This pair of luxurious utes hardly want an introduction, given they’re a part of the 2 top-selling car ranges in Australia.
The brand new-generation Ford Ranger has taken all earlier than it since its 2022 launch, transferring the dial in some ways and promoting in higher numbers than Ford can provide.
However the Toyota HiLux isn’t any slouch, and for hundreds of individuals there’s merely no various to the Huge T – no matter the competitors’s high quality.
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Right here we have a look at two extremely specified variations, each of which include record costs round $70,000 earlier than on-road prices. Every is geared toward a extra prosperous ute purchaser, usually doubling as second household automobiles.
The Ranger Wildtrak was the top-of-the-range diesel variant at launch, however Ford has since launched the Ranger Platinum with extra spec. With its potent V6 diesel and class-leading tech, it’s a formidable adversary for Toyota.
In the meantime the range-topping (for now) HiLux Rogue launched final October with notable mechanical updates and a few tough-looking fender flares. However at its core it’s a a lot older design, so does it present?
How a lot?
Listing costs
- Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6: $71,190
- Toyota HiLux Rogue: $70,200
Drive-away costs
- Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6: $76,600*
- Toyota HiLux Rogue: $74,995*
*Primarily based on a Melbourne postcode
Each autos on take a look at are sadly topic to attend instances on account of higher demand than provide. Your finest guess is to look throughout a number of sellers.
What do you get?
The spec sheet for this pair is fairly comparable as the costs counsel: each have 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, aspect steps, proximity key entry, rear privateness glass, and parking sensors at each ends.
The Ranger has roof and tub rails, however the HiLux counters with a 220V outlet and cleaner sharkfin antenna. Observe the Rogue’s brasher design with flared wheel arches that give it fairly the stance – an attribute that’s arduous to quantify.
Inside each include rake-and-reach steering wheels, leather-accented and heated seats, powered driver’s seats, dual-zone local weather management, carpet flooring with mats, satellite-navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wi-fi in Ford solely), 360-degree cameras, and digital radio.
The Ford provides a powered entrance passenger’s seat, wi-fi cellphone charger, and rain-sensing wipers too. See our embedded Flourish tables beneath evaluating most key options.
Choices:
The Ranger Wildtrak cab be ordered with the $1850 Premium Pack which provides six auxiliary switches, Matrix LED headlights and tail lights, and an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system with 10 audio system (vs the HiLux’s 9). You may as well add 20-inch wheels for $500.
Each additionally include large accent catalogues, Ford’s together with a bunch of ARB stuff and Toyota’s counting on in-house-developed add-ons. Premium paint prices $675 on the HiLux and $700 on the Ranger.
Tubs
Each manufacturers have gone to city on these tubs, including all types of lifestyle-focused modifications.
Within the case of the Ranger there’s that gray ‘sport hoop’, preset mounting factors and rails alongside the highest of the bathtub, a powered curler shutter, sliding tie-downs mounted on rails, the distinctive rear-bumper field step, a top quality mattress liner, zone lighting, and a light-weight tailgate.
The HiLux likewise eschews a metal bar in favour of an apparently ‘sporty’ design hoop, and provides its personal celebration methods within the type of marine grade carpeting which is nice for a lot of issues (that aren’t soil or mulch), a motorised curler cowl, and lighting.
In each instances the powered curler covers take up a bit of house, so it could be clever to test them out first. In its new technology the Ranger’s tub grew to become a smidgen wider between the arches than the HiLux, and may swallow an ordinary pallet.
Likewise the Ford has a sizeable payload benefit at 997kg versus 794kg for the Toyota. Unsurprisingly the Ranger V6’s gross car mass (GVM) of 3350kg is a few 300kg higher than the HiLux’s (3050kg).
Are they protected?
Each autos tick the appropriate fleet OH&S packing containers with five-star ANCAP scores.
The Ford Ranger’s five-star result’s from 2022 and features a rating of 84 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 93 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 74 per cent for weak road-user safety, and 83 per cent for security help options.
The Toyota HiLux’s five-star result’s from 2019, which means its exams had been beneath earlier protocols. The end result features a rating of 96 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 87 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 88 per cent for weak road-user safety, and 78 per cent for security help options.
Each are outfitted with most core capabilities similar to twin entrance, front-side, two-row curtain, and driver’s knee airbags, in addition to rear-seat ISOFIX and prime tether anchors.
Energetic driver-assists in each embody autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise management, entrance/rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree digicam view.
However the Ranger’s lane-keeping help is extra superior, it provides an assisted parking help, and has two further airbags (entrance passenger knee and front-centre to help in head clashes upon aspect affect).
What are they like inside?
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
The Ranger’s steering wheel now affords telescopic adjustment not like the previous mannequin, which improves ergonomics proper off the bat. Just like the HiLux it comes with a proximity key fob and a starter button – within the Ford’s case on the steering column.
Behind it sits a completely digital instrument cluster that may show velocity, journey knowledge, driver-assist settings, off-road pitch and roll angles, and real-time driveline animations. A flashier contact is the slick animated begin sequence upon entry.
The 12.0-inch centre touchscreen is nicely forward of any ute competitor at this value level, by way of sheer actual property, but in addition high quality and element. Ford’s newest Sync system is simple to function, with intuitive menus and a greater voice-controlled assistant.
The satellite-navigation affords improbable 3D graphics if you need them and pulls down real-time visitors alerts, and the Bluetooth re-paired rapidly upon re-entry. On a aspect be aware you may also entry the total car handbook with neat shows within the touchscreen.
Each autos right here have a 360-degree digicam show, however the Ford’s has higher readability and due to this fact element than the Toyota’s – one thing that turns into clear when parking, hitching a trailer, or cresting a hill with restricted visibility.
The infotainment system additionally has an embedded modem for app-based distant connectivity, and eventual over-the-air updates. There’s additionally a USB outlet mounted subsequent to the rear-view mirror for sprint cam fitment.
Whereas there’s a digital local weather management menu often seen on the decrease portion of the display, Ford selected to retain buttons for sure controls (temperature, fan velocity and recirculation) in addition to audio quantity, which is sweet when your fingers are soiled.
Beneath the centre sprint lies a phone-sized open cubby with a wi-fi charger – important for the wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities, with close to full-screen sizing – plus each USB-A and USB-C factors.
The Ranger Wildtrak’s centre tunnel sports activities the electrical park brake change, which frees up house, behind which sits a rotary shifter to function the 4×Four modes. The gear ‘e-shifter’ is healthier than a dial, however may take a number of goes for some of us to regulate to.
Storage choices embody a capacious cupholder and glovebox, door bins for bottles and folders, and a phone-friendly backlit open part forward of the entrance passenger. The Wildtrak brings a second, higher-mounted glovebox and cup holders alongside the sprint too.
By way of construct high quality the stability of padded, brightly stitched touchpoints and easier-to-clean arduous surfaces felt about proper, although the plastic items on the steering column had been already coming unfastened and the centre console confirmed some sideways motion when shaken.
The again seats will home a pair of larger adults nicely sufficient – I’m 194cm and was on the higher limits in time period of head- and legroom – and it ought to show a strong second household automotive since there are curtain airbags and ISOFIX and top-tether child-seat factors.
Rear occupants get air vents, a 12V socket, spring-loaded pull-out roof handles, a flip-down centre armrest, and pull-up seize handles on every b-pillar. The backrest folds down, and also you flip up the bench seat base to entry hidden plastic storage bins.
Toyota HiLux Rogue
The HiLux’s steering wheel additionally adjusts for rake and attain, and the starter button is mounted close to your proper knee. It’s trimmed in harder-wearing materials than the Ranger’s wheel is, with the trade-off being a much less premium really feel.
There’s a extra typical analogue (blue-lit) instrument cluster, one constructive of this being a extra legible tachometer than the Ranger’s. There’s a smaller display between the gauges with a digital speedometer, and different car knowledge. Nevertheless it doesn’t look as swish because the Ford’s.
One space the place the HiLux actually reveals its age is its touchscreen, which is 50 per cent smaller diagonally than the Ford’s. It additionally doesn’t allow you to pinch and swipe as naturally because the Ranger’s extra tablet-like show, and its graphics look older.
It nonetheless affords sat-nav and (wired) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to a 360-degree digicam view. Nevertheless, it’s fairly low-resolution and thereby much less helpful than the Ford’s show when parking or hitching up a trailer.
The nine-speaker uprated sound system can be a noteworthy addition.
There are not any local weather controls buried within the display, with a collection of dials and switches as a substitute, and it must be stated that Toyota’s A/C is elite.
Beneath the centre sprint lies a phone-sized open cubby however there’s no wi-fi charger – and simply the only USB-Some extent. That stated, there are two 12V sockets prepared for an adaptor if it is advisable cost extra gadgets.
In contrast to the Ford, the Toyota has an older faculty mechanical handbook hand brake which many of us desire. One other extra analogue change is the old-school 4×Four dial that allows on-the-fly switches between rear-wheel drive and locked 4×4. It’s all immediately acquainted.
Storage choices embody two (stacked) lidded gloveboxes, a padded-lid console, door bins for bottles and folders, and high-mounted cupholders alongside the sprint.
By way of construct high quality, all of it feels super-sturdy and tight. There’s an excessive amount of piano black trimming however in any other case all of the supplies are fundamental, straightforward to scrub and hard. It’s removed from luxurious, slightly it feels utilitarian with some barely fancy touches.
Just like the Ranger, the HiLux’s again seats can home a pair of adults nicely sufficient, and will show a strong second household automotive since there are curtain airbags and ISOFIX and top-tethers.
Rear occupants get air vents, a flip-down centre armrest, and pull-up seize handles on every b-pillar. One criticism is the mounted seize handles, which sit proper at brow peak and clearly pose a problem beneath heavy braking.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The Ford really comes with two diesel engines, with the bigger and dearer V6 examined right here. The three.0-litre turbo-diesel makes 184kW of energy and 600Nm of torque, and is mated to a 10-speed automated transmission and a full-time 4WD system with low-range.
If you wish to save a few cents and take supply earlier, there’s additionally the two.0-litre BiTurbo four-cylinder diesel with 154kW and 500Nm, plus a 10AT and part-time 4×4 – which means there’s no open mode suited to slippery tarmac. Each engines are rated to tow 3.5 tonnes.
In the meantime the Toyota HiLux makes use of a well-recognized 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel with 150kW and 500Nm (down 34kW and 100Nm on the Ford), a six-speed automated transmission, and part-time 4WD system with low-range. On paper it’s trying outdated subsequent to the Ranger.
Each fashions have 80 litre diesel tanks, with the Ford’s ADR-tested mixed cycle gasoline consumption 7 per cent worse in trade for 23 per cent higher energy output.
How do they drive?
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
The Ranger’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine is an actual benefit on this class. It’s not neck-snapping off the mark, however its easy and linear responses lend confidence when hitting the accelerator arduous for an overtake or lugging a trailer up a hill.
It definitely feels extra responsive than the HiLux’s 2.8-litre four-cylinder, and stays that manner as you climb towards the redline.
Our zero to 100km/h time on the Vbox within the Ranger V6 was 8.2 seconds, in comparison with 10.7 seconds for the HiLux. The Ford’s 80-120km/h time of 6.7 seconds was 20 per cent faster than the Toyota’s 8.2 seconds too, quantifying that extra muscular seat-of-the-pants really feel.
We additionally towed a 2.5-tonne trailer with each, accelerating from standstill in the direction of 100km/h, and the Ranger was about two seconds faster. This pairs properly with the built-in brake controller and the blind-spot monitor’s potential to vary its width of views to go well with lengthy and broad trailers – managed through a touchscreen menu.
The Ranger’s 10-speed automated on the face of it looks like a recipe for a busy transmission, in comparison with the smart six-speed unit within the HiLux, however the Ford has a narrower peak torque band than the HiLux and the shifts typically felt fairly decisive.
The Ford’s transmission defers to increased gears as rapidly as it could to avoid wasting gasoline, however drops down a gear comparatively responsively while you want a bit extra grunt. There’s a touch of spooling lag if you happen to hit the accelerator after lifting off, but it surely’s stored minimised by workhorse requirements.
We solely met the combined-cycle ADR gasoline consumption declare beneath freeway situations. But since our take a look at automotive was constructed it averaged a frankly fairly cheap 10L/100km – together with taxing actions similar to off-roading, towing and accelerator exams, in addition to commutes.
One other boon is the full-time four-wheel drive system (simply flip the dial to ‘4A’) which sends traction the place it’s wanted, which means you’ll be able to drive on sealed roads with four-wheel drive operational. This makes it surefooted within the moist, and eliminates tyre chirping on sharp take-offs.
Ford nonetheless affords a conventional 2H and a 50:50 4H mode as nicely, however the set-and-forget 4A is simply simpler. It will possibly additionally decouple the entrance wheels to avoid wasting gasoline – one thing you’ll be able to watch occurring stay within the animated infographic within the digital cluster.
By way of highway manners, if there’s a mid-sized ute than actually affords SUV-like qualities, it’s the brand new Ranger. Thank the very fact it’s designed and developed proper right here by Ford Australia, utilizing native situations.
Whereas the core ladder body and coil entrance/leaf rear suspension setups are acquainted, Ford Australia’s engineers added 50mm in observe width and moved the dampers outboard, theoretically tamping down ever additional on hopping and bouncing when calmly laden.
Its suspension feels very composed over excessive velocity bumps by way of the best way it absorbs after which settles the car even with out a load of instruments, whereas it’s equally efficient at filtering out sharper hits similar to potholes or gravel corrugations.
On the town or off-road the lighter electrical energy steering can be a Ranger benefit, as are the soundness and dealing with advantages of the everlasting 4WD. Ford’s new EPAS appears to supply a bit of extra directness and consistency to it than the earlier technology.
It’s additionally quieter by way of the diploma to which tyre roar, wind noise, and engine gruffness enter the cabin at cruise. As regards to refinement, the V6 additionally comes with fuel-saving cease/begin that makes the car quieter in city surrounds when energetic.
Carting a payload of 600kg made little distinction by way of seat really feel, other than controlling post-bump rebound barely extra and requiring barely earlier braking – from discs all-round on increased grade Rangers like this one.
Off the crushed path, the Ranger Wildtrak comes with typical low-range gearing in addition to hill-descent management, plus a locking rear diff. There are additionally a number of new driving modes to pick.
Mud/Ruts and Sand prime the driveline and traction management for unfastened surfaces and activate the rear diff lock, whereas the Tow/Haul mode tweaks the transmission’s shift timing to higher go well with towing, retaining decrease gears extra usually to maximise pick-up and engine braking for instance.
There’s a button that takes you to an off-road touchscreen menu, which homes driveline animations, steering angle and pitch/roll displays, and a forward-view digicam that’s nice while you’re cresting a steep hill.
Our off-roading comprised a slippery 50-degree downhill piece of mud-covered asphalt in drive and reverse – during which the hill descent management with wheel-based velocity changes proved easy – in addition to quite a few rocks, muddy offset moguls, and hills.
It mainly walked over every thing we threw at it, however extra impressively, its modes and menus all got here throughout as user-friendly and can be way more accessible to somebody who could not often be a 4×Four fanatic.
Toyota HiLux Rogue
The HiLux’s four-cylinder engine affords 34kW and 100Nm decrease outputs than the Ford, although its peak torque is tuned to kick in decrease and final throughout a wider a part of the rev band. After all, it’s a lot nearer to the Ranger BiTurbo’s outputs of 154kW and 500Nm.
The Toyota’s 2.8-litre not fast, in actual fact it was about two-and-a-half seconds slower off the mark to 100 subsequent to the Ranger, and 20 per cent slower from 80-120km/h. It’s tractable and does the job, but it surely lacks the Ranger’s firepower.
We additionally towed a 2.5-tonne trailer with each, accelerating from standstill in the direction of 100km/h, and the Ranger was decidedly faster to get to cruising velocity. To Toyota’s credit score the Rogue comes with a towbar, towball and tongue, and a seven-pin flat trailer wiring harness.
The HiLux’s six-speed automated is a fairly easy setup however doesn’t must be all that busy given the broad torque band. It’s additionally extra intuitive if you wish to override the shifts: push ahead to upshift, pull for downshift, in opposition to the Ford’s fiddly buttons on the aspect of the shifter.
It additionally proved to be no extra gasoline environment friendly than the Ford, with our common being 10.2L/100km. We additionally famous the diesel particulate filter burned off extra commonly than the Ford’s as soon as we had been cruising on the proper working temperature.
The HiLux has a extra conventional part-time 4×Four system (as does the BiTurbo Ford Ranger four-cylinder) in comparison with the Ranger V6’s full-time 4WD mode. Which means you’re at all times working rear-wheel drive on sealed roads.
Whereas the HiLux has a fame for driving badly on the rear when unladen, Toyota’s Australian tuners have executed nice issues to enhance it. It’s not fairly as plush and fast to settle because the Ford for my part, but it surely’s nonetheless rattling good at barrelling down a corrugated b-road.
Whereas the HiLux’s growth program isn’t as ‘Australian-ised’ because the Ranger, there’s nonetheless substantial native engineering concerned.
The Toyota runs coil suspension on the entrance and a leaf-sprung strong axle on the rear. However the Rogue will get some bespoke modifications led by a wider observe and an extra 20mm of journey peak, from up to date springs.
Toyota prolonged the size of the entrance suspension arm and entrance stabiliser bar, and altered the entrance damper angle. Furthermore the rear axle is lengthened, the rear dampers moved in the direction of the wheels, and a rear stabiliser is current.
It feels fairly secure and warranted in additional spirited driving and on gravel, with higher directional modifications than many different commercials and a well-tuned stability management. It’s not fairly as unruffled because the Ranger but it surely’s shut.
There’s a higher quantity of distinction within the steering, with the hydraulic HiLux’s feeling weightier and extra communicative, for good (highway really feel) and unhealthy (shaking over corrugations).
Carting the identical payload because the Ford made little distinction by way of seat really feel, although simply keep in mind that decrease payload. Stopping energy is improved by the fitment of rear ventilated disc brakes rather than drums – sure the entrance brakes do a lot of the work, however higher is healthier.
There’s little question the HiLux is rattling good off-road, and extra typical in its controls: part-time 4×4, a easy mechanical change to have interaction 4H and 4L, and glorious low-down tractability. Observe additionally the HiLux has about 30mm extra floor clearance.
It doesn’t match the Ranger’s difficult traction modes, animated diagrams and high-res cresting digicam, however for a 4×Four fanatic it’ll go anyplace.
As with the Ranger our off-roading comprised a slippery 50-degree downhill piece of mud-covered asphalt in drive and reverse – during which the hill descent management with wheel-based velocity changes proved easy – in addition to quite a few rocks, muddy offset moguls, and hills.
Value of possession
Each Ford and Toyota present five-year manufacturing facility warranties with no mileage restrict. However there’s a key distinction between the 2, specifically service intervals.
Ford’s service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, with the beneath costs over 4 years. Toyota’s service intervals alternatively are simply six months or 10,000km. This implies the Ford must be cheaper to service for most individuals.
Ford Ranger
- 12 months or 15,000km: $329
- 24 months or 30,000km: $329
- 36 months or 45,000km: $329
- 48 months or 60,000km: $329
Toyota HiLux
- 6 months or 10,000km: $290
- 12 months or 20,000km: $290
- 18 months or 30,000km: $290
- 24 months or 40,000km: $290
- 30 months or 50,000km: $290
- 36 months or 60,000km: $290
- 42 months or 70,000km: $332
- 48 months or 80,000km: $750
Linked providers
The FordPass app can be utilized to lock, unlock and remotely begin the car; test gasoline degree, tyre pressures and oil life; discover the automotive on a map; test the odometer; and remotely activate the outside projector lighting. You may entry 24/7 roadside help and supplier contacts too.
There’s additionally a really considerate Trailer Gentle Examine characteristic: hook up your trailer together with cables, stand behind it, press a button, and it’ll run by way of the total mild sequence (indicators, brakes, reverse lights), so that you now not want a mate or a reflective shed.
The HiLux isn’t any slouch right here both. It comes with an SOS emergency name perform contained in the car that dials 000 when the airbags go off or affect sensors detect a crash.
You additionally get three years of Toyota Linked Providers, which means an app that permits you to remotely test car knowledge similar to odometer and gasoline degree, remind your self the place you’re parked, and observe your car if stolen. Not fairly pretty much as good as FordPass then…
CarExpert’s Choose
It’s a fairly clear victory for the Ford Ranger Wildtrak right here.
The HiLux could also be marginally cheaper however the Ford has higher engine efficiency, extra snug highway manners, superior inside applied sciences, extra driver-assist options, and higher servicing intervals.
The HiLux Rogue might be a podium participant with all issues thought-about, which is in and of itself fairly spectacular, however the extra superior age of its design is beginning to present.
Execs – Ford Ranger
- Punchier V6 diesel engine
- Higher journey and dealing with
- Superior inside shows
Execs – Toyota HiLux
- Distinctive marine carpet tubliner
- Appears to be like more durable with Rogue updates
- Cabin construct high quality feels further strong
