Under the hood of the Ford Ranger XL double cab resides a 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine delivering 125 kW and 405 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s not built for any real off-roading like its 4×4 sibling, but this 4×2 handles urban and highway driving with ease, along with the occasional dirt road escapades, all while offering smooth gear shifts and enough grunt for towing (3500kg braked towing capacity) and load-hauling (947kg).
Practicality & Payload
The load bin is wide and deep, ideal for SME owners or lifestyle users needing space for gear, tools, or weekend toys. Payload capacity just under 950kg is quite solid, and the Ranger’s reputation for durability holds true here. One thing to note here though, is that unlike the Ranger XLT and above, the Ranger XL does not come with any durable, non-skid, bedlinner coating that protects truck beds from impact, scratches, weather, and rust, leaving its paintwork really susceptible to scratches and scapes.
The 4×2 setup also means better fuel economy and lower running costs — a win for fleet buyers and budget-conscious consumers. In fact, during extended trips from Pretoria to Ceres, we managed to achieve an average fuel usage of less than 7.7 litres per 100 km while the normal diesel usage during our weekly work commute from Pretoria East to Centurion also resulted in an average of 8.3 litres per 100 km.
Tech & Infotainment
The 2024 XL now features Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. It’s a major leap from previous XL models, giving drivers access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings in a sleek, responsive interface.
Comfort & Cabin
Inside, the XL is surprisingly refined for what is essentially the base model for families, farmers, and businesses. You get a manual aircon, cloth seats, and ample cabin space for up to five adults. The dashboard layout is clean, and the digital instrument cluster adds a modern touch while displaying all the pertinent info in an easy-to-view manner. While it lacks the sort of luxury finishes accessible on higher-specced variants like the Ranger Wildtrak, Ranger Platinum and Ranger Wildtrak X, it’s comfortable and quiet enough for both long drives and daily commutes.
Safety & Driver Aids
Standard safety kit includes ABS, EBD, traction control, hill launch assist, and six airbags (Dual Front, Front Side, Curtain and Driver Knee). While advanced features like adaptive cruise control (you do get normal cruise control as standard) or lane-keeping are reserved for higher trims, the XL still delivers solid peace of mind for everyday driving. Our model came with option pack 5, which included features such as a reverse camera (rear parking sensors are standard though)
Ultimately, the 2024 Ranger XL Double Cab 4×2 is a smart buy for South Africans who want bakkie toughness without the frills or loftier outlay for the mid- and range-topping models. It’s ideal for SMMEs, fleet managers, farmers, families and lifestyle users, who value reliability, tech upgrades, and cost-efficiency. With SYNC 4 onboard and Ford’s proven diesel powertrain, it’s a well-rounded package that punches above its weight. If you are interested in the Ford Ranger XL double cab, the auto version of the 2025 model carries an RRP of R644 500.
