The Arabian winter brings with it many good things. The most prominent of which is the ability to finally get out and enjoy the great outdoors the Gulf has to offer—be it the sun, sand or surf.
For the men of the Middle East who love their outdoors, however, finding the right, tough as nails vehicle to do all of that, and look uber-cool while doing it has always been a challenge. You can’t tow your water scooter with your family sedan, can you?
Enter Ford with its tough as nails portfolio of beasts that are all about that truck life.
Comprising of the F-150, the F-150 Raptor, and the Ranger, Ford’s 2018 portfolio sets the standard for do-it-all rugged and robust pickups for those who live and breathe the great outdoors.
The 2018 iterations of these three trucks are better, smarter, but just as tough as its predecessors. With a combination of intelligent design and their many built-in tools, these pickups get the job done.
The original – F-150
The one that started it all, the F-150, was America’s best-selling truck for 42 consecutive years and its best-selling vehicle for 36 years.
The 2018 F-150 sports is its most advanced iteration yet.
On the performance front, engineers have pushed the F-150 to the front of the queue with five naturally aspirated and turbocharged engine choices, fuel-saving Auto Start-Stop Technology, and a 10-speed Automatic Transmission.
Compared to its 6-speed gearbox predecessor, the 10-speed transmission delivers improved performance, with enhanced acceleration. What’s more, you can choose from selectable modes: Normal, Tow-Haul, Deep Sand Mode, EcoSelect, and Sport to really churn out peak performance.
Complimenting that is the F-150’s high-strength, aluminum alloy, the same high-grade 6000-series used in heavy industrial application, which not only makes it stronger but also lighter than the previous generation by 318 kg.
The F150 comes loaded with tech that makes tough climbs and tows easy to execute. Features such as ill Start Assist, which prevents rollback on slopes, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which makes backing up a trailer as easy as turning a knob.
All of this tech and others like Dynamic Hitch Assist and Smart trailer tow connector can be monitored via an 8-inch LCD Productivity Screen, that provides useful information on the instrument cluster.
Other useful technology features include a 360-degree camera with a split-view display that uses four cameras to see all sides of the truck, the SYNC 3 infotainment system that is now touch-enabled and integrated with Apple CarPlay, and a Blind Spot Information System that provides coverage even for the trailer you’re towing.
Speaking of towing, the F-150 can pull more than ever before — and more than any other pickup in its class at a peak 6,000 kgs.
Yes, this is the original tough as nails pickup!
The dune basher – F-150 Raptor
The F-150 Raptor takes everything that is great with the F-150 and takes it to the next level. The most aggressive and impressive Raptor to date, this truck is bigger and better than the F-150 and can do it all in its most natural environment—the desert.
Armed with a High-Output 3.5 L EcoBoost engine, with 421 Net PS and 678 nm of torque, 3.0-inch diameter FOX Racing Shox, and an intelligent Terrain Management System, the F-150 Raptor conquers sand dunes as it were cheesecake.
The EcoBoost engine is a leader amongst equals. Traditional engines let air flow from engine exhaust go to waste. The EcoBoost turbocharger uses it to generate more horsepower that makes the F-150 Raptor a monster.
The Terrain Management System is armed with six preset modes – Normal, Sport, Weather, Mud/Sand, Baja, and Rock/Crawl – that demolishes every terrain and weather condition possible to find.
Taking dune-bashing to an intimidating new level is easy for the Raptor whose high-strength, aluminum alloy body and robust steel frame make it approximately 225 KG lighter than before.
But even off the dunes, the Raptor does what is expected with a maximum payload weight of 450 KG and a towing capability of over 5,000KG.
Combined with technology such as Lane-keeping System, Lane-departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Mitigation, the Raptor excels on the flats as much as it does on the dunes.
Crucial other technology features include the 360-Degree Camera with split-view display provides multiple views around the vehicle, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with voice-activated technology that makes navigation a cinch.
Most of all, it looks incredible while doing it all.
The midsize hero – Ranger
The Ranger is no stranger to the dangers and risks of conquering the outdoors, even the harsh Arabian Peninsula. But with a combination of strategically placed cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and a sophisticated radar, this midsize pickup always keeps you safe and in control.
Tools like the electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) system, which lets you change from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive and back again at the flick of a switch are why the Ranger can compete with the best.
On-road features like the Adjustable Speed Limiter, which lets you set and stick to a maximum speed, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual sequential-shift capability make the Ranger one of the smoothest rides available.
The Ranger comes with some of the most spacious and durable interiors ever that include leather seats, six airbags, and a fully-loaded center console, making it a perfect combination of comfort and safety.
Targetting the technophiles amongst us, the Ranger comes fully tricked out.
Its many features include the totally hands-free SYNC 3 infotainment system with an upgraded 8-inch LCD touchscreen and a dual TFT instrument cluster that displays all types of content – from infotainment to performance – on a low-glare, high-quality flat screen.
But the real purpose of the Ranger for the outdoorsman is its ability to tow and carry in the most extreme conditions, and this is where the Ranger shows up with its ultra-high-strength chassis, torque-heavy engines, and superior suspension.
Torture-tested in the real world to backbreaking extremes in the harshest climates and terrains, the Ranger comes with an unbeatable 3,500 kg towing capability combined with Trailer Sway Control and a payload capacity of up to 1,198 kg to haul the most backbreaking of loads with complete ease.
Powering this durability and strength are the Ranger’s trio of diesel engines that not only deliver the superior power but are also more fuel-efficient than ever before.
Making you spend more time on the move, and less time at the fuel pump, the engines come in three diesel variants–2.2L, 2.5L, and 3.2L TDCi—that pump out enhanced performance, fuel economy and reduced emissions.
With the cutting-edge technology and unbeatable power underpinning its class-leading levels of towing and carrying ability, the Ranger is the midsize pickup of the season for those who love their outdoors.
(Disclaimer: This is paid content from a Mashable Middle East brand partner)