Ford Ranger V6 Sport wins 2025 4x4 Ute of the Year title

As the only V6-powered ute in this year’s test, the Ford Ranger V6 Sport started with a clear advantage over the competition.

In a segment dominated by four-cylinder diesel engines, the V6 gives the Ranger not just more power, but a smoother, more relaxed driving experience that’s immediately noticeable behind the wheel. The only other V6 diesel in this segment is the closely related Volkswagen Amarok, but VW didn’t respond to our request to supply a vehicle for testing – leaving the Ranger as the class benchmark.

Yes, choosing the V6 over the four-cylinder comes with a higher purchase price at the dealer, and fuel consumption is inevitably higher. But the benefits of the V6 powertrain far outweigh the extra costs.

JUMP AHEAD

• Key highlights
• How it drives
• Engine and towing performance
• Specs
• Interior
• Verdict

Powerful, capable and comfortable

The Ranger V6 Sport isn’t just about brute strength – it blends capability with comfort and practicality. Its V6 powertrain gives it smooth, torquey performance for towing, hauling, and everyday driving, while the Sport trim ensures the cabin remains comfortable and usable for long days on the road or in the bush.

Highlights include:

• Smooth, torquey 3.0‑litre V6 diesel with 10-speed automatic
• Full-time 4×4 with dual-range transfer case
• Integrated brake controller and Tow/Haul Mode for effortless towing
• Near-tonne payload and 3500kg max tow capacity
• Practical, comfortable Sport trim with durable materials
• Spacious, well-laid-out cabin suitable for long drives and off-road touring

How it drives: On and off-road

The V6 Ranger is smoother than any other ute in this group.

The engine is torquey and composed, with a relaxed gait whether you’re cruising the highway, tackling a mountain road, or hauling a load. Paired with its superb 10-speed automatic transmission, the V6 Ranger remains unsurpassed in this class.

Torque arrives early and consistently, and the engine runs smoothly under load. The Ranger maintains composure whether you’re on a long highway cruise, threading through winding mountain roads, or towing heavy gear off the beaten track. For anyone who wants a ute that feels effortless to drive, carries a load without fuss, and has genuine on-road and off-road capability, the V6 Sport immediately stands out as the class leader.

Full-time 4×4 via a dual-range transfer case, combined with a suite of clever towing technologies, ensures that even heavy tasks or off-road challenges feel controlled and manageable. Whether loaded or light, the Ranger V6 instils confidence behind the wheel, giving the driver a sense of command no matter the terrain.

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Engine and towing performance

The Ranger V6 scored strongly across our key categories: Doing the Job, Bushability, and Built Tough.

Fuel consumption is slightly higher than the smaller engines – around 12–14 L/100 km on our cycle – roughly 2 L/100 km more than the most economical competitor. But when you factor in the Ranger’s ability to carry north of 500kg while towing near its limits, the numbers are impressive. This combination of capacity, control, and smoothness makes the Ranger V6 the clear leader for serious towing work.

The 3.0‑litre V6 turbo-diesel engine produces184kW at 3250rpm and 600Nm of torque from 1750-2250 rpm, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers smooth, torquey performance for towing, hauling, and everyday driving, while the Sport trim ensures the cabin remains comfortable and usable for long days on the road or in the bush.

It was the standout performer when towing the Offline camper, maintaining impressive poise and composure even on the roughest sections of the drive loop. As Tim states, the V6 Ranger emerged as the clear winner.

“Owners can expect to use a bit more fuel than smaller engines – we saw around 12-14L/100km on our cycle which was about 2L/100 more than the best performer on the day – but go back to the numbers and this is one of the few utes that can carry north of 500kg (not taking into account ball weight) while towing at its limit… rare, impressive. It’s the clear winner” – Tim van Duyl

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Interior comfort

The Ranger’s interior is beginning to show its age when lined up beside some of the newer contenders, but it remains supremely comfortable, practical and easy to live with.

The Sport specification strikes a sweet spot between the popular XLT and the high-spec Wildtrak, offering everything you’d want for bush touring along with just enough luxury features to make long days behind the wheel a pleasure.

Inside, the cabin is thoughtfully designed for both work and adventure. Supportive seats with partial leather trim and durable materials make extended hours behind the wheel less fatiguing, while the ergonomic controls and large, clear displays keep essential functions within easy reach. Practical touches such as plenty of storage cubbies, USB ports, and an intuitive 12-inch touchscreen make life easier on long trips

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Why it wins

The Ranger V6 Sport takes out our 2025 4×4 Ute of the Year title because it delivers genuine substance where it matters – power, capability and practicality.

• V6 performance: Smooth, torquey 3.0‑litre diesel with 184 kW and 600 Nm makes towing and highway cruising effortless.
• Towing and load-carrying: Near‑tonne payload and 3500kg max tow, backed by integrated brake controller and Tow/Haul Mode.
• Balanced specification: Sport trim hits the sweet spot between comfort and practicality, with a well-laid-out, durable cabin for long drives and bush touring.

Yes, fuel consumption is slightly higher than smaller engines, and the interior styling is starting to show its age. But judged purely on what you get for the price, the Ranger V6 Sport offers unmatched towing ability, off-road composure, cabin comfort and everyday usability – and that’s why it wins.

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