The previous-generation Ford Ranger spanned from 2015 up until its replacement in 2022. Over that time it was fitted with various engines ranging from meaty 3.2-litre units to smaller, equally impressive 2.0-litre powerplants. Here's how the 2015 to 2022 Ford Ranger engines compare in the economy stakes.
When considering the purchase of a used Ford Ranger, the buyer is bombarded by a myriad of different versions. There are different models, i.e. the Single Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab derivatives, as well as a host of trims and extras. Here we focus on the drivetrains, to determine which one of the 2.0-litre Single Turbo, 2.2-litre TDCI, 3.2-litre TDCI or 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo engines deserves the efficiency crown.
It is important to note that these Rangers are all diesel-powered, as Ford has dropped its petrol drivetrain. If you want petrol power, you must cross over to the Dark Side, and buy a Toyota Hilux. The engine range was revised in 2019 and this saw the addition of the 2.0-litre engine options. This article only deals with the T6 Ford Ranger range build between 2015 and 2022, when it was replaced by the second-generation T6 Ranger.
Let’s see how the 2.0-litre Single Turbo and 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo engines compare to the earlier TDCI engines.
1. 2.0-litre Single Turbo
Ford’s new 2.0-litre Single Turbo engine is a bit of a marvel. Such a small engine in a big bakkie was unheard of for many years, until VW introduced the Amarok. Yet, this little box of firecrackers produces 132 kW and 420 Nm.
Unfortunately, Ford’s new engines are only available with automatic transmissions, but the new 10-speed ’box helps to achieve good fuel efficiency. The 4×2 drivetrain still offers a claimed average consumption of 7.2 l/100km, while the 4×4 consumes 7.5 l/100km.
2. 2.2-litre TDCI
The proven 2.2-litre TDCI is nothing to scoff at. It might not be the latest and greatest, but it still produces a respectable 118 kW and 385 Nm. The benefit in keeping the older drivetrain alive is that it is still available with a manual transmission in both 4×2 and 4×4 iterations.
The 4×2 manual drivetrain has a claimed average consumption of 6.5 l/100km, while the automatic transmission remains a bit thirstier at 7.6 l/100km.
As to be expected, the 4×4 requires more fuel to keep going. The manual consumes about 7.2 l/100km, while, interestingly, Ford’s 6-speed automatic transmission equalises consumption with that of the 4×2 at 7.6 l/100km.
It’s worth noting that the entry-level 2.2-litre Rangers runs at a lower state of tune, producing 88 kW and 285 Nm. It’s also less fuel-efficient than the 118 kW version.
3. 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo
Adding a second turbocharger in the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo drivetrain makes for a beefy 157 kW and 500 Nm. What is surprising, though, is that the claimed consumption for both the 4×2 and 4×4 is 7.8 L/100km. This is engineering trickery deserving of accolades and the 10-speed auto-box makes another valuable contribution here.
The exception is the adored Ranger Raptor model also powered by this drivetrain, which, due to its additional weight and high-resistance tyres, requires 8.3 l/100km.
4. 3.2-litre TDCI
A popular workhorse that Ford decided to keep in their stable is the 3.2-litre TDCI engine. With 147 kW and 470 Nm on tap, this has been a firm favourite in South Africa since its inception. Like the 2.2, it’s also available with a manual or automatic transmission.
In the 4×2 department, the manual transmission claims to consume on average 7.5 L/100KM, while the automatic transmission sits on 8.2 L/100km.
The slightly more gluttonous 4×4 will see the driver frequenting fuel stations more often than in any other Ranger, with the manual and automatic transmissions consuming 8.6 and 8.8 L/100km respectively.
The crown bearer
Surprisingly, the older 2.2-litre TDCI manual drivetrain takes the crown, with its claimed average consumption of 6.5 l/100km. But, given that bakkies are made to haul heavy things around and navigate terrain that might require a bit more grunt, we recommend the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo drivetrain, as it offers a lot more torque in the trade of marginally increased consumption. This is if you can afford the significant price difference!
The manual transmission of the winning 2.2-litre TDCI might also not be for everyone, especially those who buy bakkies for personal use. The 2.2 with the auto transmission has a fuel consumption level with that of the 2.0-litre Single Turbo drivetrain, which also supplies more shove, for the same amount of fuel.
Even though the 2.2-litre TDCI manual transmission Ranger bears the esteemed efficiency crown, the new engines have significant power benefits while merely sipping a little extra fuel.
Keyword: We compared Ford Ranger engines, and the efficiency crown goes to…