CAR OVERVIEW
The Ranger is remarkably smooth and easy to drive for a big 4×4 ute. The auto takes all of the hard work out of driving the beast and is our first choice, even if you intend to take the ute off road.
Apart from the fact most autos never quite deliver the same low range first gear reduction of a manual, there is no real downside.
It does however get hill descent control which largely makes up for this and the overall off road experience is a lot easier and less nerve-racking in an auto.
The cloth seats are comfortable but the dash layout takes some getting used to, because you need to match what the screen is telling you with the row of four control buttons either side of the main control knob – it’s not as easy as it sounds.
The seats are reasonably supportive and feel like they will cope with plenty of abuse from solidly-built operators.