Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Ranger Thunder

The special-edition Ranger has firm suspension and it's an excellent long distance cruiser

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Ford Ranger
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Ford’s new special-edition Ranger is much more than a storm in a pick-up – it’s actually a convincing attempt to broaden the appeal of a robustly built commercial vehicle. While we were surprised at the lack of practicality offered inside the car, the huge capacity of the rear and four-wheel-drive chassis are sure to appeal. On the road, the suspension is firm, but thanks to extra sound-proofing and the willing TDCi diesel engine, the Thunder could easily be used on long-distance commutes.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Get ready to rumble! Ford has un-leashed a new special-edition Ranger called the Thunder, and it looks sure to go down a storm.

Powered by a 2.5-litre TDCi diesel engine delivering 140bhp, this flagship double-cab model offers all the versatility of a van, yet with the comfort and refinement of a family car... But how does it measure up?

The tough design, which is complemented by Ford’s unique ‘two-bar’ grille, highlights the fact that the Ranger has been built for business. The tall ride height, combined with the chunky tyres and flared wheelarches, leave it looking as serious as any mainstream off-roader.

Inside the cabin, Ford has spent a considerable amount of time and money improving the model’s family appeal. As well as a smart new dashboard, the Ranger gets well trimmed seats offering great comfort and support. Air-conditioning is standard, and the stereo will even play MP3 digital music files. Safety equipment includes driver and passenger airbags.

Although the engine is vocal, it’s clear efforts to improve refinement have paid dividends. The impressive 2.5-litre TDCi is smooth and powerful. Steering is accurate, and given that the rack has very tall gearing, there is acceptable feedback, too.

Considering the Ranger’s jacked-up stance and large tyres, it still offers plenty of feel. Only the ride belies the machine’s utilitarian origins. Thanks to leaf-spring suspension at the rear, progress can be bouncy, particularly when driving on rough roads.

However, the biggest surprise is the car’s lack of practicality. Although the flat pick-up bed is huge, there is virtually no additional storage space in the cabin. Rear pick-up covers are available, but expensive.

The new Ranger is unlikely to drag owners out of family models such as the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra. But for van drivers in the market for a real multi-purpose vehicle, the Thunder is definitely worth a second look.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £15,519
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,600
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,116 off RRP*Used from £18,900
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025