Ford Ranger FX4 2020 Review

The Ford Ranger FX4 dual-cab 4x4 ute is the latest in an interminably long line of special-editions every car manufacturer resorts to when it needs to move metal (ie: always!).

In this case, the FX4 is a essentially a cosmetic black-pack version of the four-door five-seat XLT, itself the most popular model in the top-selling 4x4 Ranger line-up.

It’s the second time round for the FX4 in recent years and 1000 examples are being offered for sale in Australia this time.

As per 2017, the 2020 Ford Ranger FX4 comes with a 147kW/450Nm five-cylinder turbo-diesel mated to choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

But this time round you can also opt for the newer 2.0-litre biturbo diesel four-cylinder with 157kW/500Nm and a 10-speed auto.

All three drivetrains are completed by switchable two/four-wheel drive with low-range and lockable rear diff for the really gnarly stuff.

The cheapest Ford Ranger FX4 is the 3.2 manual priced at $59,140, while the auto 3.2 costs $61,240 plus on-road costs. The 2.0 biturbo tops the lot at $62,840 plus ORCs.

Those prices are $2500 more than a standard Ranger XLT and slot in under the flagship Wildtrak and Wildtrak X limited-edition.

That pricing also lines the FX4 up in the vicinity of the Nissan Navara N-Trek, Toyota HiLux Rogue and Mazda BT-50 Boss, all of which place a fair emphasis on style upgrades.

So what does the FX4 offer? Take it as read all this stuff is black unless otherwise stated: 18-inch alloy wheels (up one inch from XLT), a low-rise sports bar, mesh grille and FX4 branded leather-accented seat trim with red stitching that’s also used on the steering wheel, gear selector and soft-touch dashtop.

The bi-LED headlights have been darkened and the exterior mirror caps, door and tailgate handles and fender features are… black. Other bits and bobs include carpet mats and FX4 badges and stickers.

Standard Ranger XLT gear transferred to the FX4 includes six airbags, a reversing camera, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist with lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition. Adaptive cruise control and semi-auto parallel parking can be optioned in a tech pack.

Comfort equipment includes dual-zone climate control, the generally user-friendly SYNC3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection, keyless entry and push-button start and side steps (already black!).

The tub is protected by a liner, a 12-volt socket, four tie-down points and illumination. There is no cover.

The FX4 comes with a five-year/unlimited-km warranty and 15,000km/12-month service intervals. A and B logbook services for the first four-years/60,000km are set at a maximum $299 each.

OK, the Ford Ranger FX4’s package of extras don’t sound like much. But the exterior does look that little more upmarket and prestigious than an XLT’s.

It wouldn’t be too out of place in town on a Saturday night, as well as the building sites and 4x4 trails these vehicles are intended to inhabit.

The only real exterior issue we had was with the extended sports bar, the end of which – during a quick mirror check before changing lanes – could be confused with the boot of a car sitting in the blind spot.

I’d also hate to get my arm trapped at an odd angle between the bar and the tub… looks like an injury waiting to happen.

The interior extras? Well, they don’t do anything much. The fact the admittedly comfortable driver’s seat is still manual adjust for $60K, the steering wheel doesn’t adjust for reach and the glovebox drops open undamped and then bounces like a tennis ball undermines any attempt at prestige.

The instrument panel also remains a weird compromise that won’t allow the tacho and trip computer to be shown at the same time.

It would be great if there were visible and adjustable air-vents for the rear seat. It’s not the most spacious seat in the category, but the base does flip up easily to reveal substantial storage cubbies.

There are also door grabs and overhead grabs for all outboard passengers front and rear, plus A-pillar grabs and sizable door bins.

With no mechanical changes on offer, the FX4 is unsurprisingly familiar Ranger fare, especially as our test car was a 3.2 auto. That’s a combination that’s been around since the PX generation Aussie-developed Ranger appeared in 2011.

And the drivetrain’s almost human in its traits. It’s earnest, enthusiastic, a bit rowdy, likes to drink a bit (8.9L/100km is the claim, but good luck with that)… and it can also be a bit slow on the uptake at times.

Switching the transmission to sport mode helps with that, or changing manually via the gear lever. There are no flappy paddles.

Rolling on Bridgestone Dueler highway tyres, the FX4 is pretty quiet and refined on bitumen for a ute. On dirt it’s stable in rear-wheel drive, let alone 4x4 high-range.

Over bumps and corrugations bump steer can be induced, but it usually stays tied down even when unladen. Steering is light and direct, especially for a ute.

We know from previous experience the Ranger remains capable when the going gets rougher, the loads get piled in the tray or a caravan is hitched up. No shock it’s our reigning ute mega-test champ, albeit in Wildtrak 2.0 form.

By the way, the key numbers for the FX4 3.2 auto include a 3500kg braked towing capacity, 960kg maximum payload, 320kg gross vehicle mass and a 6000kg gross combined mass.

Like so many dual cab utes, the Ford Ranger FX4 will do triple duties; weekday worker, weekend recreational transporter and 24/7 at-call people-mover.

In other words, Jack of All Trades but Master of None. So it’s a fair bet self-employed tradies with families will be a primary sales target, especially ones that appreciate some style with their substance.

So, what do we think of the Ford Ranger FX4?

Yes, the Ford Ranger FX4 is just another variation on an endless limited-edition theme. And yes, it offers no particular value over and above other Rangers.

But the Ranger is so darn good at what it does that the FX4 really doesn’t need to provide substantially more. It just looks quite good doing it.

If you’re interested in an FX4 just make sure you don’t pay full retail. It’s a buyer’s market right now, after all.

How much does the 2020 Ford Ranger FX4 cost?
Price: $61,240 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 147kW/470Nm
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 234g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2015)