Ford Ranger 2020 review: XLS dual cab

The Ranger XLS is only available as a dual-cab 4x4 model, with the choice of a six-speed manual transmission ($49,440 plus on-road costs) or six-speed automatic as tested here ($51,640). That said, there are deals being done on this spec at the time of writing: $43,790 drive-away for the manual, and autos will be discounted, too. Shop around.

The list price is hardly cheap compared with some rivals, but it does make it up by offering a solid list of standard equipment.

It has 16-inch alloy wheels, manual air-conditioning, cloth seat trim, carpet flooring, and as standard you get a 4.2-inch media screen with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and USB connectivity.

16-inch alloys come standard with the XLS

Our XLS had an optional Sync3 Pack fitted - it costs $1950 more, and adds the brand’s impressive 8.0-inch media screen with in-built sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual 4.2-inch colour instrument screens, dual zone climate control, smart key with push-button start, chrome grille and chrome door handles. Money well spent.

Things still missing compared to higher grade models include side steps and more usable rear step bumper (the XLS’s one is flat, requiring a bit more lunge!).

That aside, it’s the safety gear that really raises this spec of Ranger up.

Add the Sync3 Pack for $1950 and you'll nab an 8.0-inch media screen and Apple Play.

Dual-cab utes are pretty close to one another when it comes to interior practicality.

In the Ranger there are big cup holders, loose item storage in front of the gear shifter as well as a decent centre console bin, door pockets with bottle holders in all four doors, and one rear map pocket. However, no Ranger has the little extras you might appreciate such as dash-mount cup holders or a dash-top storage caddy.

Dual-cab utes are pretty close to one another when it comes to interior practicality.

The rear seat base can be folded up to allow for additional secure (and dry) storage if you need it, and there are dual ISOFIX child seat anchor points for the outboard seats, and two top-tether points there, too - no middle seat baby point, though.

What about the tray, then?

There are two top-tether points in the backseat - no middle seat baby point, though.

The tub floor has a length of 1549mm, and it’s 1560mm wide with 1139mm between the wheel-arches - too narrow for an Aussie pallet to fit (1165mm square). The tub depth is 511mm to the rail, and this grade doesn’t have a tub liner.

The positioning of the four tie-down hooks in the corners of the tub can make it difficult to strap down a larger load. We’ll cover off more load specs in the tradie use section below.

The tub depth is 511mm to the rail, and this grade doesn’t have a tub liner.

In 2019 Ford Australia rolled out some vital safety gear to the Ranger line-up, including auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, driver attention alert, traffic sign recognition and auto high-beam lights.

This grade still misses out on adaptive cruise control, and no Ranger has blind spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert.

But this update does give Ford a theoretical maximum ANCAP rating. It already has a five star ANCAP score based on 2015 criteria, but the update meets 2019 standard.

Also, if you’re using it as a family truckster, it has dual ISOFIX child seat anchor points and outboard top-tether points, but no centre top-tether.

Surprisingly good.

Well, is it a surprise? Not really - we’ve known the Ranger is the benchmark for everyday driving for a while now, with its supple suspension, light and accurate steering, and a strong powertrain making for a great ute to drive.

If you’re considering a Ranger as a car for dual purposes, then you’re heading in the right direction.

The engine and transmission mostly work well, though the engine can be noisy at times. There’s a bit of turbo lag to contend with at times, especially from a standstill, but the rolling response on offer is great when you push the pedal at speeds from 20km/h to 110km/h.

If you’re considering a Ranger as a car for dual purposes, then take this review as nothing other than a gentle nudge to tell you you’re heading in the right direction.