AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 18 September 2020 – The first ever Ford Ranger FX4 Max will make its New Zealand debut in early 2021, delivering customers a new factory-built, fully warranted Ranger with extended off-road capabilities inspired by the Ford Ranger Raptor.
With specialised suspension, an All-Terrain off-road tyre and wheel package and unique proud stance, Ranger FX4 Max is a tough weekend off-roader with outstanding capability, alongside Ranger’s renowned day-to-day comfort, safety and practicality.
“The Ranger FX4 Max channels the Ranger Raptor with its unique look and stance yet brings customers both work and play capability with its Australian engineered suspension, chassis tuning and unique FOX Shocks,” said Simon Rutherford, Managing Director, Ford New Zealand. “A factory-finished Ranger, FX4 Max delivers even greater off-road capability, while sacrificing none of Ranger’s renowned towing and payload, thanks to the latest generation Bi-Turbo, 10-speed powertrain. In the FX4 Max, customers can enjoy a pick-up with unique capabilities across the board.”
The Ranger FX4 MAX stands apart with its inspired by Ranger Raptor exterior, headlined with the Ford Performance-like ‘F.O.R.D.’ lettered front mesh grille with a distinctive dark grey surround, which is also used for the skid plate, exterior mirror caps, door handles, unique wheel arch mouldings and rear tray surrounds. Around the FX4 MAX, a full-length tubular sports bar, finished in matt black, incorporates in-tray lighting, while body-mounted metal ‘hoop’ side steps toughen the look and emphasise FX4 MAX’s off-road attitude.
The FX4 MAX is endowed with an imposing presence, achieved through changes including off-road suspension tune and 265/70R17 off-road ready tyres. The BF Goodrich All-Terrain K02 tyres, the same as those fitted to the Ford Performance Ranger Raptor, provide outstanding traction on unsealed surfaces and feature tougher sidewalls. They’re fitted to exclusive 17 by 8.0-inch alloy wheels, front and rear, for a +42mm offset and 26mm wider track. The FX4 MAX also includes a matching full-size alloy spare complete with all-terrain tyre.
The FX4 MAX’s alloy wheels are finished in the same bold grey colour to match the FX4 MAX’s grille and exterior details, with, in a first for Ranger – wheel-lip mouldings. The bold grey wheel-lip mouldings are designed to emphasise FX4 MAX’s wide stance and match the detailing across the unique exterior, bolstering the overall impact of FX4 MAX’s upgrades.
Following in the wheel tracks of the Ranger Raptor, the FX4 MAX is offered in a specific colour range, which includes the previously Ranger Raptor-only Conquer Grey paintwork.
Like Ranger Raptor and the entire Ford Ranger line-up, the FX4 MAX’s bespoke suspension and chassis tune is the result of extensive development in Australia, with testing across multiple sites throughout the country, including the Ford’s You Yangs Proving Ground in Victoria. The FX4 MAX’s individual suspension components have been meticulously matched for a unique combination of off-road capability and strong carrying capacity.
“Our goal with the suspension was to extend Ranger’s off-road capabilities, and we started with the basics: suspension travel, vehicle track and shock damping capability,” said Tony Tsiandikos, Ford Chassis Engineering Manager. “The changes mean greater control of the vehicle in more aggressive terrain. As well of course as testing at our Proving Ground in the You Yangs, we took the FX4 MAX through its paces, from the Victorian High Country to South Australia, and we’re confident that these are the very places that FX4 MAX customers will take their own vehicles – it had to cut the mustard, no question, in our playground.”
The 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.
Combined, the 20mm suspension lift and All-Terrain tyres sees FX4 MAX’s ride height 31mm above Ranger XLT, with outright ground clearance to rear differential increased by 19mm to 256mm. In addition, the FX4 MAX delivers greater approach and departure angles than Ranger XLT, to take full advantage of its switchable 4×4 system.
Ranger 4×4 XLT |
Ranger FX4 MAX | |
|---|---|---|
| Approach angle | 29 degrees | 31 degrees |
| Breakover angle | 25 degrees | 25 degrees |
| Departure angle | 21 degrees | 23 degrees |
| Ground Clearance | 237mm | 256mm |
Shared with the Ranger Raptor, the Ranger 4×4 FX4 MAX is powered exclusively by the latest generation, 157kW/500Nm Bi-Turbo powertrain, including the advanced 10-speed automatic. The powertrain enables the FX4 MAX a 981kg payload as well as sharing Ranger’s renowned 3,500kg towing capability. The 10-speed includes a lock-out feature to hold specific gears for ease when towing.
The cockpit of the FX4 MAX is unmistakable, with the exterior’s metal side-steps leading to off-road ready all-weather floor mats and FX4 MAX specific seating inside. The seats feature materials new to Ranger, including carbon-accents with Miko suede inserts and FX4 MAX embroidery. The driver’s feet are treated to Ranger Raptor sports pedals, while a leather-wrap steering wheel shares Black Alley inserts with the door trims and dash applique for greater contrast and a fresh, bold character throughout.
FX4 MAX brings another Ranger first. Centrally positioned above the 8.0-inch full colour, high-resolution touchscreen, which hosts built-in satellite-navigation as well as Apple CarPlay[i] and AndroidTM Auto smartphone compatibility, are six upfitter auxiliary switches.
Fitted on Ford trucks globally, including the legendary F-Series, the switchbank give FX4 MAX 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.
Building on the Ranger FX4, the FX4 MAX includes a comprehensive list of standard features, including AEB with Pedestrian Detection[ii], FordPass[iii] Connect embedded modem, as well as dual-zone climate control, Lane Keep Assist[i] and a full-colour, high resolution reversing camera. Standard on FX4 MAX is a full-size spare wheel complete with BF Goodrich All Terrain tyre.
The FX4 MAX brings customers confidence and peace of mind with a five-year or 150,000 kilometre full factory warranty[iv]. Further adding to the ownership experience, Ford Service Benefits also offers FX4 MAX owners a Service Loan Car, Roadside Assistance and sat-nav map updates[v]. The FX4 MAX also features long 15,000km/12-month service intervals.
The Ford Ranger 4×4 FX4 Max will be available in New Zealand from early 2021.
Ford Ranger 4×4 FX4 Max Pricing
Recommended Retail Price (RRP)[vi] for the Ford Ranger 4×4 Fx4 Max is $69,990.
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services. Ford employs approximately 188,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com
[i] Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Android™ is a trademark of Google Inc. Both require phones with compatible versions of Apple iOS and Android™ (respectively), active data service and genuine USB cable (available separately). Message and data rates may apply. SYNC® does not control Apple CarPlay or Android Auto while in use; Apple Inc and Android™ (respectively) are responsible for their functionality. Warning: Local laws prohibit some or all of the text messaging functions while driving. Check your local road rules before using these functions.
[ii] Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate in some driving and road conditions (including at certain speeds) or adverse weather.
[iii] Use of FordPass is subject to the FordPass Terms and Privacy Policy and the Connected Vehicle Terms and Privacy Policy available on ford.co.nz/fordpass and requires a compatible mobile device, internet access and software (including software updates from time to time). The user is responsible for internet access, mobile network data and voice call services required for use of the FordPass App on their mobile device, including associated fees. The FordPass App and FordPass Connect modem can only work when both are connected to the telecommunications network. Ford cannot guarantee that FordPass will be in fully operating condition at all times and the FordPass App may be unavailable or particular FordPass services interrupted. Ford is not responsible for any limitations or restrictions of the telecommunications network or of the user’s mobile device.
[iv] Warranty conditions apply. Five-year, unlimited kilometre Ford Express New Vehicle Warranty applies to new, demonstrator and loan vehicles delivered from May 1, 2018.
[v] Conditions apply; see ford.co.nz or your preferred Ford dealer for additional details.
[vi] This is the manufacturer’s list price for the vehicle only. A number of other components, including a dealer delivery fee, stamp duty, registration, compulsory third-party insurance and other statutory charges may be payable by a customer in relation to the purchase of this vehicle. The final transaction price for the vehicle will be as negotiated by the customer with their chosen Ford Dealer.
