Ford Australia introduced the FX4 to the Australian range in February 2017 as part of the PX Mk II update.
Based on the XLT, the FX4 could be considered an early prototype for the Ranger Raptor that appeared a few years later. A kind of black-pack special, the FX4 filled yet another niche that the Wildtrak didn’t and was – according to Ford – inspired by the success of the XLS special edition.
Ford also saw an opportunity in the market for the FX4 based on the impressive sales of both the Wildtrak and XLT variants. The FX4 name is lifted from an F150 special edition that was meant for heavier-duty off-roading.
All prices reflect the MSRP in 2017.
The FX4 is based on the XLT specification with a price difference of $3500.
4×4 dual-cab pick-up 3.2L manual: $58,915
4×4 dual-cab pick-up 3.2L automatic: $61,115
Pricing at launch attracted a $3500 premium over the XLT. The additions amounted to:
- New Stark Grey design 18-inch alloy wheels
- black roof rails
- black bonnet and tailgate decal wraps
- FX4 side decals
- black sports bar, rear bumper, side steps and door handles
- FX4-exclusive black grille
- black fog lamp bezels, exterior mirrors and fender features
- leather accented ‘FX4’ branded seats
- front and rear carpet mats
- black interior highlights
The 18-inch wheels were an inch bigger than the XLT’s while the rest was purely cosmetic. “Leather accented” basically means fake leather, which probably isn’t a bad thing for a ute that’s supposed to be a bit rough and tumble but likely spends most of its life on the school and soccer run.
The base XLT included:
- SYNC3
- 8.0-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite navigation
Some FX4s might be fitted with the $800 XLT Tech Pack which adds a range of safety technology including:
- lane departure warning
- lane keep assist
- forward collision warning
- driver attention detection
- auto high beam
- cruise control with distance control
Naturally, there are a gazillion accessories sold by dealers and third-party manufacturers.
- Frozen White
- Ingot Silver
- Magnetic
- Shadow Black
Only Frozen White was free, the other three colours were a $550 extra-cost option.
The FX4 shipped with just one engine, the 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel also seen in the Wildtrak. It’s a common-rail diesel with a variable-vane turbocharger and a timing chain.
| Size: | 3.2-litre |
| Cylinders: | 5 in-line |
| Induction: | Turbo intercooled |
| Compression: | 18:1 |
| Power: | 105kW @ 3500rpm |
| Torque: | 330Nm @ 1800rpm |
| Transmission: | manual: six-speed automatic: six-speed |
It’s a strong engine and works very well with the six-speed automatic.
These fuel economy figures are based on the ADR standard which is a short, lab-based test that is not always accurately reflected in the real world.
Checking over a few reviews of the Ranger FX4 showed most testers saw between 9.0L/100km and 10.5L/100km, usually over a week.
Around town you’ll probably drain the tank in about 750km depending on your driving style and out on the freeway you should nail almost 1000km as long as you’re not dragging a boat or a horse float or you’re not loaded to gills with stuff.
| Urban | Combined | Highway | |
| Six-speed auto | 11.2L/100km | 8.7L/100km | 7.3L/100km |
| Six-speed manual | NA | 8.3L/100km | NA |
Fuel tank size: 80 litres
