Ford Ranger Double Cab XLT Review: Is This the Best Bakkie in the Ranger Line-Up?

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Ford’s Ranger bakkie is one of the most popular in South Africa, with many bakkie lovers eager to “live the ranger life.” The Ranger lineup is well loved for its extensive line up with derivatives to suit every lifestyle. Of course, most would dream to own a Ranger on the premium end of the derivative spectrum — who doesn’t want a Wildtrak or a Raptor in their driveway?

But, I may be starting to see the Ranger line-up in a different light. A few days with the Ford Ranger Double Cab XLT has got me thinking; Is the mid-range XLT the best bakkie in the Ranger line-up?

Functional styling

There’s plenty to love about the Ford Ranger Double Cab XLT. The bakkie offers drivers a great blend of workhorse and lifestyle vehicle with good fuel consumption to boot. Plus, while the Wildtrak is luxury personified, you get a lot more bang for your buck with the XLT. There’s a lot of competition in the mid-range bakkie bracket, but for me the Ford Ranger Double Cab XLT is well worth considering.

In terms of styling, I love the simpler exterior aesthetic of the XLT. It’s not as flamboyant as its fancier siblings, which is a plus for drivers who want to keep a lower profile on the roads. Inside, things are also a lot simpler. The XLT’s SUV-like cabin does a great job of balancing the hard-wearing plastics expected in a bakkie with a few soft-touch surfaces. It feels a lot more functional and durable than the higher-end derivatives.

There are still some bells and whistles, like the 10.1-inch centre touchscreen, powered by Ford’s latest SYNC 4A system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster. Other luxuries include dual-zone climate control, cruise control, and keyless entry/start. There are a few more add-ons, like leather seats, if you want to increase the luxury feel of the interior.

Behind the wheel

The XLT offers drivers a very different feel than the higher-end versions in the Ranger line-up. It handles more like an SUV than a bakkie and is a dream to drive in the city and on longer roads. There’s a reason mid-range bakkies are the most popular amongst South African drivers. With a mid-range double-cab bakkie you get a vehicle that can fit into almost every suburban situation while also leaving room for weekend adventures off-the-beaten-track.

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I’ve been fortunate enough to test a fair amount of the Ranger derivatives this year and the XLT truly surprised me. I love a luxury vehicle as much as the next person but if I had to choose just one to put my money behind it would be the XLT. It’s comfortable, practical, and boasts impressive ride quality and good looks. Plus, if 4×4 is a must, you can add that on too and upgrade to the XLT 4×4.