Ford ‘maxes out’ 2021 Ranger line-up with trick new ‘Raptor lite’

Set to land in New Zealand in early 2021, Ford’s all-new Ford Ranger FX4 Max brings greater off-road capability, with unique features including off-road suspension with FOX shocks, 32-inch all-terrain tyres and new all-weather materials and finishes inside.

Channelling the tough-as, range-topping, Ranger Raptor, FX4 Max brings unique stance and exterior treatments, including Conquer Grey paintwork, as well as “F.O.R.D” grille, metal ‘hoop’ sidesteps, unique alloy wheels and full-length sports bar.

Ranger FX4 Max boasts a 981kg payload and 3500kg towing with standard technology including FordPass Connect embedded modem, SYNC 3 with built-in sat-nav, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone compatibility.

Like buyers of every other Ranger model, those choosing an FX4 Max wil benefit from a five-year or 150,000 kilometre factory warranty as part of Ford Service Benefits, which include Service Loan Car, Roadside Assistance and sat-nav mapping updates to eligible customers.

“The Ranger FX4 Max channels the Ranger Raptor with its unique look and stance yet brings customers both work and play capability with its Australian engineered suspension, chassis tuning and unique FOX Shocks,” said Simon Rutherford, Managing Director, Ford New Zealand. “A factory-finished Ranger, FX4 Max delivers even greater off-road capability, while sacrificing none of Ranger’s renowned towing and payload, thanks to the latest generation Bi-Turbo, 10-speed powertrain. In the FX4 Max, customers can enjoy a pick-up with unique capabilities across the board.”  

While it retains the leaf springs and drum brakes of all other Ranger models bar the Raptor the FX4 Max shares a similar stance to the Raptor thanks to the same BF Goodrich All-Terrain K02 tyres and exclusive 17 by 8.0-inch alloy wheels, front and rear, for a +42mm offset and 26mm wider track.

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.

Shared with the Ranger Raptor, the Ranger 4x4 FX4 Max is powered exclusively by the latest generation, 157kW/500Nm Bi-Turbo engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. 

Inside, FX4 Max brings another Ranger first. Centrally positioned above the 8.0-inch full colour, high-resolution touchscreen, which hosts built-in satellite-navigation as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, are six upfitter auxiliary switches. 

Fitted on Ford trucks globally, including the legendary F-Series, the switchbank give 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.

Ford Ranger 4x4 FX4 Max Pricing Recommended Retail Price (RRP) for the Ford Ranger 4x4 Fx4 Max is $69,990.