Straight to the point, I am concerned the new Ranger, and by extension, the new Everest, have an issue with the 10-speed gearbox when towing which could lead to a failure or longevity issues. In testing, I struggled to keep the indicated gearbox temperature below the upper limit of what the dash suggests is too hot.
Towing a moderate load (last month's cover caravan, the Cub C16) I saw gearbox temperatures reach levels on the dash display that caused enough concern to have me pull up and wait for it to come down. Before you suggest I was heavy-footed, which I admit I often am, I noticed it early in testing and took it very seriously and changed my driving style to see if I could manage what I was seeing on the display. I kept it from hitting its peak, marked by a colour change to red from orange. But I did enter into the orange - which is the top 20 per cent of the display range - at least once, giving me my concerns.
“The dieselV6 in the Ranger is petrolengine smooth and exceptionally quiet making the driving experience rather un ute-like, and serene”
WHAT'S GOING ON?
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