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 unique proud stance, 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 stands apart with an exterior headlined with the Ford Performance-like ‘F.O.R.D.’ lettered front mesh grille with a distinctive dark grey surround, 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 off-road attitude.
The FX4 MAX is endowed with an 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. They’re fitted to exclusive 17 by 8.0-inch alloy wheels, front and rear.
It makes 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.
In a first for a Ranger there’s also wheel-lip mouldings. The bold grey pieces are designed to emphasise FX4 MAX’s wide stance and match the detailing across the unique exterior, bolstering the overall impact of FX4 MAX’s upgrades.
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, as well as Alabaster White.
To further distinguish FX4 MAX, an optional graphics pack is available for the bonnet, flanks and rear of the vehicle.
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.
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.
Shared with the Raptor, the Ranger 4×4 FX4 MAX is powered exclusively by the latest generation, 157kW/500Nm bi-turbo power train, including the advanced 10-speed automatic.
The power train gives the FX4 MAX a 981kg payload as well as sharing Ranger’s renowned 3,500kg 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-wrap steering wheel shares Black Alley inserts with the door trims and dash applique for greater contrast and a fresh, bold character throughout.
The FX4 MAX brings another Ranger first. Centrally positioned above the 8.0-inch full colour, high-resolution touchscreen, which hosts built-in satellite-navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, are six upfitter auxiliary switches.
Fitted on Ford trucks globally, including the legendary F-Series, the switch bank 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 250A alternator to support power supply to multiple accessories and reduce reliance on the vehicle’s battery.
Building on the Ranger FX4, the FX4 MAX includes a comprehensive list of standard features, including AEB with pedestrian detection, a FordPass Connect embedded modem, dual-zone climate control, lane keep assist and a full colour high-res reversing camera.
It comes with a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, a service loan car, Auto Club membership with roadside assist and map updates.
The 2021 Ford Ranger 4×4 FX4 MAX will be available in Australia from late 2020, and is priced at $65,940 plus on-roads. An optional Tech Pack adds adaptive cruise and semi-auto active park assist.
