Ford has released images and information about the new Ford Ranger. Orders will open in late 2022 with customer deliveries expected in early 2023.
The development project was led by Ford’s Product Development Centre in Australia and the company carried out over 5,000 interviews and many customer workshops to provide input for the new vehicle.
Design features include a new grille, C-clamp headlight design and bolder wheel arches. Matrix Led headlamps will be available for the first time on a Ranger.
Inside, the dashboard features all-digital instruments and a 10-inch or 12-inch touchscreen. A factory-fitted FordPass Connect modem will be built-in. Many of the driving mode controls have been moved to a dedicated display on the touchscreen, providing a greater range of controls such as driveline mode, steering angle, vehicle pitch and roll angles among others. The screen is also connected to a 360-degree camera to simplify parking.
The touchscreen and the FordPass app give access to the controls for the new exterior zone lighting system providing lighting around the vehicle after dark. There is more storage space, with a large storage bin in the centre console, an upper glovebox, storage bins under and behind the rear seats and more carrying capacity in the door pockets.
The upgraded chassis provides a 5cm longer wheelbase and 5cm wider track than the current model. More space has been provided in the engine bay to accommodate new engines and future power options. The new front end structure will also permit greater airflow to the radiator.
Power options will include a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine which is new to the Ranger. The Dagenham-built engine is similar to that used by Jaguar Land Rover and is also used in the Ford F150 pickup. Power output and fuel consumption information has not yet been released.
Two two-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines will also be available in both single and bi-turbo options. Transmission options have yet to be revealed but the current ranger is available with either a six-speed manual or ten-speed automatic transmission.
The longer wheelbase has been produced by moving the front axle forward by 5cm, which, according to Ford, provides a better approach angle off-road. The wider track is said to provide better off-road axle articulation. Rear shock absorbers have been moved outboard of the frame rails to improve ride quality under all conditions.
Ford will offer two four-wheel-drive systems – an electronic shift-on-the-fly system and a new full-time four-wheel-drive option. The full time four-wheel-drive option needs no further input from the driver. The system will detect which wheels need torque both on and off-road.
To improve access to the load bed, a step has been built in behind the rear wheels. The wider load bed will accommodate plywood sheets or a full-size pallet.
A new plastic moulded bedliner will be available, and there are more cargo lashing points fitted on steel tube rails attachment points for tilts. Other accessories are concealed under the load area cap rails on the body sides and tailgate.
Dividers help to organise the load bed, while spring-loaded cleats can be attached to the load rails along the load bed sides. help to secure loads. The tailgate has been designed to double as a work bench.
Customers will be able to personalise their Rangers with over 150 accessories including those developed in conjunction with ARB 4×4 Accessories. Rangers will be built at Ford plants in Thailand and South Africa from 2022. Production for other markets will be announced later.
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