One tonner utes are a slowly evolving species. The basic chassis layout hasn’t changed for decades, and their drivetrains tend towards the utilitarian rather than sophisticated. The reason is obvious. They’re global market workhorses, not show ponies, although in Australia today that’s exactly what they have become, as cashed up tradies (with the Fed’s $150,000 instant asset write off tax incentive) queue up to throw $70,000-plus at the top spec blinged-up variants, like this new Ford Ranger Wildtrak.
The last ute to notably raise the bar for performance and handling was the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel VW Amarok, launched in 2016. Now, it’s been joined by Ford’s new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel Ranger.
Ranger double cab, dual range 4x4 ute prices kick off at $49,930 for the
