Ford Ranger wins best ute award

The new-generation Ford Ranger has been named carsales’ Best Dual-Cab 4x4 Ute for 2022.

Seven popular mid-size dual-cab 4x4 utes were included in the 2022 carsales' Best Dual-Cab 4x4 Ute judging process, including a Ford Ranger XLT 2.0, Toyota HiLux SR5, Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+, Mazda BT-50 SP, Mitsubishi Triton GSR, Nissan Navara PRO-4X and GWM Ute Cannon-X.

Each dual-cab ute was assessed across seven key categories: safety, technology, comfort and convenience, on-road performance, off-road performance, towing and payload, and ownership costs.

More than 150 data points were analysed and a week of field testing undertaken, including city and country driving, off-roading, towing a 2600kg caravan and driving with a 400kg payload and passengers onboard.

Overall, the Ranger was a clear leader for safety, technology, on-road performance, towing and payload, and ownership costs. It shared top billing for comfort and convenience features and was close to the front of the field for off-road performance.

For the award, the carsales judging team tested four-cylinder diesel-powered mid-size dual-cab utes with an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

The Ford Ranger was described by carsales' judges as the "most accomplished performer" when towing the 2600kg tandem-axle caravan.

"It’s the most stable at 100km/h, with minimal yaw movements, and while its ride is a little terse over rippled surfaces at city speeds, it smooths out on the highway," the judging team concluded.

"The Ranger’s hill-climbing performance is the best of this group, and the transmission is smooth and decisive. It simply feels the easiest and most comfortable to tow with.

"The Ranger’s new towing features are also noteworthy, including trailer light check, trailer incorporation for blind spot monitoring and standard-fit electric brake controller.

The Ranger was also judged 'best in class' on a payload test with 400kg of sand in the tray and four occupants on board.

"It has the most responsive performance, is the quietest, smoothest-riding and most stable. It really doesn’t feel much different to how it drives unladen."

For the full results check out the articles below...