2021 Ford Ranger XLT dual-cab chassis revealed

Ford has joined Toyota in offering a cab-chassis version of its high-spec ute to the 2021 line-up.

Aimed at tradies looking to carry more than the tub-backed Ranger will allow, the Ford Ranger XLT dual cab-chassis blends a full suite of creature comforts with more practicality and a wide range of customisation options.

Tray aside, the dual-cab chassis XLT mirrors the specification of the tub-backed version. That means autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera wiring loom, LED headlights, and niceties like a cooled centre console, 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers are standard.

Also available as options are adaptive cruise control ($500), a tow-bar assembly with wiring, and luxuries such as 18-inch alloy wheels ($750) and leather-trimmed seats ($1500).

Two engines are available:

• A 3.2-litre turbo-diesel five-cylinder engine producing 147kW and 470Nm, mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
• A 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine producing 157kW and 500Nm, mated exclusively to a ten-speed automatic transmission.

As with the wider Ranger line-up, the XLT dual-cab chassis is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. It comes standard with FordPass Connect capability, allowing owners to check their fuel level and locate their car remotely using a mobile phone app.

Ford isn’t alone in offering a high-end version of its popular dual-cab ute with a cab chassis. Toyota has added a dual-cab chassis version of the HiLux SR5 to the range for 2021, offering more customisation options to tradies with a taste for the nicer things in life.

2021 Ford RangerXLT dual-cab chassispricing

• 2021 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4 dual-cab chassis 3.2 manual: $56,240
• 2021 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4 dual-cab chassis 3.2 auto: $58,440
• 2021 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4 dual-cab chassis 2.0 auto: $59,940

All prices exclude on-road costs.