Skip advert
Advertisement

New Ford Ranger vs rivals

The new Ford Ranger is the latest workhorse pick-up to add luxury to the mix. Is it better than its Toyota and VW rivals?

New Ford Ranger vs rivals

Pick-up trucks used to be no more than industrial-spec commercial vehicles with no-frills interiors and archaic driving dynamics. But they’ve changed beyond recognition in recent years. Spartan cabins and breathless engines are a thing of the past.

The new Ford Ranger is the latest arrival and we’ve put the double-cab Limited model through its paces. The Ranger is designed to bring elements of SUV style, comfort and refinement to the pick-up class. However, it has to see off the challenge of a daunting pair of rivals in the battle for success.

Advertisement - Article continues below

First up comes another fresh face, in the boxy shape of the revised Toyota Hilux. This automotive legend is a giant of the pick-up class thanks to its hard-earned reputation as a tough workhorse.

The third vehicle in our line-up is the current class leader from Volkswagen. The Amarok made an impressive road test debut last year and has set new standards for interior quality in the class. So will it still be the pick-up to beat after this bruising encounter?

Verdict

This test makes one thing clear: if you want a pick-up as an alternative to a large SUV, you’re going to have to compromise. While the latest pick-ups are much better than their predecessors, they still don’t have the refinement of a proper 4x4. So where does that leave our three trucks?

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

X6

2018 BMW

X6

49,382 milesAutomaticPetrol4.4L

Cash £24,399
View X6
A4 Avant

2025 Audi

A4 Avant

35,470 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £23,299
View A4 Avant
XC40

2020 Volvo

XC40

55,835 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £21,999
View XC40
EQA

2023 Mercedes

EQA

35,890 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £21,199
View EQA

The Toyota Hilux is the first to fall. Although it’s attractively priced and has a strong diesel engine, it lacks its rivals’ modern cabins. Plus, even if all you want is a workhorse, it has the smallest load bed and payload here.

Second place goes to the Ford. It’s well equipped in Limited trim and its cabin has plenty in common with a modern SUV. It also has the biggest load bed, but if it’s going to spend most of its time unladen, the ride is just too hard – even by pick-up standards – and refinement isn’t good enough.

The Amarok isn’t the cheapest choice, but if you want the most able substitute for a regular off-roader, it ticks more boxes than its rivals.

Winner
Volkswagen Amarok
★★★★
The Amarok’s cabin quality stands out here, but there’s more to the VW than a car-like interior. A combination of smart looks, reasonable fuel economy and decent road manners makes it the best all-rounder. And its load area is still wide enough to accommodate a forklift pallet.

2nd
Ford Ranger
★★★
A solid debut for the latest Ranger. It looks the part and has a comprehensive trim range, so there’s a model for everyone. However, mechanical refinement is only average and it’s less comfortable when used as a family car than the Amarok.

3rd
Toyota Hilux
★★★
Still a giant of the pick-up sector; just probably not at its best as a luxurious double-cab. If you want a utilitarian workhorse, the Hilux won’t disappoint, but the Ford and Volkswagen do more effective impressions of a family SUV.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,450 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,966 off RRP*Used from £7,250
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,675
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,773 off RRP*Used from £11,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025
Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy
Marcos, interior

Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy

Development is already underway on the first all-new Marcos cars in roughly 20 years
News
27 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025