With the Raptor sitting head and shoulders above the rest of the Ford Ranger lineup, it hasn’t left too much room to move.
Like a shark the Ranger franchise must keep moving forward or die and that’s where Ford’s latest special edition comes in, the Ranger FX4 MAX — the FX4 with more.
Set to make its debut later this year, the FX4 MAX “channels” the Raptor so to speak, with fully warranted extended off-road capabilities.
It incorporates specialised suspension and an All-Terrain off-road tyre and wheel package, plus a Ford Performance-like ‘F.O.R.D.’ lettered front mesh grille and dark grey surround.
The colour is repeated for the skid plate, exterior mirror caps, door handles, unique wheel arch mouldings and rear tray surrounds.
There’s also a full-length tubular sports bar, finished in matt black, incorporates in-tray lighting, while body-mounted metal ‘hoop’ side steps toughen the look.
The chunky off road tyres are the same as those fitted to the Raptor, 265/70 series BF Goodrich All-Terrain K02 tyres, with tougher sidewalls fitted to 17×8 inch rims.
They have a +42mm offset and 26mm wider track.
A matching full-size alloy spareis included.
A specific colour range includes the previously Ranger Raptor-only Conquer Grey paintwork.
To further distinguish FX4 MAX, an optional graphics pack is available for the bonnet, flanks and rear of the vehicle.
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.
The tyres and 20mm suspension lift the FX4 MAX 31mm above the XLT (no mention of Wildtrak), with outright ground clearance to rear differential increased by 19mm to 256mm.
FX4 MAX also delivers greater approach and departure angles, to take full advantage of its switchable 4×4 system.
Power comes is powered exclusively by the latest generation, 157kW/500Nm Bi-Turbo powertrain, including the advanced 10-speed automatic.
And, in a first, six ‘upfitter’ auxiliary switches sit atop the dash.
Fitted on Ford trucks globally, including the F-Series, the switchbank gives 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.
The Ford Ranger 4×4 FX4 MAX will be available in Australia from late 2020, priced from $65,940.
Tech Pack (Adaptive Cruise Control, Semi-Auto Active Park Assist) adds $00 to the price, FX4 MAX Decal Set (applied to bonnet, doors, box sides and tailgate) is $750 and prestige paint is $650.
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