IT’S ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR vehicles on the Australian market, and the release of an even more capable variant is sure to make the Ford Ranger even more successful.
The first ever Ford Ranger FX4 MAX will make its Australian debut in late 2020, delivering customers a new factory-built, fully warranted Ranger with extended off-road capabilities inspired by Ranger Raptor. With specialised suspension, an All-Terrain off-road tyre and wheel package and more aggressive on-road presence, Ranger FX4 Max is a tough weekend off-roader with outstanding capability, alongside Ranger’s renowned day-to-day comfort, safety and practicality.
“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.”
The Ranger FX4 MAX is inspired by the Ranger Raptor exterior, headlined with the Ford Performance-like ‘F.O.R.D.’ lettered front mesh grille with a distinctive 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 sports bar, finished in matt black, incorporates in-tray lighting, while body-mounted metal ‘hoop’ side steps toughen the look and emphasise FX4 MAX’s off-road attitude.
The FX4 MAX’s imposing presence, achieved through changes including off-road suspension tune and 265/70R17 off-road ready tyres. The BF Goodrich All-Terrain K02 tyres, the same as fitted to the Ford Performance Ranger Raptor, provide outstanding traction on unsealed surfaces and feature tougher sidewalls. When seniordriveraus tested the Raptor fitted with the same tyres, we found them to be far less noisy on road than we expected, a worthwhile bonus. They’re fitted to exclusive 17 by 8.0-inch alloy wheels, front and rear, for a +42mm offset and 26mm wider track. The FX4 MAX also includes a matching full-size alloy spare complete with all-terrain tyre.
The FX4 MAX’s alloy wheels are finished in the same bold grey colour to match the FX4 MAX’s grille and exterior details, with, in a first for Ranger, wheel-lip mouldings.
Following in the wheel tracks of the Ranger Raptor, the FX4 MAX is offered in a specific colour range, which includes the previously Ranger Raptor-only Conquer Grey paintwork. FX4 Max is also offered in Alabaster White, the first pearlescent colour offered on Ranger, recently introduced on XLT and Wildtrak. To further distinguish FX4 MAX, an optional graphics pack is available for the bonnet, flanks and rear of the vehicle.
Like Ranger Raptor and the entire Ford Ranger line-up, the FX4 MAX’s bespoke suspension and chassis tune is the result of extensive development in Australia, with testing across multiple sites throughout the country, including the Ford’s You Yangs Proving Ground in Victoria. The FX4 MAX’s individual suspension components have been meticulously matched for a unique combination of off-road capability and strong carrying capacity.
“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.”
The FX4 MAX’s suspension brings an off-road stance and capability through new 2.0-inch monotube Fox shock absorbers front and rear. The rear sees a remote reservoir for them, enabling rapid recovery from extensive, prolonged off-road use. They’re teamed with tuned coil-springs at the front, and a staggered shock arrangement at the rear to manage loads. The leaf springs have been tuned to provide greater compliance off road, while balancing payload and towing capability. Completing the suspension upgrades are new lock-stop profile steering knuckles, new front jounce bumpers and a 29mm front stabiliser bar.
Combined, the 20mm suspension lift and All-Terrain tyres sees FX4 MAX’s ride height 31mm above Ranger XLT, with outright ground clearance to rear differential 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 |
Shared with the Ranger Raptor, the Ranger 4×4 FX4 MAX is powered exclusively by the latest generation, 157kW/500Nm Bi-Turbo powertrain, including the advanced 10-speed automatic. The powertrain enables the FX4 MAX a 981kg payload as well as sharing Ranger’s 3500kg towing capability. The 10-speed includes a lock-out feature to hold specific gears for ease when towing, with a tow-bar as standard on FX4 MAX.
The cockpit of the FX4 MAX is unmistakable, with the exterior’s metal side-steps leading to off-road ready all-weather floor mats and FX4 MAX specific seating inside. The seats feature materials new to Ranger, including carbon-accents with Miko suede inserts and FX4 MAX embroidery. The driver’s feet are treated to Ranger Raptor sports pedals, while a leather-wrapped steering wheel shares Black Alloy inserts with the door trims and dash applique for greater contrast and a fresh, bold character throughout.
Centrally positioned above the 8.0-inch full colour, high-resolution touchscreen, which hosts built-in satellite-navigation as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, are six auxiliary switches.
Fitted on Ford trucks globally, including the legendary F-Series, the switchbank gives FX4 MAX owners the ability to easily connect and operate auxiliary accessories and equipment, such as light-bars, winches and spot lights, in a seamless, integrated solution. To support such additions, the FX4 MAX features a specific 250 amp alternator to support power supply to multiple accessories and reduce reliance on the vehicle’s battery.
The FX4 MAX includes a comprehensive list of standard features, including AEB with Pedestrian Detection, FordPass Connect embedded modem, as well as dual-zone climate control, Lane Keep Assist and a full-colour, high resolution reversing camera. Standard on FX4 MAX is a full-size spare wheel complete with BF Goodrich All Terrain tyre.
The FX4 MAX brings customers confidence and peace of mind with a five-year, unlimited kilometre full factory warranty. Further adding to the ownership experience, Ford Service Benefits also offers FX4 MAX owners a Service Loan Car, Auto Club Membership including Roadside Assistance as well as sat-nav map updates.
Another FX4 MAX feature is long 15,000km/12-month service intervals, and eligibility for the Ford Service Benefits program at participating Ford dealerships. A and B log-book services for the first four years/60,000km are set at a maximum of $299 per service.
The Ford Ranger 4×4 FX4 MAX will be available in Australia from late 2020.
Ford Ranger 4×4 FX4 MAX Pricing
Recommended Manufacturer List Prices (plus on road costs) for Ford Ranger FX4 MAX and options:
| Ranger FX4 MAX | |
| 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 |
Once we have tested and assessed the new Ford Ranger FX4 MAX, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.