Is The Ford Ranger Platinum Still A Must-Consider Luxury Bakkie?

The Ford Ranger Platinum changed perceptions of what a luxury bakkie should be, but is it still the default choice in a sea of options?

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Ford Ranger Platinum. Image: Ford SA

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Ford Ranger Platinum Fast Facts

  • Price: R1 120 100
  • Engine: 3.0-litre, V6, turbodiesel
  • Power: 184 kW @ 3 250 r/min
  • Torque: 600 N.m @ 1 750 – 2 250 r/min
  • Gears: 10-speed automatic, AWD
  • Fuel Economy: 8.4 L/100 km (claimed)
  • Service and Maintenance Plan: Optional
  • Warranty: 4-years/120 000 km

South Africans seeking a high-end bakkie that blends power, luxury, and cutting-edge technology are spoiled for choice. And when you consider that many options that cater to this demand cost in excess of R1 million, then you realise just how limited the considerations really are.

The Ford Ranger Platinum is one of those bakkies that play in this very exclusive club. Priced at R1 120 100, the bakkie is Ford’s answer to executive off-roading, giving its owners/drivers the best of both worlds: a sophisticated driving experience with the capabilities expected of a Ranger. But in a world where the GWM P500 flipped the entire game on its head, do the Ranger Platinum’s qualities still hold true as the day it changed the way we look at bakkies?

We look at three standout features on the Ranger Platinum.

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Ford Ranger Platinum. Image: Ford SA

V6 Power

At the heart of the Ford Ranger Platinum lies a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine that delivers 184 kW of power and a robust 600 N.m of torque. This engine ensures a smooth and powerful driving experience in any driving condition. Expectedly, the engine is paired with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission and offers a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons for those who need heavy-duty capabilities.

The Ranger Platinum is equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system with a range of selectable driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, and off-road-focused options like Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl. Ford claims a fuel economy of 8.4 L/100 km, but the real-world figure is more than 10 L/100 km.

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Ford Ranger Platinum. Image: Ford SA

Luxury Inside and Out

Truth be told, the Ford Ranger Platinum takes luxury to the next level with a design and interior finish that rivals premium SUVs. On the outside, its silk-chrome finish grille and 20-inch alloy wheels with ebony accents are exclusive to the Ranger Platinum, while practical features like the Cargo Management System and optional powered roller shutter add convenience.

Inside, premium quilted leather seats with heating, ventilation, and 10-way power adjustment with memory function take care of passengers’ comfort. The addition of a heated steering wheel further enhances this comfort. The dashboard is lined with soft-touch materials and Black Maple finishes, while the ambient lighting can be adjusted as occupants see fit.

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Ford Ranger Platinum. Image: Ford SA

Technology and Safety Features

The Ranger Platinum’s technology not only enhances the driving experience but also prioritises safety. It comes equipped with a 12-inch SYNC 4A infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera system, and a premium 10-speaker B&O sound system. For trailer enthusiasts, the Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplifies reversing with a trailer, making the process smoother and less stressful.

On the safety front, the Platinum is the first Ranger to feature far-side airbags, which protect occupants from colliding with each other during an impact. Other neat features include adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

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GWM P500 2.0T 9HAT 4X4 Ultra Luxury. Image: GWM SA

Rivals

The GWM P500 entered the South African market in the second half of 2024, but already it impressed with its array of features and bold presence. The three-model range consists of the Luxury and Super Luxury diesel models, while the Ultra Luxury is equipped with a petrol-hybrid powertrain. The latter model, coming in at R999 900, is the Ford Ranger Platinum’s closest rival from the P500 stable.

Related: A Selection of SA Firsts as GWM P500 Rings in New Bakkie Era

The GWM P500 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4 boasts impressive features like soundproof glass, Nappa leather seats, massage function on the front seats, a panoramic sunroof, an easy-lift tailgate with 40:60 split functionality, rear seats with ventilation, heating, and 2-way electric adjustment, rear wireless charger, a head-up display, and a 10 Harman Infinity Speakers & Independent Harman Infinity Amplifier sound system – to mention a few.

The powertrain is the same as the one found in the GWM Tank 300, with outputs coming in at 255 kW and 648 N.m.

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Volkswagen Amarok 3.0TDI V6 Aventura 4Motion. Image: Volkswagen Group Africa

As has been well documented, the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok is built at Ford’s Silverton plant in Pretoria, alongside the Ranger. And yes, the Volkswagen Amarok 3.0TDI V6 Aventura 4Motion is based on the Ranger Platinum. Given the Amarok’s premium positioning, it carries a small price increase over the Ranger, coming in at R1 228 100. However, unlike the Ranger with its optional service and maintenance plans, the Amarok Aventura comes standard with a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

Related: 222 kW Volkswagen Amarok Is On Its Way to SA!

The Amarok’s warranty of 5-years/150 000 km also bests the Ranger’s 4-years/120 000 km.

As the headlining model in the Amarok range, the V6 Aventura 4Motion boasts with features like IQ.Light LED head- and taillights, an improved suspension setup, black tubular styling bar, silver roof rails, rear cross traffic alert, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist, Fatigue detection, Evasive Steering, Blind spot monitoring, a Harmon Kardon sound system, chrome finishes (mirrors, door handles, and side steps), 21-inch Varberg alloy wheels, and a body colour sports bar.

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The post Is The Ford Ranger Platinum Still A Must-Consider Luxury Bakkie? appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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