All-new Ford Ranger: Top alternatives under the same price range

Ford cars official distributor in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) launched the all-new 2022 Ranger pickup only last month and now we are getting bumped with every sort of question. For instance, what other car options are available in the same price range as the Ranger pickup? or which variant option is the best to pick? and many more. Today we’ll be taking up the former and answering it in the best possible way.

Before getting started it is better first brush up on the 2022 Ford Ranger. The new pickup is offered in six variants options in total. The list includes - XL MT, XL AT, XLT MT, XLT AT, XLT Plus, and Wildtrak.

Also Read: 2022 Ford Ranger: RM 108,888 priced entry-level XL variant explained

Ranger 2.0L XL (MT & AT)	From RM 108,888
Ranger 2.0L XLT (MT & AT)	From RM 124,888
Ranger 2.0L XLT Plus	RM 142,888
Ranger Wildtrak	RM 168,888

Each of the Ranger variants comes with a different set of features, but overall each one is well-equipped to take perfect care of the occupants and driver's comfort and convenience.

Also Read: 2022 Ford Ranger: RM 124,888 - RM142,888 priced mid-spec XLT & XLT Plus variant explained

One thing that remains common is the powertrain configuration. Powering the new Ranger pickup is a 2.0-litre EcoBlue 4-cylinder turbodiesel, in single or bi-turbo variations depending on the trim picked. In the former, i.e., single turbo option the mill churns 170 PS and 405 Nm, the figures jump to 210 PS and 500 Nm in the bi-turbo option.

Also Read: 2022 Ford Ranger: RM 168,888 priced range-topping WildTrak variant explained

Coming to the gearbox, the manual variants get a brand new MT88 6-speed manual, and the automatic ones get a 6R80 six-speed for the XL AT and XLT AT. The XLT Plus and Wildtrak.

Time to go through the pickup’s features -

• Part-time 4x4 with an electronic shift-on-the-fly system
• Drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sand, Slippery, Mud/Rust, & Tow/Haul (Wildtrak only)
• 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system (12-inch ones for Wildtrak)
• Ford SYNC 4 system
• 6-speakers (4 on the XL)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support
• Fully digital 8-inch TFT instrument panel
• Retractable cup holders
• Multiple storage units
• UBS-C and USB-A connector ports
• Upper & lower glove box
• 360-degree high-resolution surround view camera (Wildtrak only)
• Qi wireless smartphone charger (Wildtrak only)
• Driver/front passenger and curtain airbags (Wildtrak adds a knee airbag)
• Isofix mount points
• ABS with EBD & BA
• Electronic stability control
• Traction control
• Hill launch assist
• Hill descent control

Also Read: 2022 Ford Ranger: Top 10 new features

After getting a bit of a preview of the new Ford pickup truck, it is time to discuss the alternatives customers can look into. Let’s get started -

Toyota Hilux

On top of our list is Toyota’s only offering in the segment, the Hilux.

In Malaysia, the pickup is offered in five trim options with prices ranging from RM 95,880 to RM 149,880. All the Hilux variants except the range-topping 2.8 Rogue are powered by a 2,393 cc 4-cylinder, in-line, 16V, DOHC Intercooler VNT diesel engine making 150 PS at 3,400 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 1,600-2,000 rpm. The range-topping variant is pulled by a 2,755 cc 4-cyl, inline, 16V DOHC unit generating 204 PS at 3,400 along with a peak torque of 500 Nm between 1,600-2,800 rpm. The drive is sent to the wheels either via a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with Super ECT & sequential shifter, depending on the variant.

Also Read: Toyota Hilux: Variant-wise features comparison

The standard feature kit includes automatic halogen multi-reflector headlamps with follow-me-home function (bi-LED for 2.8 Rogue & 2.4V AT), power-adjustable ORVM, CD Player with tuner, MP3, AUX-Jack, USB, Bluetooth. The variants above the base get display audio with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support, USB, and Bluetooth.

The car’s safety kit includes a suite of Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance features like a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and dynamic radar cruise control. Also, part of the kit is a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, downhill assist control, vehicle stability control, active traction control, ABS, and 7-3 airbags.

Also Read: 2021 Toyota Hilux: Key highlights

Mitsubishi Triton

The next model on our list is the Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 and Triton Special Edition model.

The former is offered in five variant options - Athlete, AT Premium, MT Premium, Triton AT, and Triton MT. The price range for this model starts from RM 103,200 and goes all the way up to RM 146,600. The Triton Phantom Plus is the latest addition to the lineup with only 1000 units on offer, it retails for RM 139,700. Thus placing it between the Athlete and AT Premium.

Powering the Triton 4X4 and the Phantom Plus edition is a 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine making a maximum power of 181 ps AT 3,500 rpm along with a peak torque of 430 Nm at 2,500 rpm. The mill is paired with two transmissions depending on the variant including - a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic with sport mode.

The pickup’s feature kit (top-spec) includes - auto bi-LED headlights, LED DRLs, power adjustable & fold with turn signal ORVM, auto wipers, push start ignition, 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support, voice command system, Bluetooth, power-adjustable driver seat, cruise control. The Athlete trim also benefits from the Mitsubishi Advanced Safety suite that consists of Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Auto High Beam.

Isuzu D-Max

Isuzu Malaysia offers the D-Max pickup in eight variant options, however, four out of the total offerings are in the new Ranger’s price range making them perfect competitors. Part of the list is the 1.9L 4X4 AT Standard, 1.9L 4X4 AT Premium, 3.0L 4X4 AT Premium, and 3.0L 4X4 AT X-Terrain. The above-mentioned D-Max variants range between RM 106,99 - RM 146,938.

Powering the 1.9L 4x4 AT Standard and Premium variants is a 1,898 cc in-line, 4-cyl, VGS, Turbo Intercooler diesel DOHC engine making 150 PS and 350 Nm of torque. The power is sent to the wheels via a 6-speed automatic with a sequential shift. The 3.0L 4X4 AT Premium and X-Terrain models is a 2,999 cc in-line 4-cyl turbo intercooler diesel DOHC unit generating maximum power of 190 PS along with a peak torque of 450 Nm.

It was only recently Isuzu Malaysia updated the X-Terrain trim for 2022. The range-topping model gets significant updates to its already long equipment list. The new additions include - two new colours (Silky Pearl White and Onyx Black), an around-view monitor offering a 360-degree view, new cameras in the grille and wing mirrors, a wireless charger, and LED welcome lights. The variant also benefits from a full suite of ADAS features.

Mazda BT-50

Mazda Malaysia offers the third-gen BT-50 pickup truck in five variants. The list includes 1.9L Single Cab MT, followed by double cab options like 1.9L Mid MT, 1.9L Mid AT, 1.9L Mid High AT, and 3.0L High Plus AT. The price range kicked off at RM 92,529.20 for the base single cab model, thus making it non-eligible for the Ranger’s alternative list. The double-cab model's price ranges from RM 105,779.20 and goes to RM 143,918.40.

Also Read: All-new Mazda BT-50: Variants explained

All BT-50 ‘1.9L’ variants are powered by a 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine generating maximum power of 150 PS at 3,600 rpm along with a peak torque of 350 Nm from 1,800 to 2,600 rpm. As for the sole ‘3.0L’ model, it gets a 3.0-litre four-cyl turbo diesel unit making 190 PS at 3,600 rpm along with a peak torque of 450 Nm from 1,600 to 2,600 rpm.

Both the engine options come with a rear differential lock and selectable four-wheel drive as standard. The transmission options include a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox, depending on the variant picked.

The pickup’s feature kit includes 17- or 18-inch alloys (depending on the variant), remorse engine start function, 8-speakers, multi-collision brake, brown leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, auto-levelling bi-LED headlamps, LED DRLs, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 8-way powered front seats, dual-zone climate control, and much more.

Which pickup truck do you think is worth considering over the new Ford Ranger? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: 2022 Major car launches under RM 150k