Review: 2024 Ford Ranger Single Cab Pickup
What is it?
When it comes to the world of workhorses, Ford has never been one to shy away from setting the bar high. Enter the 2024 Ford Ranger Single Cab, a vehicle that’s as rugged as the Yorkshire Dales and as dependable as your mate who never skips the pub quiz. Whether you’re ploughing through muddy fields, navigating tight city streets, or lugging heavy loads from one end of the country to the other, this Ranger promises to be the sort of partner you can rely on.
On the road
If you’ve ever driven an older pick-up, you’ll be familiar with the sort of ride that rattles your fillings loose and has you wondering if your spine will ever be the same again. But the 2024 Ranger has evolved. Ford has gone to great lengths to make sure that while this is very much a working vehicle, it’s also a pleasure to drive.
Even with such a large bed, that was empty for the week I had it, I expected it to be pitchy - but it wasn’t, not in the slightest. The Ranger’s ride is surprisingly refined. It soaked up potholes and rough patches with aplomb, and the suspension did a fine job of keeping things smooth and composed, even when unladen. The steering is light enough to make manoeuvring in tight spaces easy but has enough weight to give you confidence at speed. It’s not exactly sporty, but it doesn’t wallow or feel cumbersome, which is quite the achievement for a base-spec vehicle.
At the end of the week I’d covered around 400 miles of mixed driving, and according to the computer it had achieved around 34mpg, which I don’t consider too shabby, considering.
Off road
Like other 4x4s, where you go, and how far is dependant on tyre size, suspension and ground clearance, and being standard, the single cab looks like it wouldn’t manage a speed bump never mind serious ‘laning. But looks are deceiving.
Obviously this particular version isn’t built for tacking the Rubicon Trail, it’s a working truck, so you get steel wheels and standard suspension, but thanks to its 4WD system it was perfectly at home tackling everything that my local green-lanes could throw at it. Whether I was splashing through muddy tracks, climbing steep hills, or fording streams, the Ranger just kept going. I have to admit I was a little concerned over the rear overhang, but it never touched terrafirma, thankfully.
Interior
I was going to call the Single Cab basic, but the interior of the Ranger Single Cab is surprisingly well-appointed for what is, at heart, a work vehicle. You get a heated steering wheel adaptive cruise control and a speed limiter - all manner of kit
As a single cab I genuinely hadn’t realised how much I would miss having rear seats, there’s room for two people and that’s about it. Nowhere for Lilly the Mud Life dog, nowhere to put my camera bag, and where do I put my coat and wellies?
But what it lacks in passenger accommodation, it makes up for in practical design and comfort. The seats are supportive, which is exactly what you want when you’re spending long hours behind the wheel. They’re also covered in a durable fabric that’s easy to clean - a blessing if you’re hopping in and out with muddy boots.
The dashboard is well laid out, with all the controls within easy reach, and there’s storage space for your bits and bobs, though the D-Max has far more space. The materials are robust and built to last, but they don’t feel cheap. Ford has done a great job of balancing durability with a bit of style, so you won’t feel like you’re driving a stripped-out work van.
One of the highlights of the interior is the 10.1” touchscreen infotainment system. It’s got all the bells and whistles you’d expect, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. The system is intuitive and responsive, making it easy to control everything from music to phone calls without taking your eyes off the road for too long. And for those who spend as much time on the phone as on the road, the voice recognition system is a welcome addition—it’s not perfect, but it’s good enough to handle most tasks without too much fuss.
Engine ’n’ transmission
Under the bonnet, the Ranger is powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, delivering 170PS and 420Nm of torque. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Diesel? Really?” But before you start waxing lyrical about electric vehicles, let’s remember that when it comes to sheer grunt and economy, diesel still has a solid place in the world of heavy lifting. The powerplant is mated to a slick 6-speed manual gearbox, ensuring you’ve got all the control you need, whether you’re hauling a load up a steep incline or just cruising down the motorway.
The payload capacity is a beefy 1,200kg, with an impressive 1876 litres of load space volume, whilst sturdy DIN compliant tie down points help you keep everything safe. On top of that there’s the towing capacity of 3,500 kg with a braked trailer. That means this isn’t just a truck—it’s a full-fledged beast of burden. There’s even a tape measure on the edge of the tailgate.
Safety First, Second, and Third
When you’re out and about in all weathers, and on all sorts of terrain, safety is paramount. Fortunately, the 2024 Ranger doesn’t skimp in this department. Ford has equipped it with a suite of safety features that wouldn’t look out of place in a luxury SUV.
You’ve got the usual suspects like ABS, traction control, and a full array of airbags. But there’s also a raft of more advanced features, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera that’s particularly handy when you’re trying to park a vehicle that’s not exactly compact. There’s even a system that monitors the trailer’s stability and adjusts the brakes accordingly - a real boon if you’re towing heavy loads.
It’s clear that Ford has thought about the Ranger’s role not just as a working vehicle but as something that’s going to be out there in all conditions, day in and day out. The result is a truck that offers peace of mind as standard.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ford Ranger Single Cab is more than just a tool; it’s a trusted companion that’s as at home on a muddy building site as it is on a long stretch of motorway. It’s a vehicle that understands the importance of a hard day’s work but doesn’t make a meal out of it. And when the work is done, it’s a truck that won’t punish you for taking the long way home.
Sure, it might not have the bells and whistles of the Raptor or Wildtrak, nor it doesn’t offer the same level of passenger space as a double cab. But what it does offer is a no-nonsense, reliable, and comfortable ride that’s more than capable of handling whatever you throw its way. And let’s be honest, that’s exactly what you need from a single cab pick-up.
