Test drive of the Ford Ranger Stormtrack, a radical take in the SUV era

Ford has launched a special edition of the Ford Ranger, aimed at those looking for a pick-up with genuine off-road capability, without giving up the fun factor or a comprehensive level of equipment.

We have tested the Ford Ranger Stormtrack, a special version fitted with a 2.0 Biturbo EcoBlue diesel engine producing 213 CV and a 10-speed automatic gearbox. It is a different, radical pick-up, with 4×4 capability beyond doubt. In short: a very different vehicle to enjoy off the asphalt.

Design: an exterior that doesn’t leave you indifferent

The Ranger Stormtrack is available in three colours: blue, white and the red of our test unit. This exclusive red of the special edition is perfectly complemented by black elements, such as the stripes on the bonnet and sides, the wing mirrors, or the 18-inch wheels with specific AT tyres (Hankook Dynapro ATM) that deliver excellent performance in snow and mud.

The side steps are necessary to ease access to the raised cabin, and the rear loadbox cover, which is electrically operated, also stands out.

Inside, the typical interior of the Ford Ranger is joined by a leather finish on the upper part of the dashboard (with red stitching), as well as specific seats. Overall, the interior is spacious in the front seats and somewhat less comfortable in the rear, as is usual for pick-ups.

The driving position is elevated, with excellent visibility both forward and to the sides, except for the enormous A-pillar, which can become an annoyance on winding roads. The rear seats have a conventional 220 V socket as a practical touch.

The interior materials and finishes are decent, with the leather upper dashboard standing out, although the remaining materials are hard plastics. The instrumentation is partly digital, with plenty of information across the various menus, which can be configured.

Engine and performance: 213 CV with 500 Nm of torque

The old 3.2 diesel that accompanied the Wildtrak has given way to a more refined and environmentally friendly 2.0 Biturbo producing 213 CV.

This 2.0 Biturbo EcoBlue diesel engine is not exactly smooth, but it is effective, and its enormous torque of 500 Nm is clearly felt at the rear axle. In terms of performance, the old 3.2 was more frugal when accelerating and gaining speed; it was more radical, whereas the new engine has become more civilised and more refined (with certain nuances).

The gearbox paired with the engine is a 10-speed torque converter, and from a lever-mounted control you can select the gear you want to be in (essential for off-road routes with the low-range transfer case). It is not a smooth gearbox, nor does it add much to the overall experience, but it does its job without fuss. With a manual gearbox, you could get far more out of the engine.

Handling: large, with inertia, and addictive

Moving a vehicle more than five metres long and weighing over 2.2 tonnes, on a classic suspension layout that uses leaf springs at the rear axle, is a real challenge when tackling winding roads or a mountain pass. In this respect the Ranger Raptor is much more agile thanks to its suspension.

It is also true that this is the appeal of this model: it is not easy to drive, but it is fun. It has great acceleration, although you have to bear in mind that its brakes do not work miracles (the rear drums), but it reminds us that driving is more than pressing a button and waiting for a machine to turn the steering wheel. Its suspension layout is indeed well suited to off-road use or to carrying loads.

That said, on country roads or motorways it behaves quite stably—provided you are not on a mountain pass—and rides comfortably (apart from aerodynamic noise).

Off-road: unstoppable

Off the asphalt is where its characteristics make complete sense and its potential is unleashed. The only drawback we can point to in its off-road behaviour is its size, which, given its length, makes manoeuvring in dense terrain or very narrow tracks difficult. Everything else is simply outstanding behaviour.

It offers three drive modes: 2H, 4H and 4L (with low-range transfer case), plus rear differential lock and hill descent control. During our tests in mud and snow (advancing on tracks where the Ranger Stormtrack was breaking a path through snow more than 20 cm deep), we never needed to engage the rear lock, which is more necessary for an axle crossing or a very broken track where progress becomes difficult.

The low-range transfer case allowed us to proceed with confidence over all kinds of terrain, and even descend icy snow tracks in a stable and controlled manner. From the control on the gear lever we can select the low-range gear, which together with hill descent control keeps the Ranger under control. It also has no fear of advancing through mud or a rocky firebreak with low grip; the only limitation is its own dimensions.

The underbody has metal protection both at the front and along the side (where the fuel tank sits), and the only thing that might limit you on a 4×4 route is its length and the side steps, which can touch depending on the slope of the terrain. The protection exceeds what is typical in this segment and gives peace of mind over rocky ground.

Very few new vehicles today come with full-time 4WD, a low-range transfer case, and specific mud/off-road/snow tyres as standard, which is something to bear in mind.

Fuel consumption: a long life for diesel

As long as anti-pollution regulations allow it, this type of vehicle, equipped with a diesel engine, achieves moderate or reasonably moderate consumption. This engine also uses AdBlue, and with it manages to meet Euro 6.

Motorway consumption is 8.5 litres per 100 km on the usual route between Madrid > Nigrán > Madrid. In city driving it rises to around 11 litres per 100 km, so the average, therefore, ranges between 9-10 litres per 100 km depending on your driving style.

Equipment

As for equipment, the Ranger Stormtrack is quite comprehensive, with highlights including the navigation system, a good sound system, full LED headlights, and heated front seats. That said, the navigation system needs updating (its graphics and features are well surpassed by other models), and the full-LED headlights are not outstanding in terms of illumination; the beam is rather short.

On the plus side, there is the sound system, which is very good for the segment. The comfort equipment also stands out, with the electrically adjustable driver’s seat and heating in both front seats. In addition, the cover over the rear loadbox is electrically operated, a practical touch.

Opinion and test of the Ford Ranger Stormtrack

Pick-ups have enjoyed a second life, launching interesting models onto the market, but they are doomed by the various pollution regulations, which means that today, a diesel engine of over 200 CV with a low-range transfer case is somewhat exotic.

This Ford Ranger has a very eye-catching exterior, with apologies to the Raptor. Its on-road behaviour is balanced and off-road it is outstanding, making it an interesting option for those seeking a practical off-roader with a certain level of equipment and image. Without a doubt, it is one of the most well-balanced vehicles in terms of genuine off-road capability and on-road driving.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira