Ford Ranger FX4 Max 2021

Описание: The Ford Ranger FX4 Max is available only as a dual-cab ute with a tub, only with a 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, and only in 4X4.

It has a 10-speed automatic torque-converter transmission.

The FX4 has a Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price of $65,940 (plus on-road costs), but our test vehicle has the optional Conquer Grey paint ($650), as well as the decals (fancy name for stickers, $750), and the $800 Tech Pack, which includes adaptive cruise control and active park assist, among other things. Those additions bring this FX4 Max's price as tested to $68,140 (plus on-road costs).

Otherwise, standard features include an 8.0-inch multimedia touch-screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, AEB, lane keeping assist, reversing camera, and a rear diff-lock.

It does not have blind-spot monitoring.
The FX4 Max costs about $5000 more than the XLT, but that price premium may be well worth it if you consider that this ute has a hard-core suspension set-up in the form of 2.0-inch mono-tube Fox Racing shock absorbers (front and rear), tuned coil springs and retuned leaf spring rear, as well as a 29mm front stabiliser bar.

It also gets a raft of styling changes (detailed below under ‘Is there anything interesting about its design?'), but among its other more noteworthy enhancements over something like the XLT are its 265/70 R17 BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2 tyres, which we'll go into more detail about in the ‘What's it like for touring?' Section, further down this page, and an upfitter auxiliary switch pack and upgraded 250A alternator, so the driver can control aftermarket accessories, such as light bars, winches and air compressors, from the driver's seat.

Is there anything interesting about its design?
In terms of exterior dimensions, the FX4 Max measures 5446mm long (with a 3220mm wheelbase), 2163mm wide, and 1852mm high.

It has a listed kerb weight of 2219kg.

It looks a bit beefier than a standard Ranger largely due to its wider wheel track (26mm more than the XLT), chunky side-steps and aggressive-looking tyres.Due to its upgraded suspension, it stands taller (at 1852mm) than a standard Ranger (at 1821mm), but is shorter than a Raptor (at 1873mm). It has 256mm of ground clearance, and that's 19mm more than an XLT, but 27mm less than a Raptor.

The FX4 Max has a distinctive look: massive eye-catching FORD grille, flared dark-grey wheel arches, matte black body-mounted side steps, suitably aggressive BFG KO2 tyres on Bolder Grey rims, matte-black tubular sports bar in the tray and stickers all over the place – you can't fail to notice those, for better or worse, and while they may be your cup of tea, they're not mine.

The interior includes leather-accented seats with suede inserts and FX4 Max embroidery, Black Alley trim, sports pedals, and all-weather rubber floor mats.
What are the key stats for the engine and transmission?
The FX4 Max has the line-up's 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine – producing 157kW@3750rpm and 500Nm @ 1750-2000rpm – matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

This is a proven combination, quietly effective and efficient, and though I'm a big fan of Ford's 3.2-litre engine, the smaller capacity engine is also capable of helping to deliver a fuss-free driving experience.

It has a selectable four-wheel drive system – with two-wheel drive (2H), four-wheel drive high-range (4H) and four-wheel drive low-range (4L) – and an electronic locking rear differential.
How practical is the space inside?
If you've ever been in a Ranger cabin, then you know to expect a nice, comfortable space.

The FX4 Max's interior is a mix of hard plastic surfaces, like those on the dash, and rubber mats, and premium-style materials, such as the leather-and-suede combination on the seats and the FX4 Max embroidery. The blend of family- and work-friendly suitability with more than a dash of prestige feels a little peculiar but it all kind of works.

There are all the usual amenities we all now expect in a contemporary ute: a multimedia touch screen – with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (USB-connect) functionality – that works nicely, charge points for your devices (two upfront) and a 12V outlet (one upfront), as well as storage spaces, cup holders, bottle holders, and a shallow centre console.
There is also the auxiliary switch panel atop the dash, which is there to control your aftermarket gear stuff like lights, winch, an air compressor – and that's a pretty handy addition.

The front seats are very comfortable and easy to spend long drives on. The driver's seat is six-way manually adjustable.

The back seat is very comfortable with plenty of head, knee and toe room – but keep in mind I'm the size of a Hobbit.