Ford Everest vs Ranger – Which one is right for you

• Performance
• Features
• Pricing
• Ford Ranger Wildtrak
• Ford Everest Platinum

Despite having been on the market for less than a year, Ford’s next-generation Ranger and Everest line-ups continue to grow with the addition of new models.

For the Ranger, these new entries include the single and super cab body types, including an all-new Wildtrak super cab, as well as the halo-model Raptor, while the Everest recently saw the arrival of four new specifications.

The new Everests are arguably the most intriguing addition for buyers as it widens the price overlap between the bakkie and the SUV, making the decision to go for one or the other that much harder.

With the loss of affordable models like the EcoSport, Figo, and Fiesta, the blue oval’s two 4x4s are really the only game left in town – with the notable exception of the R1.1-million Mustang – so it’s worth thinking about how you plan to use your new purchase on a day-to-day basis before deciding which one is right for you.

Performance

Thanks to the recent update, the Everest line-up now features the XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, and Platinum specifications, which means for the purpose of this comparison we will be looking at the double-cab Ranger XLT and Wildtrak.

With this in mind, there are two engines to choose from – a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel and a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel – both of which connect to a 10-speed automatic gearbox.

The 2.0-litre can be found on the XLT and Sport, while the 3.0-litre is reserved for the Wildtrak and Platinum.

You can see how their performance compares in the table below:

Naturally, the two body types also result in different dimensions, as you can see below:

While both cars are quite large, the Ranger is 410mm longer than the Everest, reinforcing the idea that the SUV will be the (slightly) easier choice for city driving and parking.

In contrast, the Ranger’s increased wheelbase lends it a slight advantage off-road, but overall both vehicles are highly capable when the tarmac runs out.

Of course, the Everest’s load capacity is smaller than the bakkie’s, but this comes with the obvious distinction that the SUV has a closed boot, while the Ranger would need either a load cover or a canopy to achieve the same level of security.

It’s also as good a time as any to point out that the Everest has seven seats compared to the Ranger’s five, which could give it the edge if you are the sort of person to go on regular trips with friends or family, or simply need an all-round vehicle to do the school run in.

Another crucial factor to take into account is whether you’ll want a model with four-wheel drive.

The Ranger XLT and Everest Sport are available with either a rear-wheel or part-time 4×4 setup, while the Wildtrak and Platinum have a permanent all-wheel-drive layout.

All 4×4-enabled Fords also have access to a rear differential lock, hill descent control, and six driving modes for Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand.

Features

In keeping with the luxury vs utilitarian theme of the SUV and bakkie comparison, the Everest typically comes with more items as standard than the equivalent Ranger.

Starting with the base XLT, both body types come standard with automatic C-clamp LED headlights and daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, a multifunction steering wheel, partial leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, speed limiter, a reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors, six speakers, an 8-inch digital driver display, and a 10-inch portrait infotainment screen.

Features exclusive to the seven-seater include 20-inch alloys (instead of the bakkie’s 16-inch ones), electronically-adjustable seats, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a wireless phone charger.

The Everest Sport, which has no direct Ranger comparison, throws in all-round parking sensors, a bigger 12-inch media screen, and Sport branding on both the seats and the exterior.

The Wildtrak version of both vehicles adds ambient cabin lighting, a 360-degree camera, a 12-inch driver display, an “E-Sport” gearshift, adaptive cruise control, additional underbody protection, and full leather upholstery with a model-specific stitch pattern. The bakkie receives the same assistance features as the SUV, too.

As for where they differ, the Everest gains a stop-and-go function, eight speakers, and a dual-panoramic sunroof, while the Ranger gets a 10-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo. The latter also receives 18-inch alloys while the former retains its 20-inch rims.

Finally, the top-spec Everest Platinum model, which again has no direct Ranger comparison, is available with a 12-speaker sound system, and heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar support and memory function.

Pricing

The South African pricing for the Ford Ranger is as follows:

• Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo double cab XLT – R726,900
• Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo double cab Wildtrak – R805,600
• Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo double cab XLT 4×4 – R809,500
• Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo double cab Wildtrak 4×4 – R898,100
• Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 double cab Wildtrak 4WD – R996,500

The local pricing for the Ford Everest is as follows:

• Ford Everest 2.0 BiTurbo XLT – R832,400
• Ford Everest 2.0 BiTurbo 4×4 XLT – R896,300
• Ford Everest 2.0 BiTurbo Sport – R918,500
• Ford Everest 2.0 BiTurbo 4×4 Sport – R984,800
• Ford Everest 3.0 V6 4WD Wildtrak – R1,084,000
• Ford Everest 3.0 V6 4WD Platinum – R1,146,500

Every purchase includes a 4-year/120,000km warranty. Customers can also purchase a service or maintenance plan of up to 8 years or 165,000km.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak

Ford Everest Platinum

Keyword: Ford Everest vs Ranger – Which one is right for you