Urban flooding after heavy rains has become a constant worry for many Vietnamese people, especially car owners. In this context, a car’s water fording capability becomes a crucial factor when choosing a vehicle, especially for those living in frequently flooded areas. So, among the myriad of options on the market, which pickup truck truly is the best water fording pickup truck today? This article, compiled by experts from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình website, will provide you with the most comprehensive and in-depth look at this topic.
Criteria for Evaluating the Best Water Fording Pickup Trucks
What factors should we consider when evaluating a best water fording pickup truck? Typically, the two most important technical specifications mentioned are ground clearance and water fording capability.
Ground clearance is the distance measured from the ground to the lowest point of the vehicle’s undercarriage. This specification determines the ability to overcome obstacles on the road, as well as safety when the vehicle moves into flooded areas. The higher the ground clearance, the less likely the vehicle is to scrape the undercarriage, and the lower the risk of water entering the engine compartment and electrical system. For pickup trucks, an ideal ground clearance is usually from 200mm or more, helping the vehicle confidently overcome rough, flooded roads.
Water fording capability (also known as water wading depth) is the maximum water depth that a vehicle can safely travel through without causing damage to the engine and other important systems. This specification is usually published by the manufacturer and measured in millimeters (mm). A vehicle’s water fording capability depends on many factors, including the location of the engine air intake, how well the electrical system is sealed, and the overall design of the vehicle. A best water fording pickup truck needs to have a water fording capability of 700mm or more to ensure safety when driving in flooded conditions in Vietnam.
In addition to these two main criteria, when choosing the best water fording pickup truck, you should also consider the drive system (2WD or 4WD), off-road driving support modes, and the ability to protect important vehicle components from water.
Quality car for water fording conditions
Top Best Water Fording Pickup Trucks Today
Below is a list of the best water fording pickup truck models on the Vietnamese market in 2024, evaluated based on the criteria analyzed above, along with other outstanding advantages:
Ford Ranger – The King of Pickup Trucks in Water Fording Capability
It’s no exaggeration to say that the Ford Ranger is one of the best water fording pickup trucks available today. With a long history and established reputation, the Ford Ranger has always been a top choice in the multipurpose pickup truck segment. The latest Ranger version has overall dimensions (Length x Width x Height) of 5362 x 1860 x 1830 mm, a wheelbase of 3.22 mm, and a ground clearance of 200mm, helping the vehicle easily overcome difficult terrain and confidently ford water up to 800 mm. This is an impressive figure, surpassing many competitors in the segment.
The power of the Ford Ranger comes from the 2.0L i4 TDCi Bi-Turbo Diesel engine, producing a maximum output of 213 horsepower at 3750 rpm and a maximum torque of 500 Nm in the range of 1750 – 2000 rpm. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4-wheel drive system, providing powerful and flexible performance on all terrains, even in deep water.
The Ford Ranger is not only powerful but also equipped with a range of advanced safety and driving assistance technologies, including:
- Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist (LDW & LKA)
- Adaptive Cruise Control
With outstanding advantages in water fording capability, engine power, and modern technology, the Ford Ranger deserves to be one of the best water fording pickup trucks trusted by Vietnamese consumers. The current price of the Ford Ranger ranges from 628 to 937 million VND, depending on the version and equipment.
Ford Ranger is a good water fording car
Mazda BT-50 – Versatile Pickup Truck With Superior Water Fording Capability
Another name that cannot be ignored when mentioning the best water fording pickup truck is the Mazda BT-50. This model not only impresses with its modern, elegant appearance but also possesses powerful performance and remarkable water fording capability.
The Mazda BT-50 has a wheelbase of 3.125 mm, overall dimensions (Length x Width x Height) of 5280 x 1870 x 1800 mm, and a ground clearance of 237 mm. With this impressive ground clearance specification, the Mazda BT-50 has the ability to ford water up to 800 mm, equivalent to the Ford Ranger, helping drivers feel secure when moving through deep flooded roads. The overall size of the Mazda BT-50 is also quite balanced, suitable for both urban and off-road driving.
In the Vietnamese market, the Mazda BT-50 is equipped with a powerful diesel engine, providing an exhilarating driving experience. The price of the Mazda BT-50 ranges from 659 to 849 million VND depending on the version.
Mazda BT-50 pickup truck in silver color
Ford Everest – 7-Seater SUV with High Ground Clearance, Strong Water Fording
Although not a pure pickup truck, the Ford Everest, with its platform similar to the Ford Ranger, is also a worthy consideration if you prioritize good water fording capability. The Ford Everest belongs to the 7-seater SUV segment, possessing a ground clearance of 210mm and a water fording capability of 800mm, equivalent to the Ford Ranger. The car is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and optional RWD or 4WD drive system, making it easy to overcome obstacles.
The Ford Everest offers a spacious and comfortable interior, suitable for large families or long trips. The price of the Ford Everest ranges from 1.099 billion to 1.452 billion VND.
Ford Everest SUV driving through water
Important Notes When Driving a Pickup Truck Through Flooded Areas
Even if you own a best water fording pickup truck, driving through flooded areas still carries many risks. To ensure safety and protect your vehicle, remember the following notes:
- Observe and assess the water depth: Before deciding to cross a flooded area, observe carefully and estimate the depth of the water. If the water level is too deep or flowing rapidly, absolutely do not take risks.
- Drive slowly and steadily: When driving into a flooded area, move at a slow, steady speed and maintain a stable engine rpm. Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration, which can cause water to enter the air intake.
- Turn off the air conditioner: Turning off the air conditioner will help reduce the load on the engine and prevent the cooling fan from drawing water into the engine compartment.
- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front: To avoid being surprised when the vehicle in front encounters problems, maintain a safe distance and observe the traffic situation ahead.
- After exiting the flooded area, check the vehicle: After crossing the flooded area, stop the vehicle in a safe place and check the brakes, engine, electrical system, and undercarriage to ensure there are no problems.
Address to Buy the Best Water Fording Pickup Trucks at Good Prices
Are you looking for a best water fording pickup truck at an affordable price? Visit Chợ Tốt Xe now. This is a reputable online car trading channel with thousands of listings for pickup trucks from dealers and individual users nationwide. At Chợ Tốt Xe, you can easily search, compare car models, view detailed information, images, prices, and contact sellers directly for the best advice and support.
Chợ Tốt Xe – The place to find the best water fording pickup trucks with diverse choices and competitive prices.
Conclusion
Water fording capability is an increasingly important factor when choosing a car in Vietnam, especially for pickup trucks. Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 are two of the best water fording pickup trucks today, with powerful performance, high ground clearance, and impressive water fording capabilities. Hopefully, this article has provided you with useful information to make a decision on choosing the best water fording pickup truck that suits your needs and usage conditions. Wish you find your desired car and always be safe on every journey!