With all the new utes that arrived during the year, you wouldn’t think a mere facelift would stand a chance of becoming Driven’s Utility of the Year. But the Ford Ranger is proof such things can happen.
Trayloads of international awards since its introduction in 2011 provide convincing evidence Ranger is one of the most thoughtfully designed and well-engineered one-tonne utes; its first facelift has made it that much better.
Ford went through its utility with a fine-tooth comb, making heaps of little tweaks and improvements that add up to a better vehicle.
The revised Ranger boasts a top package of safety features, performs better on tough off-road terrain and, on-road, is one of the best handling, best riding utes with the best-designed cabin in the sector.
It’s sold here in a 19-model range of high-riding 2WD and 4WD models from just over $36,000 to $69,640.
-Phil Hanson