Long-term introduction: Ford Ranger XLT leads the way with factory-backed accessory pack
The new Ranger XLT accessory pack is priced at R27,500.
Image: Jason Woosey
If there was a prize for the most accessorised bakkie type in South Africa, it would surely go to the Ford Ranger, with enthusiastic owners all over the country regularly adding their own personal touches to their bakkie of choice.
To make things a little easier for customers of its mid-range XLT model, Ford introduced an accessory pack back in August, and now IOL Motoring is joining in the fun with a long-term test featuring one of these.
The XLT accessory pack is very reasonably priced at R27,500 and comes with a number of visual enhancements via the Ford Genuine Accessories catalogue. These include a black painted ‘FORD’ block-letter grille, as well as ‘Ranger’ bonnet lettering, and matt black surrounds for the LED headlights and DRLs.
The package also includes large black fender flares, a ‘long-legged’ sports bar and black protective bodyside mouldings on the doors.
Rear taillight covers and a sports bar distinguish the rear view.
Image: Jason Woosey
With the package price factored in, buyers can expect to pay between R709,000 (4x2) and R792,500 (4x4) for the XLT double cabs equipped with Ford’s single-turbo diesel engine, while those respective XLT models fitted with the BiTurbo will cost R828,500 to R916,000.
The latter is the subject of our long-term test, and it will be our final taste of this twin-turbo motor as Ford plans to phase it out during the first half of 2026. From then, Ford will introduce an upgraded single-turbo motor with a new timing chain aimed at improving durability, while the 3.0 V6 diesel will also be available in a wider range of models.
While the wet belt used in the current motors (which Ford presumably employed because of its quietness of operation) has been linked to a few vehicle faults, the general consensus on Ranger owner forums seems to be that it mainly plagues owners who have not followed the correct maintenance schedules.
That said, Ford is surely making the right decision here by implementing the more durable solution.
The XLT cabin is well appointed.
Image: Supplied
We will however miss the BiTurbo engine, which packs a mighty punch for its size, with outputs of 154kW and 500Nm. It is a refined engine and feels more in sync with the 10-speed automatic gearbox than it did in the previous generation.
In our opinion, this latest-generation Ford Ranger boasts the most refined road manners in the bakkie class, with communicative steering, a quiet, tech-laden cabin and a smooth ride, by bakkie standards.
It really feels more SUV than bakkie, and that is why it became the first pick-up to win the prestigious South African Car of the Year competition.
As far as this long-term test goes, it is still early days, but so far we are enjoying life with our factory-accessorised Ford Ranger XLT. Watch this space for further updates in the New Year.
IOL Motoring