A frequently asked question we receive is: why did we choose a Ford Ranger and not a Toyota Hilux? In this blog, we share our personal considerations and what ultimately made the difference for us. While we won’t delve into all the technical details, we hope to inspire you to make your own choice.
Which pickup?
When we decided to build a camper based on a pickup, the question quickly arose: which pickup suits us best? There were plenty of options:
- Mitsubishi L200
- Isuzu D-Max
- Toyota Hilux
- Ford Ranger
- Nissan Navara
For us, it eventually came down to two models: the Hilux, due to its legendary reputation, and the Ranger, which we found visually appealing. Since reliability and functionality are essential for our travels to remote areas, we wanted to look beyond appearance.

Global availability
Both the Hilux and the Ranger are sold worldwide. This means parts are generally easy to find in larger cities, a crucial factor for anyone traveling off the beaten path.
Why not the Hilux?
The Hilux is renowned for its reputation for indestructibility, particularly the older generations. This image is often reinforced by anecdotes and stories, such as the famous Top Gear episode. However, during conversations with other travelers, we noticed that many couldn’t substantiate their choice of the Hilux/Toyota with personal experiences or facts. Others admitted they simply relied on the brand’s established reputation without doing comparative research or sharing their own experiences. These discussions confirmed our desire to look beyond reputation and focus on concrete facts and personal preferences. While we have great respect for the Hilux, we wanted to choose a vehicle based on our own research and priorities.
Why the Ranger?
To get a clear picture of the Ford Ranger, we reviewed many tests, especially from Australia – a country known for its demanding 4×4 market. Starting with the PX2 model (from 2016), the Ranger proved to be comparable to the Hilux in terms of reliability and technology. Additionally, we found the Ranger more attractive in design and more luxurious during test drives. It drives more like a passenger car, while the Hilux reminded us more of a commercial vehicle.



The configuration
For our camper build, we deliberately chose an extended cab. This offers the ideal combination of functionality and space: enough room to store items like jackets and bags behind the seats, with fully adjustable seats. The extended cab also allows for two additional seats, which is perfect for carrying passengers on short trips. This flexibility makes traveling more comfortable and versatile. A double cab is not suitable as a camper base in the Netherlands, and a single cab was too small for us.
Price and specifications
A 2016 Ranger PX2 with 200 hp and an automatic transmission offered a much better price-performance ratio than a comparable Hilux. A Hilux with similar specifications was simply out of reach for our budget, while the Ranger perfectly fit within our means. With the Ranger, we could find a model with 200 hp and an automatic transmission within our budget – a combination that the Hilux only started offering from 2021 onward. For the same budget, we could only get a 150 hp manual model of the Hilux.

Conclusion
Here’s a summary of our key considerations:
- Both the Ranger and Hilux are sold worldwide.
- Starting in 2016, the Ranger is comparable in reliability and technology to the Hilux.
- We find the Ranger more visually appealing.
- The Ranger’s price and specifications better fit our budget.
- The Ranger offered the configuration we were looking for (extended cab, 200 hp, automatic transmission).
For us, the Ford Ranger turned out to be the best choice. This doesn’t mean the Hilux is a bad pickup, but we encourage everyone to do their own research and base their choice on facts, personal needs, and preferences.
You might wonder: if the 2016 Hilux had also been available with 200 hp and an automatic transmission, would we still have chosen the Ranger? The answer is yes! Our considerations went beyond price. If we truly wanted a Hilux, we would have saved longer to get a 2021 model.
Since we believe in both vehicles and want to leave the choice to you, our cabin is also compatible with the Toyota Hilux. Curious about other vehicles? Feel free to inquire about the possibilities.
Want to learn more about our adventures in a Land Roamer cabin? Check out our Instagram or overview page.
Got questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us!