The all-new next-generation Ford Ranger makes its world debut. All of the images and information you see here relate to the new Ranger midsize truck that will be available in Australia and other world markets. This is not a U.S. specification of the new truck. Still, these images and features provide us with a great deal of information about the next Ranger.
Ford is aiming for the next generation of the Ranger to be a truly global platform and a global design. While the overall dimensions remain approximately the same, the wheelbase has been extended by almost two inches (50 mm), and the track width is also approximately two inches (50 mm) wider than before. The all-new Ford Ranger takes design cues, features, and capability requirements from customers around the globe. I see many influences from the 2021 Ford F-150 and the 2022 Ford Maverick pickup trucks.
New Ford Ranger
Naturally, the front and rear of the truck are all-new. However, the profile view and some of the proportions have not changed much. The current Ford Ranger is already a successful truck, so there is no need to dramatically redesign the entire cab and bed.
The interior is also redesigned, especially the dash, and the driver’s controls. Premium models of the new Ranger will get a vertically oriented 12-inch infotainment screen. An optional 10-inch screen will also be available. The new Ranger is running the SYNC4 software system. If you are familiar with the new 14th-generation F-150 truck (2021+ models) and its SYNC4 features – then you should feel at home in this new Ranger as well.
Ford says the front-end frame section was made slightly wider to allow the Australian version of the new Ranger to accept a 3.0L turbodiesel V6. While the diesel engines are unlikely to reach the U.S. market, Ford states that this “helps future-proof the Ranger for other propulsion technologies.”
What does this mean? We will have to wait and see. If I may speculate for a minute – this may mean that the 2.7L twin-turbo gas V6 from the Ford Bronco would also fit nicely. How about electrification with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric versions? There is no mention of this as of yet.
Ford says the wider front section also allows for a larger radiator, which in turn improves cooling while towing a trailer or hauling heavy loads. Ford did not share any towing or payload numbers at this time.
The bed and the tailgate get some familiar new features. There is a new rear bedside step. It’s not built into the rear bumper like some GM trucks. It’s built into the lower bedside behind the rear tire. The tailgate offers clamp pockets like the new F-150. The bed allows for many do-it-yourself configurations with customized dividers. This is similar to the FlexBed idea in the new Maverick pickup truck.
Ford did not announce the next generation of the Ranger Raptor, but the Ranger Wildtrak is shown in much detail. The new Ranger will offer two 4×4 systems depending on trim and equipment. Rear locking differential, 360-degree cameras, outboard-mounted rear shocks, and Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT/S tires are all available.
Ford says that production of this version of the next Ranger will begin at the Thailand and South African manufacturing facilities in 2022. Pricing and other specifications will be available closer to launch. The debut of the U.S. version of the next Ranger is coming later as well. We anticipate it to happen later in 2022. It should make the all-new U.S. Ford Ranger a 2023 model.
Here is a new Ford Ranger prototype testing next to a Ford Bronco Raptor prototype.
