Ford Ranger Platinum Review
Ever heard of a pickup truck that thinks it's a luxury sedan? Well, meet the Ford Ranger Platinum.
It's the fanciest Ranger you'll ever lay eyes on.
Got more tech than a Silicon Valley startup, this thing.
We're talking leather seats that heat your bum and cool it too.
But is it worth the hefty price tag?
That's what we're here to find out.
In this review, we'll poke and prod every inch of this posh pickup.
From its shiny chrome grill to its beefy V6 engine.
We'll see if it's just a pretty face or if it can still get down and dirty.
Buckle up, folks. This is gonna be one wild ride.
Today, we're talking about the Ford Ranger Platinum, the new king of the Ranger kingdom. It's like Ford decided to slap a crown on their workhorse and send it to finishing school.
This isn't your grandpa's old farm truck. No sir, this is the most sophisticated and luxurious Ranger ever to roll off the production line. It's like Ford took a cowboy and dressed him up in a Savile Row suit - still rugged underneath, but now with a touch of class that'll turn heads at the country club.
Let's talk looks. The Platinum's got a chrome grille that's shinier than a disco ball, Platinum branding that screams "I've made it," and 20-inch wheels that'll make your neighbours green with envy. They've color-coded everything from the bumpers to the door handles, because nothing says "I'm fancy" like matching accessories.
But here's the kicker - it's still a Ranger at heart. It's got a sports hoop, side rails, and a cargo management system that'll make you wonder why you ever needed a toolbox. Sure, the electric roller shutter is optional, but hey, we can't have everything, can we?
Now, let's step inside this rolling palace. Forget everything you thought you knew about bakkie interiors. This cabin is more luxurious than some five-star hotel rooms I've stayed in. We're talking quilted leather seats with more adjustment options than a Rubik's Cube. They've even thrown in seat heating and cooling, because why should your backside suffer through extreme temperatures?
The steering wheel's heated too, which is a godsend for those frosty mornings when you're questioning your life choices. And get this - they've trimmed the dash with Black Maple and aluminium. It's like they raided a hipster furniture store and stuffed it all in here. There's even an extra cubby-hole, because apparently, one just wasn't enough for all your... ?
But let's be real, the true magic happens when you fire up this beast. Under the bonnet, there's a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that churns out more torque than a weightlifter's belt. We're talking 184 kW and 600 Nm of pure, unadulterated pulling power. It's mated to a 10-speed auto that shifts smoother than a conman's sales pitch.
And don't even get me started on the 4WD system. It's got more modes than a Swiss Army knife - 4A, 4High, 4Low, and 2High. It's like Ford couldn't decide what kind of truck they wanted to build, so they just said, "Ah, what the heck, let's make it all of them."
Now, you might be thinking, "Sure, it looks good and goes fast, but how does it actually drive?" Well, let me tell you, it's like floating on a cloud... if clouds weighed two tons and had a diesel engine. The ride quality is so good, you'll forget you're in a bakkie. It's got less road noise than a library, thanks to those fancy all-season tires.
The steering? It's as light as a feather, but don't worry, it's still got enough feedback to let you know you're actually driving. And the acceleration? Let's just say it's got enough oomph to make you question whether you're in a bakkie or a sports car.
Now, I know what you're thinking. "This all sounds great, but what's the damage to my wallet?" Well, brace yourself. This beauty will set you back R1,119,000. Yeah, I know, it's priced like a small house, but it's a house you can take anywhere.
But wait, there's more! Ford's throwing in a 4-year/120,000 km warranty, unlimited roadside assistance, and a corrosion warranty that'll outlast your midlife crisis. You can even buy service plans that'll keep this beast purring for up to 8 years.
So, is the Ford Ranger Platinum worth it? If you want a bakkie that can go from the boardroom to the backwoods without breaking a sweat, then hell yes. It's not just a bakkie - it's a statement. A statement that says, "I've made it, and I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty... as long as I can wash them in my heated sink afterwards."