- Responsive and frugal 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engines
- Manual transmission works well
- Impressive braked towing capacity
- For super cab, useful in-cabin storage
- Quiet, well-insulated cabin
- Good ergonomics
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Vague steering
- For dual cabs, limited rear seat legroom
- Large turning circle for 4×4 models
Review: Ford PK Ranger cab chassis (2009-11)
Overview
Released in April 2009, the Ford PK Ranger cab chassis was available in single cab, Super cab and Crew cab bodies and with rear or four-wheel drive. The single cab was available with a 2.5- or 3.0-litre common-rail, direct-injection turbo-diesel engine, though the Super and Crew cabs were solely available with the latter.
The PK Ranger had an overlapped, cross-braced ladder frame with fully independent double wishbone front suspension and dual rate semi-elliptic leaf spring rear suspension. The rear-wheel drive models were also available as High Rider variants which had increased ground clearance. The four-wheel drive models had a ‘shift on the fly’ function and electronic remote front wheel hub locks. The High Rider and four-wheel drive models were also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.
Compared to its PJ predecessor, the PK Ranger introduced an expanded range, revised styling and improved equipment levels. Visually, the PK Ranger could be identified by its new lights, three-bar grille, bonnet with power bulge and front bumper. Inside, changes included new seat fabrics and amber-coloured instrument illumination.
| Cab | Engine | Drive | Variant | Trans. | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single cab | 2.5-litre turbo-diesel I4 | RWD | XL | 5sp man. | 105 kW at 3500 rpm | 330 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | RWD | XL, XL High Rider |
5sp man. | 115 kW at 3200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1800 rpm | |
| 4WD | XL | 5sp auto, 5sp man. |
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| Super (extended) cab | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | RWD | XL High Rider | 5sp man. | 115 kW at 3200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| 4WD | XL | 5sp auto, 5sp man. |
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| Crew (double) cab | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | RWD | XL High Rider | 5sp auto | 115 kW at 3200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| 4WD | XL | 5sp auto, 5sp man. |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, while all models other than the single cab XL variants with bench seats were also fitted with front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters. A load-sensing proportioning brake valve – used to control rear braking pressure for improved braking effectiveness under varied load conditions – was also fitted as standard.
The Ranger XL High Rider Crew cab was further equipped with front side head/thorax airbags, ABS and electronic brake force distribution.
ANCAP crash testing
In ANCAP crash testing , the related 2008 Mazda BT-50 4WD dual cab utility received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 22.46. Due to its substantial similarities, this score was also applied to the equivalent Ranger model. In the offset crash test, the integrity of the passenger compartment was compromised; protection from serious leg injury was poor for the driver, while chest and upper leg protection was marginal for the driver. A default score was awarded in the side impact test.
Features
Standard features for the Ranger XL included a two speaker sound system with CD player, MP3-compatiblity and auxiliary input (iPod/MP3), remote central locking, 12 volt power outlet, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering column and immobiliser.
The single cab XL had vinyl floor covering, though all other models had cloth floor covering. Furthermore, air conditioning was not standard for the rear-wheel drive, single cab non-High Rider models, but was standard for all other models.
The XL High Rider Crew cab also featured ‘Sports Weave’ interior trim.
Brochure
Related links
