Cars with high water wading depth are an ideal weapon of choice if you live in a country where sudden downpour leads to flash floods (hello, Philippines). Speaking of which, pickup trucks are one of the vehicles that can drive through floods due to its water wading depth. It is also equipped with a capable engine that can give you more confidence when you need to take a dip into Metro Manila's urban swimming pool. Among the many pickup trucks available locally is the Ford Ranger.
Specification
The Ford Ranger is available in 15 variants with a starting price of PHP720,000 (2.2-liter Cab and Chassis MT variant), while the top-of-the-line 3.2L Wildtrak 4x4 AT variant is priced at PHP1.628 million. For this Buyer's Guide article, we're using the top Ranger variant in order to see the full package of this pickup. The 3.2L Wildtrak 4x4 AT is powered by a 3.2-liter diesel engine that delivers a maximum power of 197 hp and 470 Nm of torque. The engine is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.In terms of dimensions, the Ranger Wildtrak measures 5,354 mm long, 2,163 mm wide, and 1,849 mm tall along with a wheelbase of 3,220 mm. On the other hand, this pickup is an ideal choice if you want a vehicle that can do and drive through almost anything. The Ranger has a water wading depth of 800 mm, which would come in handy when you need to drive through floods. It also has a 1,000 kg payload and 3,500 kg towing capacity.
Exterior
The Ranger has a muscular appeal as seen in its large front bumpers, wide grille, sharp-looking headlights, and prominent fender flares. Moreover, the dark gray-ish touch on the grille and bumper adds to the Ranger's muscular and well-composed stance. Turning to the side, you'll see the same dark gray-ish finish on the door handles, side mirrors, and window panels. The rear gets huge taillights, a third brake lamp, and a distinctive 'Ranger' decal. It is finished off with a set of 18-inch alloy wheels. Overall, the Ranger Wildtrak is one of our favorites when it comes to its exterior design.
Interior
Inside, the Ranger Wildtrak has black interior trim along with orange stitching as seen on the dashboard, center console, steering wheel, seats, and door panels. Placed right at the center is an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This Ranger also comes with leather steering wheel (steering wheel is equipped with Electrical Power Adjusted) and leather seats with Wildtrak accent. Of note, the driver's seat is integrated with an eight-way power adjust seat, which will help you find your proper and right driving position. The interior of the Ranger looks premium for a pickup truck, which is not much of a surprise as this is already a trend among manufacturers.
Space
The rear seats of the Ranger provide ample head- and leg-room. The large doors and positioning of the rear pillar makes it easier for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle. The cargo bed of the Ranger measures at 1,540 mm long and 1,560 mm wide along with a depth of 511 mm. You can instantly stack almost anything from water gallons, coolers, boxes, bicycles, with those numbers.
Safety
In terms of safety, the Ranger Wildtrak comes with driver and passenger airbags, side and curtain airbags, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). It also has Electronic Stability Program (ESP), cruise control, and Isofix child seat anchors.
Our Verdict
The Ranger is an ideal choice if you're looking for a vehicle that can drive through floods and tough terrain. With its 800 mm water wading depth and capable diesel engine, this pickup truck can give you confidence when you need to plunge in urban floods. Plus, it has a good exterior design and the interior has a premium feel.