2025 Ford Ranger Review | Australia's Best-Selling Ute

The Ford Ranger has been Australia’s favourite ute for years, consistently topping sales charts against rivals like the Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-MAX, and Mitsubishi Triton. Now, with the 2025 Ford Ranger, Ford aims to keep that momentum going with fresh updates, refined powertrains, and tech-heavy features that push the segment forward.

This review takes a deep dive into what the 2025 Ranger offers Aussie buyers, whether you’re after a tough tradie workhorse, a family-friendly adventure vehicle, or a high-end lifestyle ute with luxury SUV levels of comfort.

Exterior Design

The 2025 Ford Ranger continues with the bold design language introduced in the previous generation but sharpens it further with subtle updates.

• Front fascia: The iconic C-clamp LED headlights remain, paired with a chunkier grille for a commanding road presence.
• Body lines: Strong, squared-off panels and flared wheel arches enhance its muscular stance.
• Variants styling:
  • Ranger XL/XLS: More utilitarian look with black plastics and minimal chrome.
  • Ranger XLT/ Sport: Sleeker grille inserts, body-coloured bumpers, and larger alloy wheels.
  • Ranger Wildtrak & Platinum: Premium exterior touches, blacked-out styling, integrated sports bars, and roof rails.
  • Raptor: Off-road beast with wider track, aggressive bumpers, functional vents, and chunky tyres.

Overall, the Ranger looks just as ready for a city car park as it does a muddy jobsite.

Interior & Comfort

Inside, the 2025 Ford Ranger feels more like a modern SUV than a rugged ute.

• Dashboard: Large portrait-style touchscreen (10.1-inch on lower trims, 12-inch on higher trims) running Ford’s SYNC 4 system.
• Materials: Higher trims feature leather seats, soft-touch plastics, and ambient lighting.
• Cabin practicality: Dual gloveboxes, deep door bins, wireless phone charging, and clever under-seat storage options.
• Seating comfort: Wide, supportive seats with improved bolstering; rear seats offer decent legroom compared to older utes.
• Noise insulation: Quieter cabin thanks to improved sound-deadening—particularly noticeable on highway runs.

The Ranger’s cabin design clearly targets dual-purpose use: a tool of trade during the week, and a family hauler or road-trip companion on weekends.

Technology & Infotainment

Ford hasn’t held back on technology in the 2025 Ranger.

• SYNC 4A system: Fast, intuitive infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Digital cluster: Full 12.4-inch digital driver’s display in mid-to-high trims.
• Connectivity: Over-the-air software updates, FordPass app integration for remote locking/unlocking, fuel status, and service reminders.
• Audio: Premium B&O sound system available on Platinum and Raptor trims.
• Convenience tech: 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, wireless charging, multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, and household-style 12V/240V outlets.

Engine & Performance

The 2025 Ford Ranger offers multiple engine choices to cater to diverse Aussie drivers:

• 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel (4-cylinder):
  • Power: 154 kW
  • Torque: 500 Nm
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Role: Balanced mix of fuel efficiency and everyday usability.
• 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel:
  • Power: 184 kW
  • Torque: 600 Nm
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Role: Strong towing, effortless highway cruising, perfect for heavy-duty users.
• 3.0L Twin-Turbo Petrol V6 (Raptor only):
  • Power: 292 kW
  • Torque: 583 Nm
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Role: High-performance ute, tuned for serious off-road fun and speed.

On-road performance is smooth, with refined gearbox mapping and excellent torque delivery. The suspension strikes a nice balance between firmness for load carrying and comfort for daily driving.

Fuel Economy

• 2.0 Bi-Turbo Diesel: Around 7.5–8.0 L/100km combined.
• 3.0 V6 Diesel: Around 8.4–9.0 L/100km combined.
• Raptor petrol V6: 11–12 L/100km combined.

The Ranger remains competitive, especially with the diesel options. Fuel economy will vary widely depending on load, towing, and off-road driving.

Towing & Payload

One of the Ranger’s strongest suits has always been towing and payload capacity.

• Braked towing capacity: Up to 3,500 kg across most diesel models.
• Payload: Ranges between 900–1,200 kg depending on trim and engine.
• Trailer tech: Advanced trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake controller, and towing-specific camera views.

This makes the Ranger a solid choice for tradies hauling heavy gear or families towing caravans and boats across Australia’s long distances.

Off-Road Capability

The 2025 Ranger continues Ford’s legacy of building a ute capable of tackling tough Aussie terrain.

• 4WD system: Selectable modes, including 2H, 4H, 4L, and full-time 4WD on V6 variants.
• Drive modes: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl (Raptor exclusive).
• Ground clearance: Up to 283mm (Raptor).
• Wading depth: 800mm across most models.
• Underbody protection: Skid plates and reinforced chassis in off-road focused trims.

The Ranger’s suspension and traction systems inspire confidence whether you’re on a rocky trail in the Flinders Ranges or beach-driving on Fraser Island.

Safety Features

The 2025 Ford Ranger has a five-star ANCAP safety rating and packs advanced driver-assist systems.

• Standard safety tech:
  • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian/cyclist detection
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Traffic sign recognition
• Airbags: Full complement, including curtain airbags for rear passengers.
• Extras: Some trims include semi-autonomous parking assist and trailer coverage in blind-spot monitoring.

For families, tradies, and fleet buyers, these safety upgrades are a huge selling point.

Trim Levels & Variants

• XL / XLS: No-nonsense workhorses with vinyl floors and durable materials.
• XLT: Popular choice with balance of affordability and features.
• Sport: Adds stylish upgrades and more comfort features.
• Wildtrak: Luxury-leaning ute with leather seats, premium audio, and advanced tech.
• Platinum: Top-tier luxury rivaling SUVs in comfort and convenience.
• Raptor: High-performance off-road flagship.

Pricing in Australia (Estimated Drive-Away)

• Ranger XL (4x2): From ~$36,000
• Ranger XLS (4x4): From ~$46,000
• Ranger XLT: From ~$55,000
• Ranger Sport: From ~$62,000
• Ranger Wildtrak: From ~$70,000
• Ranger Platinum: From ~$78,000
• Ranger Raptor: From ~$86,000

Pricing may vary across states due to on-road costs, dealer offers, and fleet discounts.

Ownership Costs & Warranty

Ford offers:

• 5-year/unlimited km warranty
• Capped-price servicing every 15,000 km or 12 months
• Competitive service costs compared to Toyota and Isuzu
• Strong resale value—particularly for Wildtrak and Raptor trims, which remain in high demand on the used market.

Insurance premiums are slightly higher on performance models like the Raptor, while fleet buyers often secure discounts on XL/XLS models.

How It Compares to Rivals

• Toyota HiLux: Reliable and durable, but the Ranger offers more tech and refinement.
• Isuzu D-MAX: Strong value and reliability, but less advanced infotainment.
• Mitsubishi Triton (2025): Great value, but lacks the Ranger’s premium interior and engine options.
• Nissan Navara: Comfortable ride, but weaker towing figures.

The Ranger remains the all-rounder champion, particularly for buyers who want capability with comfort.

Who Should Buy the 2025 Ford Ranger?

• Tradies: XL and XLS models are practical and affordable.
• Families: XLT, Sport, or Wildtrak offer SUV-like comfort with dual-purpose versatility.
• Adventurers: Platinum and Raptor trims are tailor-made for off-roaders and long-haul Aussie road trips.
• Performance enthusiasts: Raptor delivers unmatched thrills in the ute segment.

Final Verdict

The 2025 Ford Ranger solidifies its place as Australia’s best-selling ute, offering a rare mix of ruggedness, refinement, and innovation. With multiple trims, powerful diesel and petrol options, class-leading towing, and SUV-like comfort, the Ranger caters to every kind of Aussie driver.

If you want a ute that can be your weekday workhorse and your weekend getaway vehicle, the 2025 Ford Ranger should be at the top of your shortlist.