Ford has offered exciting and capable cars throughout its existence, from the RS Cosworth to the popular Mondeo and Fiesta models. Although all of them are great in their own right, there is only one Ford model that ranks above the rest in South Africa: the Ford Ranger.
'Built tough', as their slogan goes, Ford is adamant that the Ranger is exactly what South African bakkie owners need. According to the NAAMSA Vehicle Sales Reports, they are right. The Ford Ranger is one of the best-selling vehicles in the country, with thousands sold locally each month.
The Ford Ranger was first launched in the late 1990s as a practical and durable bakkie designed for both work and leisure. Built to handle tough conditions, it quickly established itself as one of South Africa’s most trusted vehicles.
Although the Ranger has been sold in many international markets, South Africa plays a special role as one of the main production hubs. The Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria has been manufacturing the Ranger for years, exporting it worldwide while serving the local market with robust and affordable options.
South Africa received the newer generations of the Ranger from 2011 onwards, with the T6 model marking a big leap in technology, safety, and comfort. This update included a stronger chassis, advanced driver-assist features, and more refined styling, making the Ranger suitable not only for worksites but also as a family vehicle.
The most recent Ranger generation builds on this legacy with modern design, advanced infotainment, and powerful yet efficient engines, ensuring its continued popularity in the competitive bakkie segment.
The Ford Ranger features a bold exterior design with muscular proportions, a wide stance, and signature Ford styling cues such as the large grille and C-clamp LED headlights. Its design emphasises both toughness and everyday usability, appealing to work and lifestyle buyers alike.
The Ranger is offered with a variety of powertrains, including the 2.0-litre Single Turbo, 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo, and the flagship 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel. This engine range gives drivers the flexibility to choose between fuel efficiency, towing strength, and outright performance.
Inside, the Ranger introduces a modern cabin with premium finishes and Ford’s latest SYNC 4A infotainment system. This includes a large portrait-style touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus connected services to enhance navigation and over-the-air updates.
The standout 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine produces 184kW and 600Nm of torque, paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination provides impressive towing capability (up to 3,500kg) and effortless performance both on and off-road.
Depending on the derivative, fuel consumption averages around 7.5 – 8.4 L/100 km, while advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping aid ensure the Ranger remains safe and practical for South African drivers.
The Ford Ranger is proudly assembled in South Africa, which is excellent news for owners when it comes to local parts availability and servicing. The Ranger can be purchased through any of the nationwide Ford dealerships; visit their website to locate your nearest one.
Ford also offers Ford Credit Financing, giving customers flexible repayment terms and mileage options to structure a financing plan that suits their budget.
Current pricing (2025, approximate ±): The Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT XL Manual starts around R494,000, while the higher-spec Ranger 2.0 BiT XLT Double Cab Automatic begins at approximately R680,000. Prices vary depending on trim level, drivetrain, and optional packages.
Ford offers insurance policies with added features such as credit protection, deposit protector, and extended cover. This protects the Ranger against theft, hijacking, and accidental damage. Credit protection covers you if you still owe money on your vehicle and you suffer permanent or temporary disability, retrenchment, critical illness, or death.
The Ranger is one of South Africa’s most popular bakkies, but that also makes it a higher-risk vehicle for theft and hijacking. This can push up premiums, so it’s best to compare multiple vehicle insurance quotes before you decide.
| Vehicle Make & Model | Average Insurance Premium | Minimum Insurance Premium |
|---|---|---|
| FORD RANGER [2022] 2.0 D BI-TURBO WILDTRAK D/C P/U A/T | R 2,622 | R 593 |
| FORD RANGER [2015] 2.2 TDCI P/U D/C | R 1,808 | R 248 |
| FORD RANGER [2015] 2.2 TDCI XL P/U D/C | R 1,606 | R 421 |
| FORD RANGER [2022] 2.0 D XLT HR D/C P/U A/T | R 2,176 | R 548 |
| FORD RANGER [2015] 2.0 D BI-TURBO WILDTRAK P/U D/C [F/L] A/T | R 2,305 | R 619 |
| FORD RANGER [2015] 3.2 TDCI WILDTRAK P/U D/C A/T | R 1,997 | R 578 |
| FORD RANGER [2015] 2.2 TDCI XLT P/U D/C | R 1,666 | R 398 |
| FORD RANGER [2015] 3.2 TDCI WILDTRAK 4X4 P/U D/C A/T | R 2,105 | R 549 |
| FORD RANGER RAPTOR 2.0 D BI-TURBO 4X4 A/T | R 3,171 | R 626 |
| FORD RANGER [2022] 2.0 D XLT 4X4 D/C P/U A/T | R 2,435 | R 591 |
The Ford Ranger comes standard with a comprehensive four-year/120,000 km warranty, along with a five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty and three-year/unlimited km roadside assistance. A service plan is also included, valid for four years/60,000 km, with service intervals every 15,000 km to ensure your bakkie stays in peak condition.
Sources: Ford South Africa, Wikipedia, NAAMSA
Information provided for informational purposes. Prices quoted correct at the time of publishing this article.
