Make no mistake, when you’re doing fair-dinkum 4X4ing and touring, your 4X4s interior cops just as much of a hiding as its exterior. Mud, sand, dirt, and all sorts of grit and grim commonly make their way inside on your hands, clothes, and boots and can wreak havoc. To keep the Rangers interior looking semi-respectable we fitted up a set of WeatherTech FloorLiners front and back a couple of years back.
After putting them through two full laps of Australia, spanning every terrain you can imagine, from the muddiest tracks in the south to the dusty desert expanses of the outback, we figured now was the time to check in and see how they’re holding up.
The standout feature is their ability to completely block mud, sand, and all manner of debris from seeping through to the carpet. After thousands of kilometres of rough tracks and unpredictable weather, not a single speck has penetrated the floor liners. Even after trudging through ankle-deep mud or kicking up fine red dust, the interior stayed in decent nick. That’s no small feat for any floor mat in such brutal conditions.
One thing we really appreciate is how they stay locked in place. There’s no creeping or sliding under the pedals, which is an issue we’ve found with other brands after long hours of driving. This was a major win, especially when navigating technical tracks where you can’t afford distractions like a mat bunched under your accelerator.
The fitment is another area where WeatherTech shines. Thanks to their laser-measured, custom fit design, the mats hug the entire footwell, from the front to the back and even up the sides. This means that spills, mud, or sand get directed into channels and reservoirs, away from your feet, and can be easily tipped out over the door sill.
After the abuse we’ve thrown at them, the mats are naturally a bit scratched up. Hours of boots grinding on them while shifting between high and low range will do that. But overall, they still look great and are far from worn out. It’s more of a cosmetic wear rather than any kind of degradation to the mats’ performance. They’ve held their shape, retained flexibility, and continue to do their job with the same efficiency as day one.
In terms of cleaning, the channelling system works wonders. Whether it’s wet sand or a puddle of muddy water, the slosh stays put, keeping your shoes and socks dry. When it’s time to clean, a quick dump and rinse and you’re good to go—no fuss, just effective.
The durability of the rear liners is equally impressive. Despite regular use, passengers stomping in and out, and plenty of dirt and debris being kicked up, the mats have remained just as tough and flexible, even in the extremes of Aussie weather.
Final Verdict
If you’re after a floor mat that doesn’t just look the part but truly performs in harsh conditions, WeatherTech FloorLiners are worth every cent. They’ve proven their mettle after two hard laps around the country, and with a third trip in the plans they’re showing no signs of slowing down yet.
