DURING the recent test drive for local mediamen on the highway and onto the rugged, dirt tracks in western Pampanga steered by the LausAutoGroup, I got the opportunity to lay my hand and put my feet on the pedals of the all-new Ford Ranger FX4 Max 2021, the brother (not twin) of the popular Ford Ranger Raptor, which I currently drive.
The Ford Ranger FX4 Max is actually a “baby Raptor” with rugged looks externally, near to its brother. Overall, it delivers a superb ride offroad, the steering is soft and shifting is smooth for a medium-sized pickup truck. It is the ideal daily driver for work and play.
With a huge towing capacity and solid framework, it is truly a pickup truck “built tough,” according to Ford specs, so trust that it can conquer almost any terrain you take it.
But before I forget, it is not only tough but is also good-looking with its honey-combed grille and projector headlights. The 2.2-liter TDCI diesel engine revs up 160 HP and complements the six-speed AT transmission. The 180-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tires are good for on and off the road adventure.
Driving this pick-up offroad was a breeze, conquering sand, mud and rocky surfaces. The suspension is very good and damp on any condition, made sure that comfort was never set aside.
I would say, though, comparatively, its bigger brother, the Ford Ranger Raptor, still has the best suspension of any other pickup truck in the road today. That's why it has already sold more than 10,000 units since its release three years ago.
Still, the Ford Ranger FX4 Max AT is a welcome addition to Ford's fleet of pickup trucks. And motoring enthusiasts can surely choose between, or probably both, the Ford brothers that best suit their lifestyle. (Chris Navarro)