2002 Ford Ranger FX4 4x4

In today's increasingly crowded world of "active lifestyle" vehicles, one is either a player or a poser. Ford's latest addition to its immensely popular Ranger compact-pickup lineup definitely falls into the former category. Starting with an XLT SuperCab Styleside 4x4, the new FX4 premium off-road package adds a comprehensive array of functional and cosmetic touches that give dyed-in-the-dirt adventurers a vehicle with equal measures of style, comfort and go-just-about-anywhere capability.

In addition to FX4 decals, off-road-ready touches include black moldings, tow hooks at each end and 31x10.50 all-terrain tires. (The rigid, hinged bedliner is optional.)

Price of admission for this ultimate on-/off-road runner starts at $25,010 plus $650 in delivery & destination. Our tester had the optional 5-speed automatic transmission in place of the standard 5-speed manual gearbox as well as a hard tonneau cover with bedliner, which collectively added another $1,895 to its bottom line.


Even at first glance, the new Ranger FX4 stands apart from the crowd. Blackout moldings on its fender-wells, grille surround, bumper fascias, bed rails, and rear tow hook are counterpointed by a pair of stainless-steel front hooks as well as 15x7 8-hole forged-aluminum Alcoa wheels mounting oversized 31x10.50 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires. Dig a bit deeper and underhood you'll find the Ranger's top-line 4.0-liter V-6 that makes a stout 207 horsepower and 238 lb.-ft. of torque. Regardless of transmission it's backed with, the FX4-spec Ranger also gets a 4.10:1 rear axle with a Torsen limited-slip differential, beefy front/mid/rear skid plates, heavy-duty springs and Bilstein gas-pressure shock absorbers.

Supportive sport buckets help the human body absorb off-road bounce and jounce. Rubber floormats are included with easy mud-and-dirt cleanup in mind.

Inside, the FX4 signature trim-out continues. The most prominent change is the fitment of special sport buckets with more aggressive side bolsters and bespoke center inserts that feature an organic vine motif and unique ebony interior trim. In keeping with its avowed mission to press on regardless, the standard carpeted floormats give way to color-keyed rubber "slush mats" in the FX4, and assist grips are found on both A-pillars. Complementing these functional touches is an even longer list of comfort and convenience items, including power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless remote entry, SecuriLock engine immobilizer (now standard on all Rangers), tilt steering column, cruise control with activation buttons on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, manual-sliding rear vent window and an AM/FM/CD/cassette sound system.


Like the rest of its Ranger kin, the FX4 feels solidly built and offers controls and switchgear positioned for quick and direct access. Although a height/rake adjuster for the driver's seat cushion would be a most welcome addition to the FX4 package, it's still pretty easy to get comfortable behind the wheel. Being based on a "4-door" version of the SuperCab, rear-hinged mini-doorlets allow the more foolhardy easier entry to the FX4's fold-down, center-facing jump seats. Like most plus-2 perches, these are clearly at their best when securely stowed in a locked and upright position. Adopting that line of thinking provides more space for front-seat passengers and optimal conditions for cargo better stowed in the FX4's temperature-regulated cabin than in its slightly less hospitable 6-foot bed.