The Ford Ranger XLT pack includes revised frontal treatment and flared wheel arches.
Image: Supplied
When I acquired my humble piece of suburban Joburg ‘paradise’ over a decade ago, I thought it seemed a little barren.
For the first few months, every day was Arbor Day and, I hate to admit it, but I probably went a bit overboard because I’m close to needing a diploma in forestry management just to keep it all under control.
If that wasn’t bad enough, that abomination of nature that they call the mulberry tree has also reared its ugly head. Here’s a little truth. If somebody plants a mulberry tree within 300 kilometres of your property… Wait, nobody’s actually dumb enough to plant a mulberry tree these days. If a bird eats mulberry seeds within a 300km radius of your property, you will have five growing in your yard within the next three weeks.
And they’re deceptive, often sprouting behind your existing shrubs or trees until, overnight, they’ve grown into the size of a California Redwood. And before you know it, you will have those awful, seedy bird poop stains on your shiny new car, often within seconds of washing it.
I chopped down an entire mulberry just over a year ago, right down to the stump, and now it’s the size of a construction crane once again. They truly are the zombies of the tree world.
Thankfully, I have our Ford Ranger XLT in the driveway, so my latest attempt to eliminate it could be solved with just a bit of elbow grease and a single trip to the municipal dump.
Mulberry tree: 0, Ford Ranger: 1.
Image: Jason Woosey
In the past month, after all the rain we’ve been having, this Ranger has really been doing many rounds to the nearest refuse site, which is half an hour away, as most of the other dumps in the area have closed because… just Google the state Joburg is currently in.
Granted, any bakkie could handle the task of taming a yard-turned-jungle.
But what I really love about the Ranger is its SUV-like levels of refinement. It’s like having a bakkie, but with none of the real drawbacks. Except for the difficulty in parking caused by its sheer size.
The 10-speed automatic gearbox allows the bi-turbo engine to deliver its power smoothly, whether in traffic or on open roads. The ride quality is comfortable for a bakkie, and noise insulation is impressive.
As for the load hauling aspect, the Ranger XLT double cab has a payload of 946kg, which is higher than the equivalent Hilux Raider’s rating of 790kg. Accessing the loadbay is a cinch thanks to a load step behind the rear wheel well.
The XLT also comes standard with a spray-in bed liner, 12-volt power outlet for the load area, as well as a tailgate ruler and even cupholders.
Rear taillight covers and a sports bar distinguish the rear view.
Image: Jason Woosey
Our long-termer comes with a R27,500 accessory pack, which comes with a number of visual enhancements, including a block-letter grille, large black fender flares and a long-legged sports bar.
Our vehicle also came with an optional tonneau cover, which is not the powered ‘armadillo’ unit available on fancier Ranger derivatives, but it is still relatively user-friendly. It is partially obscured by a protrusion from the bulky sports bar, but thankfully, the tonneau does bend around it when needed.
The XLT cabin feels solid and user-friendly, packing all the creature comforts that you’re likely to need, without being frivolous.
The XLT cabin is well appointed.
Image: Supplied
The Sync 4A touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is fairly intuitive, and physical controls for climate and audio remain, which helps reduce distractions. USB-A and USB-C ports are located at the front, along with a wireless phone charging pad, but those in the back must make do with a 12V socket.
Rear legroom is generous for a double-cab pick-up, and rear occupants have their own air vents. The high seating position gives a clear view of the road.
Overall, the Ranger XLT combines utility with everyday usability. It is capable and composed on the road, with a cabin that is comfortable, practical, and thoughtfully designed. The combination of powertrain, suspension, and interior ergonomics makes it a multi-tasking winner in our book.
And as a load hauler it more than makes up for my questionable gardening skills.
IOL Motoring