Blog

Aug 23, 2023

Ford Ranger 2024 Platinum review

The big macho ute look outside carries through inside all Rangers. But the Platinum does go some way in dressing all that up, in much the same way as a tuxedo can really tidy-up a tradie. Ford says

The big macho ute look outside carries through inside all Rangers.

But the Platinum does go some way in dressing all that up, in much the same way as a tuxedo can really tidy-up a tradie.

Ford says the dash is “Everest-inspired”, with vinyl-like material featuring stitched edges covering the top part, while two sizeable gloveboxes, plenty of chrome trim and some surprisingly classy wood-like appliques do imbue an upmarket feel.

Ford says the dash is “Everest-inspired”, with vinyl-like material featuring stitched edges covering the top part, while two sizeable gloveboxes, plenty of chrome trim and some surprisingly classy wood-like appliques do imbue an upmarket feel.

Speaking of which, monogrammed and pleated leather “accented” seats do seem incongruous in a workhorse, but that’s the point and it all gels together nicely.

The rest is regular Ranger.

This means a low dash dominated by a 12-inch portrait touchscreen in the middle and that 12.4-inch digital instrumentation cluster ahead of the driver. Note that there is no head-up display – which you probably don’t need anyway, since you’re perched up pretty high.

Driver vision is commanding as a result, aided by a surround-view camera display that totally takes much of the guesswork out of parking and reversing the Ranger. Nose, tail, aerial and side shots, all in decent definition. Makes manoeuvring this beast child’s play.

Though it wasn’t bad in the previous model, finding the right driving position is now easier thanks to the adoption of a telescopic- as well as tilt-adjustable steering column.

As we’ve banged on about before, today’s Ranger really nails the basics, with superb ventilation (thankfully accessed via physical knobs even though they’re mirrored in digital form immediately above in the lower screen area), ample storage dotted all around the cabin and easy reach of most switches and controls.

Speaking of which, the Platinum uses an electronic auto transmission selector (no manual is available nowadays, sadly), which is neither as intuitive nor as fast as a good old shifter as found in the lowest grades. It can be fiddly to engage the desired gear. And having a thumb-operated manual mode is even weirder to use. Please, give us paddles or a Tiptronic-style lever every time.

It takes a moment to familiarise with that vast touchscreen. There’s a lot to unpack, too, since everything from climate, sat-nav, radio and other multimedia to vehicle settings including off-road functionality and even the owner’s manual are all placed there. But learn the hot keys and finding what you want is logical and fast, without diving into more than a single sub-menu.

Plus, Ford’s SYNC 4A multimedia system remains one of the world’s best, with largely accurate voice-control functionality. And – unlike with other Ranger and Everest test cars – ours wasn’t glitchy. The Platinum also offers USB-A and USB-C outlets, along with wireless charging and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Let’s talk about space, because today’s Ranger is the best of the mid-sized utes for seating five people.

Up front, there’s excellent comfort and support, backed up by the welcome heating/cooling elements and a memory setting for the driver’s side. We’ve spent hours now sat in these, without ache or fatigue.

The rear bench, meanwhile, benefits from sufficient room in all directions, and provides pretty much all the amenities you might expect, including USB ports, face-level air vents, door bins and cupholders in the centre armrest (that is really tricky to release).

But we have yet to find a truly comfortable cushion and backrest in such utes, as they tend to be hobbled by space restrictions imposed by packaging limitations. The Ford’s is probably the best of a bad bunch, but any illusions of fatigue-free luxury and opulence back there is pure fantasy. It’s not like you can recline or stretch out too far, as your headrest is jutted up against the back window.

Under that back seat is limited storage.

Further back, there’s the ute bit, with an electric roller shutter and that Flexible Rack system that can be moved easily. It works in conjunction with the roof racks with crossbars that swing out of the way to dramatically cut down on wind noise at speed.

Reaching into the tray from the side is helped by unique steps integrated on either side of the rear wheels, while the Platinum’s tailgate has a soft drop and lift assistance. The space it reveals is vast, with room for a standard Euro palette. There’s surround lighting, a 12V outlet, hooks and sliding cleats to help secure loads. A moulded bedliner floor has ridges to locate items better, and the tailgate includes two clamp pockets to secure project materials.

A full-sized spare wheel is slung underneath the floor.

Keep in mind that the 2388kg Platinum’s GVM is 3300kg and towing capacity is 3500kg braked. Payload is 912kg (down from 966kg in Wildtrak) and ground clearance is 234mm.

What a far cry from the old days when the Ranger was a single cab workhorse!