Production Models

Ford rolled the FX4 Max in March which may have helped it claim the 4x4 pickup first quarter sales crown.

Just from looks alone, this could certainly be true. The Ford Ranger FX4 Max embodies that old-time phrase "ruggedly handsome." Taller than its siblings not named Raptor, the FX4 Max is 5354-millimeters long, 1860mm wide and 1852mm tall.

It is easily distinguished by the grille proclaiming its Ford heritage in large letters, a full-length tubular sports bar finished in matte black, the metal hoop sidesteps with non-slip mounted directly on body.

The metal hoops are cool, not only for how it adds to the FX4 Max's rugged looks but for how it helps with climbing into the cabin without affecting the 4x4s high ground clearance.

The FX4 Max is also outfitted with projector-type headlamps, halogen front fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, side mirrors with turn signal lights that adjust and fold electronically, and a bed liner.

Getting into the FX4 is made easy with the Smart Keyless Entry with Push Button Start and side hoop sidesteps.

The interior has gotten special treatment-leather seat upholstery with carbon accents with Miko suede inserts, as well as embroidery that declares it as an FX4 Max, sports pedals, leather-wrapped steering with Black Alley inserts shared with the door trims.

The FX4 Max also shares the dual color 4.2-inch cluster screens on the instrument panels of the Ranger Wildtrak.

All-weather front and rear floor mats add to the rugged character of the FX4 Max that is meant to be used also for off-road adventures.

The driver's seat in the FX4 Max manually adjust six ways, the front passenger seat adjusts four ways.

The rear bench seat features a center armrest that can be folded up to make room for a third rear passenger.

Unique to the FX4 Max is the auxillary switch pack, which provides easy and convenient connection and use of aftermarket accessories. This is complemented by a 250-amphere alternator specifically to power accessories and reduce reliance on the battery.

Also making it quite comfortable and convenient in the FX4 Max are the power windows and dual-zone automatic airconditioning.

The Ranger FX4 Max comes with the latest in infotainment and connectivity, including an 8-inch color touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, SYNC 3 with Voice-Activated controls, Bluetooth with Phone/Audio streaming, two USB ports, and six speakers.

Checking underneath the hood of the FX4 Max, one finds the same 2-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine capable of generating 213 Ps of power and 500 Newton-meters of torque also found in the Ranger Raptor and the Wildtrak.

The FX4 Max is only offered with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4x4 drivetrain. Ford claims the FX4 Max can haul loads of up to 981 kilograms and can tow trailers of up to 3,500 kilograms.

But what makes the FX4 deserve its Max tag is the tweaked suspension system that gives it great off-road driving capabilities.

The FX4 Max suspension features the new 2-inch monotube Fox shock absorbers on all four wheels, tuned front coil springs, and modified rear leaf springs for greater off-road capability.

The 265/70/R17 BF Goodrich All-Terrain Tires wrapped around 17-inch alloy wheels certainly helped taking off-road trails. Also helping is the 256-millimeter ground clearance.

Hill Launch Assist and Hill Descent Control make it easier to tackle hilly roads, especially those with unpaved surfaces.

Giving confidence to drivers are active and passive safety systems like Anti-lock Brake System plus Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Electronic Stability Control with Roll-Over Mitigation and Traction Control.

Rear sensors aid in reverse parking maneuvers.

Standard safety features in the FX4 Max include airbags for driver and front seat passenger and seatbelts and Child Seat Isofix Anchorage points.

T he Ranger FX4 Max should help Ford continue to rule the 4x4 pickup segment.