Foton Thunder Ironman 4×4 MT (2015) vs Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L 4×2 MT (2017)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Foton Thunder Ironman 4×4 MT (2015) vs Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L 4×2 MT (2017) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Foton Thunder Ironman 4×4 MT (2015) Foton ₱1,118,000 | Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L 4×2 MT (2017) Ford ₱1,219,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2015 | 2017 |
| Warranty | 100,000km/3-years | 100,000km/3-years |
| Availability | Current | Discontinued |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 2800cc | 2198cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-valve | DOHC 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Max Power | 163 PS @ 3600 rpm | 160 PS @ 3200 rpm |
| Max Torque | 360 Nm @ 1800 rpm | 385 Nm @ 1600-2500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed M/T | 6-Speed M/T |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | RWD |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | Pick Up | Pick Up |
| Segment | Pickup | Pick-Up |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+3 | 2+3 |
| Length (mm) | 5320 | 5277 |
| Width (mm) | 1970 | 2163 |
| Height (mm) | 1870 | 1821 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3105 | 3220 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1800 | — |
| Fuel Tank (L) | 75 | 80 |
| Construction | — | Body On Frame |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone, Spiral Spring, Swaybar | Double Wishbone with Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Longitudinal Leaf Spring, Non-Independent | Leaf Spring |
| Front Wheels | 17 Alloy | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17 Alloy | 17" Alloys |
| Front Tires | 275/75 R17 | 265/65 R17 |
| Rear Tires | 275/75 R17 | 265/65 R17 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Drum | Drum |
| Steering Type | Hydraulic | EPS |
| Steering Column | Tilt | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | No | No |
| Differential Lock | No | No |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | Yes | Yes |
| Brake Assist | No | No |
| Parking Sensors | No | No |
| Stability Control | No | Yes |
| Traction Control | No | Yes |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | No | No |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | No |
| Hill Start Assist | No | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | No | Yes |
| Auto Stop/Start | No | No |
| Driver Airbag | No | Yes |
| Knee Airbag | No | Yes |
| Passenger Airbag | No | Yes |
| Front Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Side Airbags | No | No |
| Engine Immobilizer | No | No |
| Security Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Door Locking | Central Locking | Central Locking |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Manual Aircon | Single Zone Automatic |
| Rear A/C Vents | Yes | No |
| Seat Material | Leather | Fabric |
| Parking Brake | Manual | Manual |
| Key Type | Keyless Entry | Keyless Entry |
| Push-Button Start | No | No |
| Cruise Control | No | Yes |
| Multi-Info Display | No | No |
| Paddle Shifters | No | No |
| Reverse Camera | No | No |
| Auto Headlights | No | No |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Power Seats | No | Yes |
| Remote Trunk Release | No | No |
| Eco Mode | No | No |
| Antenna | yes | yes |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Touchscreen | No | No |
| Navigation | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Apple CarPlay | No | No |
| Android Auto | No | No |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| AUX Input | Yes | Yes |
| AM/FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
| CD Player | Yes | Yes |
| DVD Player | No | No |
| MP3 Playback | No | Yes |
| iPod Support | No | Yes |
| SD Card Slot | No | No |
| Speakers | — | 6 |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlights | Halogen | Halogen |
| Fog Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | No | No |
Foton Thunder Ironman 4×4 MT (2015) vs Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L 4×2 MT (2017): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer weighing cost against capability, the Foton Thunder Ironman 4×4 MT (2015) emerges as the more practical choice if off‑road ability and a lower price tag are priorities. It costs ₱1,118,000, about ₱101,000 less than the 2017 Ford Ranger XLT, and it comes with a genuine 4WD system, giving it better traction on uneven provincial roads and farm tracks. While its 163 PS and 360 Nm torque are slightly lower than the Ranger’s 160 PS and 385 Nm, the Thunder’s torque peaks earlier at 1,800 rpm, which can feel more responsive in low‑speed hauling. Both trucks share the same 5‑seat layout, 4‑door cab and diesel turbo inline‑4 engines, but the Thunder is longer (5,320 mm vs 5,277 mm) and wider (1,970 mm, width not listed for Ranger), offering a marginally roomier cargo bed. The Ranger, however, is a newer 2017 model with a 6‑speed manual and rear‑wheel drive, which may appeal to buyers who prefer a smoother gear spread and plan to stay mostly on paved roads. Both carry the same 100,000 km/3‑year warranty, but the Ranger is discontinued, potentially affecting parts availability. In summary, choose the Foton for lower price, 4WD and rugged utility; opt for the Ford if you value a newer model, extra gear and slightly higher torque for highway cruising.
Frequently asked questions
Which truck is cheaper?
The Foton Thunder Ironman 4×4 MT is priced at ₱1,118,000, which is ₱101,000 less than the Ford Ranger XLT priced at ₱1,219,000.
Which model has more power and torque?
The Ford Ranger XLT produces 160 PS and 385 Nm of torque, while the Foton Thunder delivers 163 PS but only 360 Nm; thus the Ranger has higher torque, though the Thunder has a marginally higher peak power.
Is the Foton or the Ranger better for off‑road use?
The Foton comes with a 4WD drivetrain, giving it superior off‑road capability compared to the Ranger’s RWD setup.
What are the differences in transmission?
The Foton uses a 5‑speed manual transmission, whereas the Ranger is equipped with a 6‑speed manual, offering an extra gear for smoother highway driving.