Best Used Dual-Cab Ute for 2022

The Ford Ranger XL 2.2-litre dual-cab 4x4 has once again cemented its place at the head of the leader board in the category of Australia’s best dual-cab ute in carsales Best Used Cars for 2022, proudly presented by Bingle.

Facelifted late in 2015 for the PX Series II model, the 4x4 Ranger finished the year just 2500 sales behind the 4x4 Toyota HiLux, despite a run-out program and ramping up supply for the upgraded model.

Dual-cab 4x4 utes are increasingly popular with families that go away at weekends for recreational purposes. These vehicles can be relied on to reach remote destinations and tow boats and caravans.

By virtue of its car-like dynamic qualities, the Ford Ranger has always been highly regarded in this role, ever since the introduction of the locally-engineered PX models, which were developed under the auspices of Ford’s T6 LCV project.

The facelift for the Series II update certainly modernised the looks of the Ranger, and while the entry-level Ranger XL missed out on some of the standard safety enhancements, it did offer improved performance and fuel efficiency for the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine.

In common with other variants, the Ranger XL provided a very acceptable blend of ride and handling, achieving a dynamic standard that set the benchmark at the time in the one-tonne pick-up and cab-chassis sector of the market.

Resale value and running costs worked against the Ford Ranger XL 4x4 dual-cab ute, its RedBook score amounting to just 23.3 points out of 50. But the judges rated the Ford 48 points out of 50, for a total of 71.3 points out of 100.

The updated Ford Ranger XL 4x4 dual-cab ute with six-speed manual transmission was priced at $46,490 plus on-road costs when new. In the used car market for 2022, this variant of Ranger is valued by RedBook at $33,394.

Fresh from the 2015 media launch for the PXII Ranger, carsales senior journalist Rod Chapman summed it up this way: “As updates go, Ford’s new Ranger is no token effort. While the basic chassis and driveline elements remain, the new PX MkII Ranger has refreshed styling, a new cabin, better economy, electric steering and – in the higher grades – impressive new safety technology.”

You can read more about the Ford Ranger PXII in our launch review here.

"Aussie-developed and it shows in terms of fitness for purpose" – Bruce Newton, carsales senior journalist

“Ford tough truck looks, with great ride and handling and low cost to run” – Ross Booth, RedBook data services director

The Ranger has been a critical success for Ford, from the accolades thrown at the ute by carsales alone.

At the end of 2016 it won the Best Tradie Ute award, it picked up another gong in 2019 for Best Dual-Cab 4WD Ute and was also named Best Offroad 4x4 that same year. It also took out the Best Dual-Cab 4x4 Ute mega-test in 2021.

This year’s result in carsales Best Used Cars, proudly presented by Bingle, takes it to four in a row for the Ranger.

Find a used Ford Ranger XL 2.2-litre dual-cab 4x4 on carsales

Honourable mentions:

The lower-grade Mitsubishi Triton GLX 4x2 scored 31.9 points from RedBook and 38 points from the judges for a total of 69.9
RedBook value: $29,841

“Added safety and refinement for the Triton’s 2016 model year helped lift its game against its obvious rivals” – Ken Gratton, carsales technical editor

“Mitsubishi’s effort won’t be the absolute answer to everyone’s needs, however if you spend more time ferrying family than hauling heavy loads then the MQ dual-cab will certainly deliver” – Cliff Chambers, carsales used-car buying expert

The Isuzu D-MAX SX 4x4 scored 29.4 points from RedBook and 39 points from the judges for a total of 68.4
RedBook value: $32,844

“Plentiful clearance and solid bash plates mean that rutted tracks with the odd protruding rock can be traversed without too many worries. Sand tracks are equally benign and drivers who employ the correct techniques can even tow big vans and heavy boats to quite remote beachside sites” – Cliff Chambers, carsales used-car buying expert

“It’s in the RedBook analysis that the Isuzu shows up its rivals. From the judges’ perspective, however, it’s a middle-ranking contender in this competition” – Ken Gratton, carsales technical editor

What makes a car eligible for carsales Best Used Cars?
• Less than six years old
• Standard side curtain airbags
• Standard Bluetooth
• Standard electronic stability control (mandated for 2014)
• Standard reversing camera for SUVs

How did RedBook weight the categories for scoring?
• 10 per cent for resale
• 10 per cent for ANCAP rating
• 20 per cent for cost of ownership
• Five per cent for service intervals
• Five per cent for number of days for vehicle to sell

Read all about carsales Best Used Cars for 2022 here