Ford Ranger Platinum review: luxe version impresses

No longer the humble workhorse with hose-out interior, the modern ute has become high-end family transport. This latest offering ups the ante further.

The Ford Ranger Platinum takes ute luxury to another level. Picture: Supplied.

Ford’s Ranger is hot property at the moment and the brand is making the most of its popularity by introducing new models to the line-up.

The Platinum sits at the luxurious end of the range.

VALUE

The Platinum is as luxurious as you can get in the Ranger line-up and reflects the evolution of the ute from workhorse to up-market family transport.

The Platinum picks up ambient lighting up front, quilted leather, faux dark wood, matrix LED headlights, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats and the Raptor’s wider digital driver display.

There are also 20-inch alloys (with a full-sized spare) and more chrome for added bling – including “Platinum” stamped across the bonnet.

The Platinum is the most luxurious vehicle in the Ford Ranger line-up. Picture: Supplied.

A strut on the tailgate makes for soft openings and the powered roller shutter is nice to have.

While the Platinum’s payload is reduced to 912kg, you can load up the roof thanks to chunky roof rails with cross bars that spin 90 degrees to create roof racks.

Longer loads are catered for by the adjustable sail plane that can be slid rearward, allowing for a third roof rack. It’s a brilliant solution that’s simple to operate.

Throw in the exterior zone lighting and steps to access the tray and it makes for a practical ute. A smartphone app also allows for remote starting and locking/unlocking.

Those wanting to add accessories can use the overhead switches that make wiring lights and other electronics easier.

COMFORT

Even with the black headlining, classier trim and some stitching across the dash and doors you can’t hide the working-class plastics. To be fair they’re well put together, although it’s more mainstream than luxury.

Memory functions for the driver’s seat are great for those sharing the driving duties, although it doesn’t incorporate the mirror positions.

A large iPad like centre screen houses the infotainment menus. Picture: Supplied.

A 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system does a decent job of pumping out tunes and the 12-inch touchscreen is easy to navigate.

There’s no disguising the truck-like underpinnings, though. While the Ranger Platinum disposes of bumps nicely by ute standards, it doesn’t have the composure of an SUV. Those lower profile tyres also mean you’ll feel more jolting over sharper edges than in some other Rangers.

SAFETY

The Ranger has nine airbags, one of which is a centre airbag up front to protect against head knocks between the front occupants.

There’s also an array of driver assist systems including auto emergency braking and a nicely calibrated blind-spot warning system (it can even cater for trailers).

The Platinum’s blind-spot monitor is set up for trailers. Picture: Supplied.

The Ranger’s lane assist system is the best in the ute business, providing guidance when required and rarely taking over when you don’t want it to.

As with most utes, though, there are only two child seat anchor points.

ON THE ROAD

The Platinum is not wildly different to other Rangers, although those tyres provide some additional grip at the expense of ride comfort; adding some kilos to the tray settles it slightly.

The familiar 184kW/600Nm V6 diesel pulls strongly but lacks the enthusiasm some may yearn for. It’s quiet and refined for a diesel and the easily accessible low-rev torque means you don’t have to push it hard around the suburbs.

The Ranger is an adept off-roader, although the Platinum’s lower profile tyres aren’t as well suited to rocks and sand.

Utes are becoming less about work and more about play. Picture: Supplied.

ALTERNATIVES

Volkswagen Amarok Aventura V6, from about $87,000 drive-away

Shares its underpinnings and engine with the Ranger but adds more cabin class with finishes and materials, as well as seats that hug better.

Toyota HiLux Rogue, from about $76,000 drive-away

Ageing cabin lacks the space and grace of newer alternatives and the four-cylinder engine is stout rather than punchy, but off-road credentials are excellent and it brings an unrivalled reputation for reliability.

Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, from $64,990 drive-away

Lacks the tech and polish of market leaders but makes up for it with dependable performance, a spacious cabin and tempting deals.

Ford’s Ranger is on track to become the number one selling vehicle in the country. Picture: Supplied.

VERDICT

Four stars

Luxury additions add some class and cleverness to the Ranger package, although no amount of chrome and quilted leather can hide the workhorse beneath.

QUICK GLANCE

Ford Ranger Platinum

PRICE From about $86,000 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICE Five years, unlimited km, $1385 for four years/60,000km

SAFETY Nine airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, speed sign recognition, post-impact braking, 360-degree camera

ENGINE 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel, 184kW/600Nm

THIRST 8.4L/100km

PAYLOAD/TOW CAPACITY 912kg/3500kg