not get the chance to take it to the off-road limit, but somehow, off-road tyres or not, we don't think many XLTs will be getting their boots dirty.
Vehicle Specifications
Ford Ranger XLT 2.5TD
| Fuel Consumption: | 30.1mpg(9.4lit/100km) |
| Average speed: | 63.9km/h |
| Gross weight as tested: | 2,825kg |
| Net payload: | 993kg |
| Price as tested: | £17,073(ex-VAT) |
