Configurator Challenge: 2023 Ford Ranger | Biden News

Customization is all the rage right now, but the choices can be seriously confusing. In our configurator call we have enabled drive on the manufacturer’s website to create the perfect combination for a particular model.

The all-new 2023 Ford Ranger was the focus of this week’s challenge after Ford Australia’s “build and price” tool went live on Thursday night for all variants, including the twin-turbo V6 hero Raptor.

Tell us what your ideal 2023 Ford Ranger would look like in the comments below (customize yours here) and what cars you’d like us to customize next.

Full disclosure: I have a head start drive colleagues for this Configurator Challenge because I already specified the car.

I ordered a Ford Ranger Raptor in white with no stripes and no studded wheels.

I had a black Ford Ranger Raptor before and it looked good the day I bought it and the day I sold it. So white for me this time.

That means I’m saving $675 on metallic paint, $500 on factory stripes, and $2,000 on the extra lock-on wheels (which, if ordered after the car is delivered, cost $5,000 just for the rims).

On Ford’s website – with private registration in the NSW metropolitan area – that’s about $92,127 on the road.

I’m looking forward to seeing the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine and 10-speed automatic transmission move the pickup’s 2.4 tons.

But, as with many Ford Ranger buyers, it was a tough choice.

I was also looking at the Ford Ranger Wildtrak (in white) but with the 3.0L V6 single turbo diesel.

On Ford’s website, a standard Ford Ranger Wildtrak with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel is priced at $73,228 on the road (registered at Metro Sydney). But I ticked the option for Matrix LED headlamps ($1,500) and the 3.0-litre V6 single-turbo diesel ($3,000), which, with stamp duty, cost $77,913 on-the-road as assessed on Ford’s website.

If the budget isn’t that big, I think the Ford Ranger XLT twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel is the best buy. In standard form it’s priced at $67,098 on-the-road on Ford’s website (Sydney metro registration), but I opted for the Blue Lightning Blue Metallic paint ($675) which, including stamp duty, cost $67,794 on-the-road.

The fuel efficiency of this engine is appealing, as is the (what I expect) softer ride on 17-inch wheels and tires, and cloth seats (so you don’t burn the backs of your legs in the summer).

My wish list: to be able to option matrix LED headlights on the XLT trim. Now that would be a nice setup.

Given the near ubiquity of double cab cars, I had to go with something completely different.

When you see the ‘Super Cab’ Ranger in pictures, it really stands out, and its limited availability (XL and XLT only) makes it an even rarer beast. That extra tray length and some dry and secure cabin storage seems just right for me as an alternate universe adventurer.

I chose the 2.0-liter bi-turbo engine and the XLT trim. There’s no optional V6 cab, but you can bet if it was, it would be my choice.

As I have a bit of a history with monochrome cars in my own garage, Meteor Gray was the obvious choice, but I had a hard time going past Lightning Blue – it’s such a pretty shade and almost made it into the category.

With no other options to choose from, the rest is standard XLT fare, from the dark 17-inch alloy wheels to the chrome exterior trim, the rear sports bar in the tub and the rear tow bar. Inside is a massive 10.1-inch touchscreen and digital instruments with a fabric border.

Simple as it may be, Ford’s price estimate sees me forking out $64,570 (Melbourne) for the optional XLT cab. This will definitely keep them relatively rare in the real world

I’m not exactly your typical buyer, but I will say that the Raptor has always appealed to me.

Firstly, I’m not normally a fan of diesels (as I mentioned, I’m not your typical buyer) and as this is the only petrol Ranger available, it’s an easy call. Second, I’ve always liked the integrated Ford branding on the grille, which I predict will continue to spark imitators for years to come.

I was tempted by the ‘Code Orange’ paint option, but I don’t like being stared at, so I went with the more subtle ‘conquer grey’. In my personal opinion, the black and red leather interior that comes standard on the Raptor is truly hideous, but my dad is a die-hard Bombers fan, so at least he’ll be happy with it.

Obviously the whole thing is going to cost me $91,577 to go. But can I help my friends move? Priceless.

It took a long time to get past the Ranger Raptor, but if I were buying a new Ranger I’d be perfectly comfortable with the Ranger Sport spec.

Still interested in six-cylinder power, I opted for the extra power provided by the 3.0-litre single-turbo diesel (184kW/600Nm).

I’m a big fan of the Blue Lightning color, which costs an extra $675. There are no interior upholstery options other than the standard black cloth, which is a bit of a shame.

Currently my Ranger Sport would cost $72,270 on the road if delivered to Melbourne.

Unfortunately, there are relatively few ways to customize your Ranger in the configurator at the moment, but hopefully Ford will open up more possibilities for the Ranger someday.

For years, I’ve tried to tell anyone who would listen that modern cars can be turned into fun, practical sports cars – if you apply the right formula. This new generation Ranger may not come with a manual, but for around $70k you can buy a car with 600Nm and all-wheel drive – everything you need for mobbing fun.

My pick is the Ranger XLT – the lowest available option with the 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6. Its 184kW is good, but plenty of torque and a 10-speed automatic should give it everything it needs to enjoy the road. Add a Touring Pack for 360 cameras and a Tough Bedliner for durability and resale value, finish it off in Shadow Black and you’re done…almost.

I already have two all-wheel drive, I don’t really need another one. And off-road rangers are everywhere. This means I’d like to drop the double cab onto a set of TE37 alloy wheels with sticky rubber (and white lettering), along with some upgraded suspension bushings. All it needs is a rear canopy for even weight distribution, and you’ve got a fun family truck with tons of practicality.

As quick and tough as the Raptor is, I can’t justify spending around $95,000 a ride, and 292kW is a lot for all-terrain tires on suburban streets – hence one of the diesels, specifically the new 3.0-litre V6.

But when you factor in each option, the price difference between the XLT and the Wildtrak is “only” about $6,000 — and all those features you really should get as standard on a $70,000 car, but not on the XLT, like wireless charging phone, heated leather seats, a 360-degree camera and a larger infotainment screen.

So, for me, it was the Wildtrak V6 decked out in $675 Luxe Yellow metallic paint and the $1,500 Wildtrak Premium Pack with Matrix LED headlights and Bang & Olufsen premium audio.

The final price is $78,609 for the road using my Sydney postcode.

That’s a lot for a Ford commercial vehicle, but considering you can spend the same money on a Mazda BT-50 Thunder – and end up with less power, less tech and safety (but some extras), it’s not too bad .