The Ranger is the elder statesman of the compact ute segment, with a design that really hasn’t changed much in the past decade and more. When you’re good at what you do, though, you don’t need to change much. A redesign for the 2009 model year puts it at or near the top of the class in overall value, if not necessarily a stand-out in each area.

In fact, you need to look at it like a decathlete. When equipped with the three-liter turbodiesel, the engine’s numbers don’t strike one as that amazing compared to say a Nissan or any other ute. However, the 380Nm of torque lets you tow up to 3,000kg at a time, best in class.

Without a load attached, the Ranger is one of the best in the segment in how it feels on the road. Yes, the steering is light like other compact utes, but when you put it into a twisty turn you feel like the truck is actually riding with you, settling in at the apex and then smoothly pulling away thanks to the torque. If your knuckles have ever turned white navigating a B road to a work site or out-of-the-way relative, you understand the value in this.

It’s quiet enough, too, considering it’s not competing with larger utes so much as it is the Falcon and Commodore ranges with the bed in back. We wouldn’t compare it to a sedan, but against other vehicles that can actually haul anything, it has surprisingly good road manners that allow you to hold a conversation.

Speaking of having a talk, you might want to have a conversation with your boss or significant other about the safety features. The Ford Ranger is a bit bereft in this department. You do get side airbags, but you also don’t get a three-point seatbelt for the centre-rear occupant and there are no electronic safety features that you can find even in the smallest of compacts. They also might survive a crash better than most utes, including the Ranger.

Then again you do get the electric geegaws in the Wildtrack as well as a variety of upscale trim components. We’d advocate buying the more upscale version if you wanted better interior trim and style, even if it does tend to confuse the whole point of the Ranger. Either way, you’re looking at about 8.9L/100km, which is a good enough figure to keep the wallet from slapping your hand to pay for fuel.

If you want a few amenities, opt for the XLT version. It comes with the 1026kg payload, but also a six-disc CD player with MP3 options, and electric mirrors and windows. You also get the alloy wheels and ABS brakes and front and side airbags.

The problem with reviewing the Ranger is that there are a lot of options to choose from when picking the Ranger. Multiple trim lines and choices in the interior make it hard to pick one ute and stick with it. That may even be how you feel about the class as a whole. So we’re going to ask you, after reading this, to go find an acquaintance who’s had a Ranger for a while. You’ll find that they have a lot of nice things to say about a ute that may not wow every reviewer, but does the things its asked pretty well.

Specifications (XLT 4×2 Crew Cab):
Engine: 2953cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
Power: 115kW @ 3200rpm
Torque: 380Nm @ 1800rpm
Induction: Common Rail & Turbocharged
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Driven Wheels: Rear
Brakes: Discs/Drum with ABS, EBA & EBD
Top Speed: N/A
0-100km/h: N/A
CO2 Emissions: 251g/km
Fuel Consumption: 9.5L/100km (ADR)
Fuel Consumption: 8.9L/100km (As Tested)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 70L
Fuel Type: Diesel
ANCAP Rating: Three-stars
Airbags: Front & Side
Safety: N/A
Spare Wheel: Full size
Cargo Capacity: 1044kg
Tow Capacity: 3000kg (Braked)
Turning Circle: 12.6m
Warranty: Three-years/100,000km
Weight: 1989kg (Tare)
Wheels: Alloy 16-inch