The Ford Ranger Platinum is not a mere Ranger; it is the Ranger that went to finishing school. It struts a unique grille with accented mesh, silk chrome finishes, and 3D badging. The chrome detailing extends to the side steps, vents, window linings, and rear bumper, while 20-inch alloy wheels (with ebony accents) complete the look.
Even the load box gets the VIP treatment, with fixed sports hoops, side rails, and a tailgate that closes with the grace of a butler handling a silver platter.
Photo courtesy Ford.
The Platinum joins the Raptor as the only Rangers with Matrix LED headlights because, why just see the road when it can dazzle like a Broadway stage? These lights come with:
- Glare-free high beams (so it will not blind other drivers, unless they deserve it).
- High Beam Boost (30% more light, because sometimes more is more).
- Dynamic Bending Lights (they swivel up to 15 degrees, so I could see around corners like having X-ray vision).
The cabin is so plush, I forgot I was in a bakkie. Highlights include:
- Heated & ventilated seats (because it was so hot, my back deserved climate control too).
- Heated steering wheel (for those mornings when it is as cold as PR people from another car brand)
- Ambient lighting (set the mood, romantic dinner or post-apocalyptic wasteland).
- 12.4-inch digital cluster and 12-inch touchscreen (analogue gauges are adorably vintage).
And yes, it has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Who wants to be plugging in a cable in 2025? (Side note: Apple CarPlay fans will love the slick integration, while Android Auto users can enjoy not being judged by Siri.)
Photo courtesy Ford.
Other tech features include:
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist: reversing with a trailer usually looks like a three-point-turn gone horribly wrong. Now, just twist a dial and let the truck do the work.
- 360-degree cameras: to avoid curbing those fancy wheels.
The Platinum is the first Ranger with far-side airbags. It also has adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and auto parking.
In short, it is a bakkie that is smarter than most politicians.
- Pricing for the Ford Ranger Platinum starts at R1,150,000.
* Sheryl Goldstuck is general manager of World Wide Worx and editor of GadgetWheels. Follow her on Bluesky on @crazycatbuzz.bsky.social.