Ford Ranger FX4 MAX released

It’s official: Ford Australia has today confirmed the release of a Raptor-inspired dual-cab 4x4 ute that brings to 36 the number of Ranger variants available.

On sale from today ahead of first deliveries by late 2020, the Ford Ranger FX4 MAX is based on the Tremor pack released for the US Ranger in North America last week and will be priced from $65,940 plus on-road costs in Australia.

That makes it $4700 pricier than the limited-edition $61,240 Ford Ranger FX4 it effectively replaces, but just $150 more than the equivalent Wildtrak ($65,790) and a whole $11,250 cheaper than the Ford Ranger Raptor ($77,190).

Available in a single Double Cab 4x4 pick-up spec powered by the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo four-cylinder turbo-diesel with 10-speed auto, the FX4 MAX is offered with just three options.

These are a Tech Pack comprising adaptive cruise control and semi-auto self-parking ($800), bold red decals for the bonnet, doors, tray and tailgate ($750) and prestige paint ($650).

The sub-$66K pricing positions the FX4 MAX $1850 lower than the equivalent Wildtrak X ($67,790) and third from the top of Australia’s biggest and best-selling 4x4 ute range.

Including the recently released XLT Double Cab Chassis, the mildly updated ‘MY20.75’ Ranger 4x4 line-up now comprises 29 variants.

As we’ve been reporting since before it was spied testing in Tremor form in the US earlier this month, the Ford Ranger FX4 MAX brings a host of additional off-road hardware that channels the class-leading Ranger Raptor.

These include lifted off-road suspension with Fox shocks, 32-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres and an upgraded all-weather interior including ‘upfitter’ switchbank.

Externally, the Ford Ranger FX4 MAX is differentiated by Raptor-style Conquer Grey paint and a bold ‘FORD’ grille, plus metal hoop sidesteps, unique alloy wheels and a full-length rear sports bar.

Unlike the Raptor, which offers reduced 738kg payload and 2500kg towing capacities, the FX4 MAX can carry 981kg and haul 3500kg.

Inside, extras include all-weather floor mats, MAX-specific seating including carbon accents with Miko suede inserts and FX4 MAX embroidery, Raptor sports pedals and Black Alley inserts for the leather-wrapped steering wheel, door trims and dash applique.

Most uniquely, however, borrowed from US Ford trucks is a bank of six ‘upfitter’ auxiliary switches above the 8.0-inch colour touch-screen on the dash, allowing owners to easily connect and operate accessories and equipment such as light-bars, winches and spot lights.

To support their fitment, the FX4 MAX features a specific 250A alternator to supply power to multiple accessories simultaneously while reducing strain on the battery.

“The Ranger FX4 MAX channels the Ranger Raptor with its unique look and stance, while bringing customers both work and play capability with its locally engineered suspension, chassis tuning and unique FOX Shocks,” said Ford Australia and New Zealand CEO and president Andrew Birkic.

“A factory-finished Ranger, FX4 MAX builds on the previous FX4 to deliver even greater off-road capability, yet adds its own distinctive style and genuine mechanical upgrades for a truly one-of-a-kind Ranger.”

In detail, the Ford Ranger FX4 MAX is punctuated by a Ford Performance-like mesh grille with bold FORD lettering and dark grey surround, which is echoed on the skid plate, exterior mirror caps, door-handles, unique wheel-arch mouldings, rear tray surrounds and wheels.

At the rear is a full-length tubular sports bar finished in matt black, plus in-tray lighting and, at the sides, body-mounted metal hoop steps.

The Ford Ranger FX4 MAX rides on BF Goodrich All-Terrain K02 all-terrain tyres like the Raptor’s, but measuring 20mm narrower at 265/70 R17, wrapped around exclusive 17x8.0-inch alloy wheels, bringing a +42mm offset and 26mm wider track front and rear. There’s also a matching full-size alloy spare wheel and K02 tyre.

Apart from the previously Ranger-only Conquer Grey paint colour, the FX4 MAX is also available in Alabaster White pearlescent as first seen on the MY20 XLT and Wildtrak. A bold red graphics pack is available for the bonnet, flanks and rear of the vehicle.

Like all Rangers, the FX4 MAX rides on a bespoke suspension and chassis tune following extensive development in Australia.

“Our goal with the suspension was to extend Ranger’s off-road capabilities, and we started with the basics: suspension travel, vehicle track and shock damping capability,” said Ford chassis engineering manager Tony Tsiandikos.

“The changes mean greater control of the vehicle in more aggressive terrain. As well of course as testing at our Proving Ground in the You Yangs, we took the FX4 MAX through its paces, from the Victorian High Country to South Australia, and we’re confident that these are the very places that FX4 MAX customers will take their own vehicles – it had to cut the mustard, no question, in our playground.”

The FX4 MAX brings Fox shocks like the Raptor, but while the latter runs bigger 2.5-inch monotube dampers with nine-stage internal bypass tech, the FX4 (and US Tremor) score 2.0-inch monotube units all round, with ‘piggyback’ remote reservoirs at the rear.

There’s also specially tuned front coil-over springs and rear leaf springs, redesigned lock-stop profile front steering knuckles, new front jounce bumpers and a smaller-diameter (29mm) front anti-roll bar.

Ford says the set-up enables more rapid recovery from extensive, prolonged off-road use and greater compliance off road, “while balancing payload and towing capability”.

In total, the 20mm suspension lift and AT tyres increases the FX4 MAX’s ride height by 31mm over the Ranger XLT, while outright ground clearance to the rear differential increases by 19mm to 256mm.

In addition, again compared to the Ranger XLT, the FX4’s approach and departure angles both increase by 2 degrees to 31 and 23 degrees respectively, although the breakover angle remains 24 degrees.

Under the bonnet, the Ford Ranger FX4 MAX is powered exclusively by the 157kW/500Nm 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder available across the Ranger and Everest range.

Also standard is a 10-speed automatic transmission with lock-out function, switchable 4x4 system and tow-bar.

Like all Ford Rangers, the FX4 MAX comes standard with standard features including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist and reversing camera, plus SYNC 3 infotainment with built-in sat-nav and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, and a FordPass Connect embedded modem (since MY20.75).

Of course, it also retains the aftersales benefits offered with all new Fords, including a five-year/unlimited-km factory warranty, capped-price scheduled servicing ($299 every 15,000km/12 months for the first four years/60,000km), service loan car, auto club membership, roadside assist and sat-nav map updates.

How much does the 2020 Ford Ranger FX4 MAX cost?
Double Cab pick-up 4x4 Bi-Turbo auto – $65,940
Tech Pack (adaptive cruise, semi-auto parking) – $800
Decal Set (bonnet, doors, box sides, tailgate) – $750
Prestige paint – $650
* Excludes on-road costs