16 hours, one woman and a Ford Ranger: A road trip to remember
Giving the Ford Ranger some well-deserved love. This bakkie made my solo Cape Town adventure feel effortless and fun.
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I recently drove the new Ford Ranger XLT all the way from Johannesburg to Cape Town, solo. I'm not going to lie, I felt pretty proud of myself.
I've driven a Ford Ranger before, helping my husband on a trip to the Cape. Back then, he did most of the driving, and I always tell him with a grin: "You're expected to drive well, I don't ask you to write stories."
This time the wheel was mine. Sixteen hours of driving with a few pitstops for water, coffee, energy drinks and snacks, felt surprisingly smooth. Compared to my usual smaller car, this bakkie felt like home on wheels - solid, spacious, and comfortable with lots of room for my overpacked luggage.
It quickly became a girls trip with my mom and stepmom keeping me company and the excitement of seeing my husband after two months made the trip all the easier.
The bakkie resting while I refuel and recharge. Every kilometre feeling easier thanks to its smooth ride and cruise control
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The Ford Ranger, a 2.0l diesel automatic, is packed with features that made the trip effortless. Cruise control kept the long stretches relaxing, the leather seats hugged me comfortably, and the high driving position gave me a commanding view of the road ahead.
The massive infotainment screen keeps music, maps and calls effortless.
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The touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports kept our phones charged and playlist ready. Safety tech like lane-keeping assist, rearview cameras and multiple airbags added confidence on busy highways and winding mountain passes.
According to Stats SA report released in 2020, only about 22% of South African women hold a driver’s licence, far fewer than men, and even fewer regularly take on larger vehicles like bakkies. Driving this Ranger solo felt empowering. Its stability and smooth suspension made long hours behind the wheel surprisingly comfortable, and I felt more confident with every kilometre.
Stopping to soak in the sea breeze at Gordon’s Bay Harbour. The Ford Ranger handled the winding coastal roads like a dream.
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Cape Town welcomed me like an old friend. The Ford Ranger carried me from the Cape Flats, where I reconnected with family and childhood friends, to Fish Hoek, where I spent some time in a posh holiday home overlooking the sea. I explored the beaches, ate more fish-and-chips than I can remember, and soaked in the scenery. A short trip to Porterville took me to a friend’s artsy farmhouse, where him and his husband opened their home to us. Thoughtful touches, like Smarties on the bed, made it feel warm and personal.
It was the first time in five years that I, my brother from the Netherlands and my other brother from Cape Town were in the same room together. We laughed, caught up and connected with our cousins we hadn't seen in years. It was a truly special family reunion.
The drive back was a bit tougher. My son joined me, and without the excitement of anticipation, I felt tired more quickly. Still, the Ranger handled the journey with ease. Spacious, stable and packed with comfort and safety features, it turned what could have been a stressful drive into a genuinely enjoyable experience.
This trip was more than a road trip, it was a personal milestone. I faced my fears, gained confidence, reconnected with my roots, and created memories with loved ones. And the Ford Ranger XLT 2.0L diesel automatic made it all possible, combining comfort, tech and rugged capability in a vehicle I now can’t imagine taking on the road without.