Oh dear lord. The owner's manual is in the infotainment system. You can literally hit the microphone button on the steering wheel and ask out loud "how do I engage 4 wheel drive?" And it will open the page on the infotainment screen. Also 4A is for 4 wheel "automatic" as it is a shift on the fly system. If the traction control detects wheel spin it will automatically shift between 2wd and 4h. Using the "sand" mode does more than just lock the rear differential and shift into 4 high. It actually changes the way the traction control applies braking to each wheel and additionally changes the shift points for the transmission to hold higher rpms in each gear before shifting. Additionally the "Hill descent control" also enables you to use the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel to slow or speed your descent. I can toggle as low as 1 mph and be completely off the brake.

I have the Amarok V6 Style here in South Africa. I traded my 2023 2.8GD6 Hilux 4x4 (yes only had it 3 months & 11000kms) in for the Amarok purely on the basis of comfort - the Hilux is a good vehicle but is back breaking in terms of comfort (still seeing a Chiro for my lower back. I’m only 28, so it’s not age). Very harsh ride even after an Ironman Comfort Suspension was fitted with Pressure at 1.8bars on all 4 wheels. We have 2012 BiTDI 4x4 amarok with 450k on the clock. She has been very reliable and extremely comfortable. Have been very happy with the new Amarok V6 (Ford and amarok shared Platform here in SA). I reckon the Ford/Amarok partnership will be a huge success, giving the competition a serious run for their money. P.S. to see what gear you’re in while driving in “D”, press the “Plus” button. Pressing the “Minus” button while driving in “D” will limit the gear range, dropping one gear per click/button press. If anyone knows how to get sport mode, please let me know!

I recently purchased a 2024 sport with the touring pack, only been 3 weeks but so far loving the upgrade from my 2016 XLT. There's more tech than you could poke a stick at, some good and some bad, drives great, comfortable to drive and well worth the money.

Can confirm transmission gets hot. I ran from cathedrals to Indian head at Fraser on high tide and put it into limp mode after the transmission got into the orange zone. I’ll be fitting a pwr engine oil cooler to the transmission soon. I was fair up it for a long period before it got hot. Expected stuff with a 10r80.

Reliability is often (always?) overlooked by reviewers but is probably #1 priority for offroaders. I have to disagree with you Ron on your reliability comment at the end of the video. It isn't the warranty that you care about in the middle of Simpson Desert. You care about your vehicle getting you to to the other side with no issues along the way. The other thing is that if you do need a spare part in the Outback, the most common dealer you are likely to find will be Toyota. I love the tech in the Ranger/Everest but will not buy the car for the two reasons stated.

I recently cancelled my order for the Hilux Rogue & ordered the V6 Wildtrak instead. Main reason was the extra grunt for towing, however I watched a heap of reviews, even towing focused ones & no-one mentioned the Trans temp gauge, which I think is a definite plus. Well done on your thorough review will be watching for further reviews & tech features.

As a Hilux driver, I am used to having a dedicated space under the bonnet for a dual battery so it is nice that the Ranger has caught up finally. If I were to upgrade at the moment, I have no idea what I would go as I would never buy a series 1 but the Hilux feel a decade behind the Ranger… my 2018 can’t even figure out who is calling my phone and usually just shows the number!

I really like your reviews. Especially this is a perfect example how they should be. I love that you set it in perspective to the use and also for consumers which never use it in heavy OffRoad conditions. Thats where a good review makes the difference. And beside this: The quality of your videos getting better and better. A remarkable step though the last month again.

No matter what brand you like this is a well thought out 4x4.

excellent review. I didn't expect the gearbox to nearly overheat without a trailer being attached.

I took my brand new wildtrak to Stockton beach last weekend. Lowered the tyres to 18psi and put it in sand mode and it performed flawlessly. The wildtrak have the all terrains on it from factory. The car is a bloody beast. I’m absolutely in love with it. I drove all utes before making a decision. Blows them all out the water by a long shot. Highly recommend getting yourself one.

We overheat the transmissions in our hiluxs at work. Standalone coolers are needed on most autos that are under heavy loads.

Hey Ronny, I bought a 2020 Wildtrak and have to say that one of the best things with Ford is that they listen to customer feedback. I've kept track of every updated version over the past few years and Ford seems to fix each flaw that customers have complained about. I love my 2020 but the 2023 is even better.

I just sold my 2016 dual cab Ranger with all the fruit and bought a 2008 79 series single cab. I downgraded in technology and comfort but upgraded in driving experience and coolness 😉 Great review Ronny 👍🏻

I’ve had my white Ranger Sport since October 2022. I have a 2.5T caravan so the 600Nm V6 diesel & 4 wheel disc brakes were the clincher for me. I optioned up the integrated trailer brake controller & zone lighting. I’ve optioned up 20” Simmons wheels & 285x50x20 tyres. I’ve also put the Raptor bonnet on it, rear air bags & upgraded the rear shocks. Towing now with the 10 speed gear box is great.

I would go a Ranger XLT, you don't get the silly gear leaver, offroad modes or 18's and save 3k. Its cloth inside but quite comfortable (maybe more)with manual seat adjustment which I prefer. I spent 2 months with both vehicles sport and XLT.

I'm happy and very satisfied with the performance of my xlt ford ranger 2013 model manual and used it for 10 years . And still manage to sell it at a good price. Now I own a next generation 2023 ford wildtrack automatic. It's been 3 months since I bought it and now I am happy and enjoying the ride. I hope I will not encounter any problem in the future.

Great review. I got the 2023 Hilux (the wide track one) over the Ranger. I rented the ranger and did about 2000km in it. Though my initial thoughts and feelings of it screamed buy it. Some things started bothering me after 1000km. I am a tall bloke and the head rest was forcing me forward when at a comfortable seating position. The constant beeping when I got out drove me mad. The fear of all displays being digital and cutting out (As they reportedly have been) does not strike confidence. And lastly the motor cooling system did not look to be up to scratch. Though I am going to miss the tub step and some other nice to haves, the reliability of the Hilux, for now cant be beat.

Thanks Ronny, great review mate and it was pleasing to see your honest take on it. Most Toyota drivers bring out the torch when it comes to Rangers so it was refreshing to see your take.

I'm in the US so we have Tacomas instead of Hiluxes, and I'm not sure how well this translates to the Australian market, but my opinion: There's not even a contest. I can get the Tacoma with all 3 pedals, and the Fords are all auto-only. I'm a manual purist. Looks like my TRD Pro cost equivalent to ~$83,000 AUD, and I assume that package aligns with the Raptor for being top tier, so the price is still pretty even. Having a manual, I have given up some of the features that are supposed to come with the Pro package like crawl control (I'll control that myself, thanks), but I have all the right technologies where I want it, and not where I don't. I love that all my gauges are still mechanical, but I still have some modern comforts like CarPlay. I was admittedly a little bummed at first that having the manual gearbox meant I have a physical turn-key ignition instead of a keyless button starter, but I actually quickly came to enjoy it. It just doesn't sound like you're offroading without hearing the keychain smack the steering column. Sometimes it's the little things. :) Small side note: I don't think the Ranger is available here with a diesel engine, but I could be wrong. We typically are very lacking in the small diesel truck category. I would *love* to import myself an older diesel Hilux.

Doesn’t take much tech to boggle a 79 series driver 😂😂

I would love to see you review one of the budget dual cap options. The Cannon and T60 Many recreational 4x4ers can’t spend the money on a Ranger, Hilux, D-Max etc… It would be cool to see a budget build with one of the above. Get out there for

Ranger Sport 4cyl is same price as Hilux SR5, since Toyota don't have a V6 option. V6 in Ranger worth the extra $3000 everyday of the week though.

On the new Ranger there is no XLT Sport. There is the XLT and there is the the Sport. For $500 dollars from the dealer you can get 17" off road wheels and tyres. Great review Ronny.

Hey Ronny, you ever so slightly up your game every Sunday! Highly appreciate your work and the 2023 style of your videos. Looking forward to the next adventure series though ;-)

Bloody good review there ronny 1 thing ya missed was fuel economy as fuel prices are still high but i think im being picky lol

Ford has been forward thinking in this iteration in giving people what they want and having a good design for a change. Now we just need vehicles that actually last and after sales service that gives a damn. Still, good first step.

Had the next gen ranger for 6 months, done nearly 20,000kms off road everyday on the farm and I’m very happy. Had a 2014 79 and 2020 SR5 and 2021 Ram 1500 prior and they simply don’t compare (well the ram in terms of quality anyway). I will turn it over at 5 years once warranty runs out as history tells me ranger hasn’t always been all that great in terms of reliability and durability, but maybe this one is different I’ll assess it when I get there… I’ll try and do a review sometime on my channel as I’ve done a fair bit to it.

Thanks for effort and good review First there is a button right next to light button you can turn on lights on your tray or if you bought with Turing pack which cost you extra $1500 comes with 4 extra options Surrounding light for camping (ambient light) 360 camera Trailer braking system 2) sand or rock whatever options you have on system put you in right traction system to yes you can do manually in different situation however better to use from driving mode because all pre set up specially if you are new in off road 3 ) Gear boxes is 10 spread torque converter so traditional way which Toyota use it too l mentioned Toyota because people so crazy about it which l don't understand why ? Yes l know cheap to run , reliable which is bullshit in some point such as dpf filter issues no body talk about it. 4) Fuel consumption is around 9.1 /100km in city for 2.0lt bi turbo So if you compare with Toyota Hilux SR5 Ford Ranger comes with Towbar Tabliner Ambient light 4 disc brake Black sports bar Trailer braking system Better LED Light Way better new generation suspension system Engine specs similar for bi turbo however ranger has no turbo lag specially second generation V6 engine coming from Landrover which has been used quite a bit time in USA already on F150 ttuck Bi turbo engine coming from specially previous generation Raptor and now even way better If you think about between V6 to Bi turbo only difference is 500nm vs 600nm on V6 154kw vs 184kw on V6 it is actually well enough to pull anything even with bi turbo because they use exactly same gear box By the way l know Toyota owner won't like it but l must tell this too, all brand new cars comes with full 5 years unlimited km warranty and if you spend 70k on any metal you must change every 4 years ideally to keep your car value plus avoid major service cost all that Toyota better , stronger or reliable things for second hand market not for brand new!!! How many people in here keep their car more than 5 years??? So if you pay that money please ask why should l pay Toyota give you sweet F...K all and no body say anything same old car and you are waiting for more than 12 months no decent up grade , no technology but it is reliable come on guys as a buyer that's your pocket first of all look after your self and ask them for better. Don't be just fun boy that's it. So l just want to add those on top of your beautiful genuine review which can help other people

The gearbox was actually developed by gmc and Ford I'm pretty sure, I know Allison has something to do with it, they made it for the f150 a while back, bolted to the same motor

Hi Ronny I bought a Ranger Wild track because it was far more comfortable inside for my family than a Hilux. Were in Thailand and wanted something a bit tougher than the Honda CRV we had this fits the bill. Good review.

We're into independent, long distance travel (and towing a trailer yacht) and just want a solid, dependable 4WD vehicle for remote area travel that wont poo itself if a "computer says no . . ." Still driving our 2018 PX2 Ranger XLS because it has the least amount of electronic rose fertiliser to go wrong we could find. The only thing I'd change her for is a Troopie.

i havent seen and tried the toyota sr5 but as a ford ranger sport owner i am satisfied 95% with it!😊

Those inside door handles look like a great way to fill up with my kids chips and lollies

Hands down would buy the Hilux! I've worked for both Toyota and Ford, Toyota is just a better built vehicle. What I would like to see is the Hilux vs Dmax. Great job as always!

I've said it before and I'll say it again....best reviewer on youtube.

I’d like to watch you review the 2023 Hilux Rogue, the difference between SR 5.

I've had a 550 dark label amarok for 5 years now never let me down

You forgot to mention the alternator is near the lowest part of the engine, you will need more than a snorkel to increase the wadding depth

Funny how the dual cab utes seem to be getting bigger in the form of comfort for occupants but the space between the wheel arches isn’t wide enough to take a standard 1200 wide sheet for tradies.

Been waiting a very long time for Ronny to do a Ranger review. Cheers mate very information 🤙

I went with the 2024 XLT 3.0 V6. Should be here around March. Giddyup.

Not a new transmission or engine. Both have been used in the Lincoln Aviator for many years now in America. The transmission has been in Ranger here since 2018, and the 3.0L V6 is just a stroked 2.7L which has been a great F-150 engine since 2015. You need to run in sand mode to reduce the traction control inputs, to reduce strain on the transmission. You were likely overheating the brakes, because you weren't using the sand mode.

I'll stick with my Bitsamiising Triton. Less tech, less complications and less to go wrong out the back o bourke.

The new V6 Ranger destined the be covered in off road accessories while braving supermarket carparks wearing 20inch semi slick street tires.

if you got kids n a small missus the middle seat is ideal. my 5'0 missus fits in it perfectly, with carseats to each side :) It's an ideal family car, with the power and ability to go offroading and camping with the family

Great vid mate, one of the best reviews on the vehicle I have seen very informative

Hey @Ronny Dahl, 4A is 4 Auto, where it selects the range for your. It isn't All Wheel drive persay.

Out of the norm, I would love to see a review of the GWM Tank 300. Just because it’s an interesting concept.

Ronny, if you're impressed by the sport, wait till you get your hands onto the Next Gen Raptor! Almost 400HP, fox live valve/coils, twin locked and 33 bfgs standard.

Tyre pressure choice for the dirt road was interesting to me - growing up on terribly rocky dirt roads we daren’t go below 22psi for fear of sidewall cuts. The 14 and 16 psi was in the expected range for sand, but confused me for dirt road. In my opinion that pressure is also a little low for the typical speed on a dirt road and may lead to increased tyre heat and related sidewall damage if driven like that for extended distances. Keen to get your thoughts Ronny?

Mate, you have gotten these reviews down to a tee, so much info and cleverly done. The approach, departure and break over angle image was good. Maybe add tyre size in with potential upgrades (most states limitation of 2” increase max)

Hi Ronny. If you think that wading depth is not good have a look at this disclaimer for the Jeep Wrangler. This vehicle is capable of crossing through water at a depth of 760mm (30 inches) at speeds no greater than 8km/h (5mph)

That Rhinohide is awesome! I’ve got it on my Ranger. Best investment ever and a WA company too. 👌🔥

Great review and video gentlemen 🙌🏼 A few too many buttons and way too much tech for a simple workmate driver like me haha but looks like it’d be a bit of fun for to take out for the day. Hilux or ranger, I think if I had to choose, it’d be a hilux. For me, reliability of a Toyota engine would be my calling card

Thanks for reviewing the Ranger. I would love to see you review the new Ranger Raptor and Bronco Raptor.

still owned a PX1, totally agree with you Ronny. Think twice before buying new 1st gen tech.

I would love to see a review of the Raptor with emphasis on what you get for the extra $20K

Bed/tub lights should be on the interior light dimmer...you want them all on full bright on the dial...this usually forces all the lights on. There used to be a switch on the interior for just the bed lights in an odd spot near the interior cab light, top back, in the 1990's too.

Very excited for this one to finally come to the US. My crashpad swag is a bit big for my current Subaru, and one of these would be a nice upgrade.

I used 4h and traction control off in some deep sand with 18psi. Not issues at all. Didnt even need the locker

One year later it’s time to revisit the V6 ranger,try asking a half dozen owners about their experience with it. As for reliability not being an issue because it’s under warranty 🤬🤯. Try telling that to someone that’s on their third motor with less than 15K or someone that’s 600K from nowhere with a caravan in tow and their family on board. Reliability is everything, if it’s not reliable it’s a heap of puss . Ford knows they have a problem with these motors and do fix them under warranty without complaint and I’m sure that in the background they are making modifications to fix the issues. BUT what worries me is what’s going to happen when the warranty expires and you can’t find anyone that’s willing to buy it,including the dealership because of the reliability issues. Love ya work,don’t ever stop calling a spade a spade 👁️👁️😎😇🐕‍🦺❤️🙏

For where i live its a hilux any day of the week. Too many bells and whistles and the gearbox issues makes me think wait for gen2/3 of the gearbox before bringing it up to the Pilbara.

Hi Ronny, would be interesting to see you test out a Navara SL Warrior, bit back to basics compared to the ranger and hilux, 13-15 grand cheaper and factory warranty backed suspension upgrade, bullbar, and wheels/tyres.

G'day Ronny. Great video. Pretty much a no bullshit appraisal of a vehicle. I'd be rather interested to see your view of an Amarok. I reckon it would be interesting to see your shortlist of secondhand vehicles in the 20K bracket. Looking forward to the next vid, cheers

Great comprehensive review. I look forward to many more Utes being reviewed just like this.

Great review Ronny, I looked at the V6 ranger as a tow vehicle but after watching the 4wd24-7 YT on the same vehicle they pointed out the deficiency in both the trans & engine cooling systems, just typical LR really not built for Australian heat and I could see this otherwise great driveline failing on a hot day on some outback highway 😕

Great info as always. I’m 6’8” and only fit in the Ranger or Dmax. The new Ranger is impressive!

Great review, I disagree with not using the rock and sand mode. I only use sand mode in my Everest on the beach, and it's never let me down.

The terrain settings alter the traction control system and will become very handy. Plus, not taking the tow ball off and not using the hill descent control....... 🤷‍♂️

Best car review on the tube .. keep doing these mate!

Im an auctioneer in the industry for 35 years. My personal car is a 79 dual cab. My company car is a new v6 wild track . I can drive any car i wish. Domestically the v6 ranger is an ideal family car. However if you asked me re fleet, then its hilux. Less electronics, better off road. Im enjoying the comfort of the ranger. Hang onto your hats as the 70 series ends up with hilux engine and box…….

It's not the first gen of the v6 diesel, or the 10 speed. They have been here in the US since I think 2018

What was not covered in the review is the handling characteristics on highway and corrugations. With 300 kgs on the tub and 1.5 tonne trailer the ABS response and steering control on panic braking situation is way better in Ranger than luxy.

I'm just want to come back home from outback bush driving with my 4bie in one piece. So I have ordered my 2023 hilux

This has to be the best Ranger review I've seen!

Ahh Wilbinga I used to fang my raptor 700 arounds the dunes and occasionally cruise the beaches epic place and soo many spots and tracks.

Ronny, would love to see a similar review of the GWM Cannon-X, it’s got some good features for the price.

VW Amarok will be based of the same platform. So will be interesting to see how they compare

Please do a review on the new Ranger Raptor. You will have a lot of fun!

Be good to see a review on a dmax as Isuzu has come a long way in the ute side of the market. And a review of some of the lesser talked about utes like triton or navara.

I HAVE A 2021 FORD RANGER TREMOR AWESOME TRUCK👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

I would love a ranger but way out of my price range on a pension, thanks for the great review mate.

I went with the 2023 Rogue over the Ranger and I'm very happy with the Toyota. I get that the Hilux is getting old but the bells and whistles it has all work well and I use them all.

Would be interesting to see if you could have done the same beach driving in high? I have found with modern 4wds and their autos it is not necessary to drive in low as much as u would have in a manual 5 speed. I don't think they are intended to be driven for long periods of time in low? Just my experience, I've just used low range as I've really needed it, like when climbing or going through super soft sand. Modern autos, traction control systems and drive modes are relatively well calibrated, you just have to know how to adapt and extract the most out of them.

This was pure class :)

I think you need to take these review vehicles on a grade 3 track and see which performs better, nothing too hectic but just the challenging the vehicle fundamentals because lots of other car channels are doing it but none really have the in depth knowledge of off-roading.

Surely the gearbox would remain cooler working in low range in sand due to far less toque convertor slip and more positive ratio changes. Probably best to use second gear start on sand or mud in low range. This is not the first generation of the ten speed gearbox as it has been fitted to F150 and various ford cars for about five years now, including last generation Ranger. Both the engines and gearboxes have been extensively revised to address all previous issues when installed in the new generation Ranger. Or so they claim.

The gauge is pretty approximate...it stays in the middle for me in high range and will work up to the same mark here in low range. It's never gone any higher though so I think the gauge is doing exactly what it should, showing things are warming up but not too hot. I wish they put some actual numbers on the gauge though! Also I find the car has so much power high range is fine for 90% of beach driving and in low range, it seems to rev high by 40k...it's great for crawling over obstacles in first or second though,

There is a switch on the dash for the tub lights if you need to turn them on without the auto turn on

Would be great to see you test out the raptor version and it's off road capabilities.

Excellent review

Ranger...! Just my choice and gives all I need and can add easily extras that is manufacturer approved

i would wait to see what the ineos grenadier double cab is like should be a nice truck

Excellent review, real test done, good job Ronny

Great review Ronnie, now I reckon you should go to the other end of the pricing scale and review the Mahindra Pickup!

Great review of the Ranger. I would love to see a review of the Defender P400 110 series

first of all great feature for the video Ronny is the timed segments .

I’m a Toyota guy so a fair bit of the gimmicky stuff in the new Ranger does nothing for me. 4wds in my opinion don’t need to be laden with so much tech, but they do need to appeal to cashed up guys in their early 20’s too I suppose. The 4wd selection saga in it would annoy me to no end. I understand how it works but it’s just more time wasting steps in a process you don’t need when offroad. If the auto temps were getting quite high for an unladen Ute on normal beach sand that’s concerning. Imagine it fully loaded being driven on the beach. I’m predicting a whole lot of transmission failures all over again with the Ranger. I hope not but it is a Ford after all & reliability isn’t a strong point for them. Im mechanically minded & work on my own 4wds. Reliability is the #1 thing for me first & foremost, so there are a couple of makes & models I would never be interested in buying. Great review, I enjoyed it.

Just waiting for longer dulecab with longel tub Renger from factory, XLT sport XXL. I hope will be sold in Australia.