Ford Ranger 2023 review: V6 XLT dual

The V6 XLT has a 2285kg kerb weight which when deducted from its 3280kg GVM leaves a 995kg payload rating. That's close enough to being a genuine ‘one tonner’ in our book.

It's also rated to tow up to the class-benchmark 3500kg of braked trailer and with its 6400kg GCM (how much it can legally carry and tow at the same time) the peak payload would need to be reduced to 615kg (a drop of 380kg) to legally tow that weight. Or you could lower the trailer weight by the same amount to 3120kg and keep the full payload rating. Either way, they’re large and useful numbers for a multitude of work and recreational needs.

The load tub's floor is 1547mm long and 1584mm wide with a 1413mm rear opening. And, thanks to the new Ranger's wider track, there's now 1224mm between the wheel housings. This trumps its predecessor by being able to carry either a 1165mm-square standard Aussie pallet or 1200 x 800mm Euro pallet, secured by six load anchorage points.

The load tub's floor is 1547mm long and 1584mm wide with a 1413mm rear opening. (Image: Mark Oastler)

There's also handy internal lighting in the side walls and the tailgate can double as a mobile workbench, with an integrated 1.3-metre ruler and two spring-loaded ‘trapdoors’ that allow the use of g-clamps to hold materials in place. However, the ruler needs to be made from a tougher material than plastic, as numerous increments on the one fitted to our near-new test vehicle had already been erased by bumps and scrapes during previous loading.

Cabin storage starts with large and small-bottle holders in each front door plus an overhead glasses holder and a single glovebox with narrow storage shelf above. The centre console has flat-pad storage for a phone at the front (not wireless charging though), cup/bottle holders in the centre and a box at the rear with padded lid which doubles as an elbow rest.

Rear seat passengers get large and small-bottle holders and shorter bins in the base of each door, flexible pouches on each front seat backrest and a fold-down centre armrest with two cupholders. The rear seat's base cushion, which swings up to reveal two underfloor storage bins, can also be stored in a vertical position if more internal load space is required.

Rear seat passengers get large and small-bottle holders and shorter bins in the base of each door. (Image: Mark Oastler)