Owner’s honest review: 2014 Ford Ranger XLT
Welcome to the first of hopefully many reviews by vehicle owners, where they tell us why they bought the vehicle, the highs and lows of it and their overall thoughts. First up is Biana Shaw, an Auckland horse riding instructor.
The 2014 Ford Ranger XLT was bought new to tow horse floats. Photo: Biana Shaw
For any Aucklander, chances are the words "Ford Ranger" immediately ignite a rage-fuelled fire from within.
It's no secret that the Ranger is infamous for being piloted by a certain type of driver. The kind that uses two lanes, tailgates, trigger happy with the horn and one minor inconvenience away from a serious episode of road rage.
The obnoxious driver stereotype isn't the only reason these trucks have become a staple for New Zealand car enthusiasts. To convince you of this, I encourage you to drive for five minutes in any direction within an Auckland suburb. I'll bet you an overpriced coffee that the sheer amount of Ford Rangers you come across within that period would already have you certain of its popularity.
In 2024, the Ford Ranger is exceptionally versatile with six different models available, with the option of a 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel or 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel depending on the selected model.
For those of us wanting to spend our weekends chasing guppies or gallivanting on off-road adventures along the beautiful black sand beaches, look no further.
The Ford Ranger Raptor is a popular model and is priced from $86,990. Photo: Ford
With a towing capacity of 3500kg (braked), she's grunty and oh-so capable! No matter what you have hooked up to the towbar, you'll be properly equipped to confidently tow.
Arguably, the biggest issue with the Ford Rangers is their price. If you're not fussed about all the extras and performance enhancers, the Ranger XL model is priced at a modest $56,490, although this doesn't include on-road costs and the added tyre fees.
On the other end of the Ranger spectrum, we have the Raptor model which is priced at a stinging $86,990. Similarly, this price is not inclusive of ORC's or the cost of tyres. It's a pretty penny, but worth it if you're looking for overall exceptional performance and fabulous practicality.
If you still need more convincing, rest assured the Ford Ranger comes with a 5 star ANCAP safety rating, bar the Raptor which is not rated. Perhaps for those looking for a family vehicle, you might be inclined to instead choose one of the other five models to choose from!
The Ford Ranger starts from $56,490. Photo: Ford
Now, I must confess that I haven’t yet had the privilege of captaining one of these beauties from the 2024 lineup. (Call it manifestation, if you will)
However, the reason I’m willing to stand by these vehicles so passionately is thanks to my own pride and joy; a 2014 Ford Ranger XLT. She’s no spring chicken, but my little blue truck has an indomitable spirit.
It was a reluctant purchase by my father in the spring of 2014, eventually becoming my automobile many moons later. The word ‘reluctant’ here could very easily be used in conjunction with defeated; a solo dad who once had hopes his daughter would grow out of being horse-mad is now forced to invest in a tow vehicle to sign away his weekends for his kid's teenage years.
And yes, the Ford Ranger can tow more than horse floats! Photo: Ford
The day I could safely tow a horse float was the same day I expected to see my father cry for the first time – tears of joy and relief.
From that day forward my set of wheels has stuck with me through thick and thin. If I was forced to speak badly about her, I would maybe say she is not particularly partial to contributing to gas money and probably needs to attend a couple of Pilates classes weekly.
But if you were to ask me about my little blue truck on a deeper level, I would tell you she doesn’t require the level of maintenance a Volvo or BMW requires, and only eats my money when she well and truly needs a replacement. She’s not fussy, is content with being a little dirty and committed to her job.
Truthfully, I’m dabbing at the corners of both eyes while typing, ready to google the history of the Ford Ranger and further investigate who exactly it is I need to thank.
If you are keen to give us an honest review of your vehicle, email liz@automuse.co.nz
