Ranger makes up 2/3 of Ford vehicles sold. 24,505 Rangers have been moved so far this year, consisting of both 2 and 4 wheel drive models. 4WD sales make up most of the volume.
Ford will bring is the FX4 MAX in late 2020 to further bolster the buyer choice..
It will have extended off-road capabilities inspired by Ranger Raptor. With specialised suspension, an All-Terrain off-road tyre and wheel package and extra body treatments, Ford claims Ranger FX4 Max is a tough weekend off-roader with outstanding capability.
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“The Ranger FX4 MAX channels the Ranger Raptor with its unique look and stance, while bringing customers both work and play capability with its locally engineered suspension, chassis tuning and unique FOX Shocks,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand. “A factory-finished Ranger, FX4 MAX builds on the previous FX4 to deliver even greater off-road capability, yet adds its own distinctive style and genuine mechanical upgrades for a truly one-of-a-kind Ranger.”
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ABOVE: 2020 Ford Ranger FX4 MAX Detail
The Ranger FX4 MAX has ‘F.O.R.D.’ lettered front mesh grille with a dark grey surround, which is also used for the skid plate, exterior mirror caps, door handles, unique wheel arch mouldings and rear tray surrounds. Around the FX4 MAX, a full-length tubular decorative matt black sports bar, incorporates in-tray lighting There are body-mounted metal ‘hoop’ side steps to let people know you’ve paid even more money.
The FX4 MAX has off-road suspension tune and 265/70R17 off-road ready tyres. The BF Goodrich All-Terrain K02 tyres, the same as Ranger Raptor, provide better traction on unsealed surfaces and feature tougher sidewalls. Exclusive 17 by 8.0-inch alloy wheels, front and rear, for a +42mm offset and 26mm wider track. The FX4 MAX comes with a full size matching spare wheel.
Colour include: Conquer Grey, and Alabaster White, the first pearlescent colour offered on Ranger. FX4 MAX has an optional graphics pack for the bonnet, flanks and rear of the vehicle.
FX4 MAX’s was tested locally, including the Ford’s You Yangs Proving Ground in Victoria.
“Our goal with the suspension was to extend Ranger’s off-road capabilities, and we started with the basics: suspension travel, vehicle track and shock damping capability,” said Tony Tsiandikos, Ford Chassis Engineering Manager. “The changes mean greater control of the vehicle in more aggressive terrain. As well of course as testing at our Proving Ground in the You Yangs, we took the FX4 MAX through its paces, from the Victorian High Country to South Australia, and we’re confident that these are the very places that FX4 MAX customers will take their own vehicles – it had to cut the mustard, no question, in our playground.”
There are new 2.0-inch monotube Fox shock absorbers front and rear. The rear set-up includes a remote reservoir for them, enabling rapid recovery from extensive, prolonged off-road use. Coil-springs have been fettled up front, and a staggered shock arrangement at the rear to manages loads. The leaf springs have been tuned to provide greater compliance off road, while balancing payload and towing capability. Suspension upgrades are finished off with new lock-stop profile steering knuckles, new front jounce bumpers and a 29mm front stabiliser bar.
Ride height is 31mm above Ranger XLT, ground clearance is increased by 19mm to 256mm. In addition, the FX4 MAX delivers greater approach and departure angles than Ranger XLT, to take full advantage of its switchable 4×4 system.
| Ranger 4×4 XLT | Ranger FX4 MAX | |
|---|---|---|
| Approach angle | 29 degrees | 31 degrees |
| Breakover angle | 25 degrees | 25 degrees |
| Departure angle | 21 degrees | 23 degrees |
| Ground Clearance | 237mm | 256mm |
Ranger 4×4 FX4 MAX shares Ranger Raptor’s 157kW/500Nm Bi-Turbo powertrain, including the advanced 10-speed automatic. Payload is 981kg, with a towing capability 3,500kg. The 10-speed includes a lock-out feature to hold specific gears for ease when towing.
The cabin includes: all-weather floor mats, seats with carbon-accents,Miko suede inserts and FX4 MAX embroidery, Ranger Raptor sports pedals, a leather-wrap steering, and dash applique.
The Centrally positioned 8.0-inch full colour, high-resolution touchscreen, includes built-in satellite-navigation, Apple CarPlay/ Android and six upfitter auxiliary switches.
A switchbank gives FX4 MAX operates light-bars, winches and spot lights. To support this, the FX4 MAX has a 250A alternator to support power supply to multiple accessories.
Standard features include AEB with Pedestrian Detection, FordPass Connect embedded modem, dual-zone climate control, Lane Keep Assist, full-colour, high resolution reversing camera.
Warranty: five-year, unlimited kilometre full factory warranty. Ford Service Benefits includes a Service Loan Car, Auto Club Membership including Roadside Assistance as well as sat-nav map updates.
Service intervals are 15,000km/12-month, and is eligible for the Ford Service Benefits program at participating Ford dealerships.
Ford Ranger 4×4 FX4 MAX Pricing Recommended Manufacturer List Prices (MLP)[vii] for Ford Ranger FX4 MAX and options:
| Ranger FX4 MAX | MLP |
|---|---|
| 4×4 FX4 MAX Double P/up Bi-Turbo AT | $65,940 |
| Ranger 4×4 FX4 MAX Options | |
| Tech Pack (Adaptive Cruise Control, Semi-Auto Active Park Assist) | $800 |
| Prestige Paint | $650 |
| FX4 MAX Decal Set (applied to bonnet, doors, box sides and tailgate) | $750 |
Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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