Ford’s Ranger Thunder is an accomplished pick-up, it offers reasonable value starting at €49,772. This auto model is €10k more than a Wildtrak, and the Raptor ups the ante and starts at €63,365. But unlike that model, the Thunder is able to carry a one-tonne payload, so it’s still classed as a commercial vehicle.
Special mention : Suspension set up allows for good driving experience when loaded or empty. Sync system is good. Styling sets it apart from competition.
Needs work : Cabin is hard wearing but could do with a few more creature comfort materials.
| Max Power 213 PS Torque 500 Nm | Diesel / Auto |
| 0-100 km/h in 9 seconds | Road Tax €333 Commercial |
Price: €49,772 | Payload 1,024 kg Towing (Max trailer weight) – 3,500kg braked |
The Thunder is packed with kit but also gets some unique styling flourishes to help it stand out. There’s the Sea Grey metallic paint, which is complemented by black 18” alloy wheels and gloss black plastic trim with red details which includes red ‘nostrils’ for the grille. Further back, the aero bar in the pick-up bed adds subtle red stripes and LED bed lighting, while the red Thunder badges on the doors and rear tailgate complete the exterior revisions.
One area where the Ranger has the measure of its rivals is its ride. The front suspension does most of the work to keep occupants comfortable. It absorbs all but the worst bumps, while the truck’s high ride height means you’re able to sweep across speed bumps a lot smoother and without unsettling passengers or holding up the traffic behind.
Inside, the Ranger Thunder gets black leather seats with red stitching, while red thread is also added to the steering wheel, the top of the dash and the gear lever are all trimmed in leather. Standard kit is the same as you’ll find on a Ranger Wildtrak, so this pick-up is as well equipped as a top-spec SUV, while cabin quality is on a par with that of a family 4×4 and far removed from the Ranger’s commercial-vehicle roots.
The punchy 210bhp diesel is a decently powered four-cylinder unit for a pick-up, and while the optional 10-speed auto takes the strain out of driving, it’s still a beast of a machine that manages to handle motorway cruises admirably. Using the same gearbox found in the Mustang, it easily handles the Ranger’s power of 500Nm of torque. It rarely, if ever, shifts into ninth or 10th gear, even on the motorway but it’s good to know you have that bit extra. It kicks down smoothly when demanding more power, and it shifts up through the gears without fuss too.
The rear suspension is stiff and set up so as to cope with a one-tonne payload in the rear. The Ranger meets this weight requirement, but the suspension is less unsettled when running empty. Overall the Ranger is settled on the road. The punchy 210bhp diesel is an accomplished and powerful four-cylinder unit, and while the optional 10-speed auto may seem like overkill, it takes the strain out of driving and off the engine too.
The Ranger Thunder is the ideal choice for buyers looking for a unique pick-up that offers a bit more style than a Wildtrak, but doesn’t suffer from the payload compromise experienced by the top-spec Raptor. It delivers a decent driving experience and has a similar level of kit to the Wildtrak, while the black and red additions create a distinctive look for only a little more over the Wildtrak version.
While it’s missing the sportier suspension set up of the Raptor, for it’s price and spec it’s good to drive, has that distinguished end of run limited edition edge and is definitely a monster load lugger.