Ford Ranger
It’s rare that a brand brings out two all-new commercial vehicles in the same year and that both leap straight to the top of their class, but Ford has managed it. Were it not for the arrival of the Transit Custom, there would have been a real case for the new Ranger pickup being named the overall Commercial Vehicle of The Year as well as the Best Pickup 2024.
It is tough to make huge advances in the pickup sector, given that it has to be tough, capable off road and able to take a hefty payload in the rear to satisfy both tax systems and demanding buyers. Even operating within those parameters, the Ranger has made notable strides forward and the new model is an excellent new truck.
It’s fantastic to drive, has a brilliant interior and has more space than its predecessor, making it more versatile for those that want to transport people just as much as they want to carry a heavy pile in the loading bay. It moves the game on and cements its place as the best of those available.
Read our full Ford Ranger review
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Based on a 43-year-old male the Ford Ranger would cost TBC to insure.
*Insurance quotes are from mustard.co.uk and are based on a 43-year-old, employed married male living in Stowmarket with nine-years’ NCD and no claims or convictions. Insurance quotes will vary depending on individual circumstances.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Volkswagen Amarok
But why the Ranger and not the almost-identical Volkswagen Amarok we hear you (possibly) cry? The two are fundamentally the same vehicle in many ways, having been co-developed, with Ford as the lead partner in the agreement. However, there are a few small differentiating factors at play here.
Firstly, you have to be careful which Amarok you pick – the top-spec Aventura trim comes with equipment that brings its payload below the tax-critical 1,000kg mark. That potential pitfall alone is sufficient for the Ranger to edge ahead, but the lack of rival to the ludicrous but fantastically entertaining Ranger Raptor means that the VW has to settle for second place. This doesn’t stop it being a fantastic pickup, though, and we wouldn’t begrudge anyone choosing one.
Read our full Volkswagen Amarok review
Toyota Hilux
The Hilux relinquishes its hold on the Best Pickup title this year, but only in the face of two supremely accomplished new rivals in the form of the Ranger and the Amarok. The Hilux is still an excellent truck, even if it no longer feels like the smartest and most high-tech option in the class.
It’s got a strong engine offering, with the 2.8-litre diesel providing a good mix of off-road ability and on-road performance. It’s also got a selection of well-equipped and more lifestyle-centric versions, with the brand’s GR Sport arm lending its name to some particularly desirable ones. It’s also worth pointing out the Hilux’s 10-year warranty, potentially making it a better long-term option than the Ford and VW.
Read our full Toyota Hilux review
