Next-Gen Ranger Reveal

The #nextgenranger was unveiled on November 24th 2021 which saw the release of the new looks, trim levels and confirmation of 3.0L V6 turbodiesel, single-turbo 2.0L and bi-turbo 2.0L engine options. The 2023 model will be built at plants in Thailand and South Africa beginning in 2022 with European customers being able to customise their vehicle from launch with a range of over 150 fully factory‑backed accessories, co-deisgned with ARB 4x4.

Trim Levels

XL - 16-inch steel wheels, new black grille, halogen DRL, 10.1” touchscreen, ebony interior finish

XLS - 16-inch alloy wheels in a Dark Sparkle Silver finish, new black grille, halogen DRL, 10.1” touchscreen, ebony interior finish

XLT - 17-inch alloy wheels in a Dark Sparkle Silver finish, new upper front grille with a central chrome bar, C-Clamp LED headlights, 10.1” touchscreen, ebony interior finish

Sport - 18-inch alloy wheels with a machined-face, Asphalt Black accents and clear matte finish, black on black grille, 10.1” touchscreen, premium material ebony interior finish

Wildtrak - Boulder Grey 18-inch alloy wheels, unique Wildtrak grille design, signature Wildtrak interior finish, 12” touchscreen

Raptor- [unveiled February 22nd 2022] unique Raptor grille design, signature Raptor interior finish, 12” touchscreen

Engine Options

Ford’s proven 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel
2.0L single-turbo diesel with two different performance levels
2.0L bi-turbo diesel

New Features

Front tow hooks
10.1” and 12” touch screen
Ford Sync 4 OS
New electronic driver’s HUD
All body styles now fits ‘Euro’ sized pallet (1,200mm x 800mm)
Embossed ‘Ranger’ tailgate
Wider stance
High mounted stop lamp now on tailgate rather than sports hoop
Smart efficient powertrains

Rear grab handles
Tub power outlet
USB rear mirror (for dash cam power)
Wireless charging pad
Electronic handbrake
Possible roof auxiliary switches
Re-designed tub with new tailgate and step
Raptor being announced February 2022
LED head and tail lights
Updated grille
Selectable Drive Modes (2H, 4L, 4H, 4A)

What we know so far (Pre-Release)

The new Ford Ranger will be one of the first vehicles under the Ford x VW alliance

In June 2020 Ford and VW signed the final agreement on their partnership in commercial vehicles, autonomous technology and electric vehicles. The alliance is aimed at helping to reduce costs and improve economies of scale. From mentions of a ‘global vehicle’ in various Ford Europe videos we think the Ranger is likely to be near identical across all 180 markets that it’ll be sold in as part of a ‘global vehicle strategy’, unlike the current T6 generation Ranger which is produced in 3 different body styles world wide with 6+ engine options and then 8 trim levels in the United Kingdom alone. (XL, XLT, Limited, Wolftrak, Stormtrak, Wildtrak, Raptor, Raptor SE). The next gen Rangers will be built in Ford’s dedicated pick-up truck plants in Thailand and South Africa.

Sync 4 Info-tainment system

The Ranger is likely to feature Microsoft built, Sync 4 which is a cloud-connected in-car communication and entertainment system. Sync 4A is currently exclusively available on the new Mustang Mach-E featuring new built-in technology, twice the power and processing speed of the previous generation OS, cloud-based connected navigation, advanced voice recognition as well as standard features such as Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

High spec / trim level Rangers to receive a 12.8” portrait orientated screen as seen in gallery above.

Raptor

The Raptor will likely be a similar scenario to how the setup is now. A beefier and better performance version of the Ranger. The next gen Raptor will have Fox shocks all round compared to the standard Rangers having rear leaf springs. Special edition wheels wrapped in A/T tyres like the BF Goodrich KO2, FORD lettered grill.

Engine Configurations

This Ranger is set to be Ford’s most powerful Ranger to date. With information and plans leaked, it seems the Ranger will have 3 engine options; two diesels and a petrol plug-in hybrid.

The first and cheapest engine option in the line up will be a 2.0L four-cylinder bi-turbo (similar to the current 2.0l in 2019 onwards Rangers), the next diesel up being a 3.0L six-cylinder V6, and the final option, a 2.3L (that’s in the Focus ST and Mustang) hybrid. All engine configurations will be available with Ford’s existing 10-speed auto transmission but no word on manual options as of yet.

This all makes logical sense considering the end of production of the old 3.2L engine along with Ford of Europe’s pledge to be only EV or PHEV by 2026.

Disk brakes all-round?

With the additional power being outputted by the new engines and PHEV setup it looks like the new vehicles will come with disk brakes all round compared to the current Rangers which come with drums at the rear unless you fork out for the Raptor.