The top-of-the-shop variants usually get all the exposure, and it's no different with the Ford Ranger. 

Among the 15 variants of the Ranger, the Raptor raked in all the attention with its giant off-road wheels and bi-turbo diesel mill. A limited-run Raptor X fans the model's flames even further, while lower down the range, the Ranger Wildtrak has had its share of popularity. 

That leaves the 2.2L Ranger XLS 4x2 MT, shall we say, as the unsung hero of the range. Pickup trucks are born to be workhorses, after all, and it's immediately clear that this base model stays true to what it's made for. 

The Ranger XLS, with its unpainted door handles and black front grille, stands tall with its 16-inch alloy wheels attached to a raised suspension. Most of its competitors don't feature such a suspension, and the base Ranger has the same 232 millimeter ground clearance as the Wildtrak. 

The no-frills theme continues inside the pickup truck, but that doesn't mean the cabin is spartan. 

Amenities

The fabric seats for both front and rear occupants face an adequately-equipped dashboard. It has an eight-inch infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth capabilities to stream music to the six speakers. 

Phones can be charged via the two 12-volt power outlets in the cabin, while cooling comfort can be had from the single-zone manual aircon. Floor mats are standard for the front row, and all the four windows are electrically powered. 

The Ranger XLS driver takes hold of a polyurethane steering wheel and gear shifter linked to six-speeds, and views a manual dimming rear view mirror. The front passenger is provided a vanity mirror on the sunvisor. 

Safety

There are seatbelts for all five passengers, while the driver and shotgun passenger each get an airbag. Child seat Isofix anchors are fitted to the rear seats. 

At P1.155 million, this truck costs not only similar with some of its competitors, but a bit more affordable than many crossover SUVs, too. The fact that it can go for less than a car should earn the Ranger XLS 4x2 MT some attention. 

Photos from Ford

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