CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: When it comes to
towing, the Ford Ranger (shown) and Mazda BT50 are best-in-class; cosmetic differences exist
but, by and large, they’re similar under the skin;
the rear axle is close to the towball, delivering
a stable ride; few models offer a five-cylinder
engine found in the Ford Ranger and BT-50 offer.
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FORD
RANGER/
MAZDA BT-50
Two stand-out utes round out the ‘Top 5’!
These are the only two utes (except
the RAM) to reach the ‘Top 5’ list
because they are stand-out tow-tugs
against their peers. The Ranger and
BT-50 were co-developed and despite
a slight parting of ways in their latest
2015 updates, they are still basically
the same under the skin.
These utes have great stability,
barely moving at all with a van behind,
SPECS
Engine Five-cylinder diesel
Transmission
Six-speed auto
Towing capacity 3500kg
Towball (max) 350kg
benefitting greatly from their lanky
wheelbase and short rear-axle-totowball measurement. The Ranger
and BT-50 have equal best-in-class
performance when towing, able to
steam up hills that leave the rest of their
competitor utes floundering.
Engine braking is very good and the
six-speed auto is easy to use in manual
mode to hold gears on descents.
PICS MATT FEHLBERG
ADVENTURES
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