Ford has given us a sneak peek into what to expect from the upcoming next-generation Ford Ranger. With radical new styling and high-end technology, the next-generation Ford Ranger is set to take the LCV and double cab market by storm.
Speaking to international media, Ford SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) revealed how the new Ford Ranger is the result of extensive market research, helping them create the most customer-centric product they possibly can.
Related: Everything you need to know about the Ford Ranger
Sampling a wide variety of customers from across the globe, spending time on sites and with them as they utilise their existing Rangers for daily duties, the researchers have managed to include a host of features in the upcoming Ranger that solve many of the existing problems customers face.
Style
There will be no mistaking the new Ford Ranger for anything but what it is, a light truck that is Built Ford Tough. Strong lines and a more upright design sees the new Ranger boxier than before. This hard-edged design approach is offset by casual creases in the flanks that echo the outgoing version.
The front grille design is more masculine with trapezoidal detailing, a theme that is carried over into the interior. The centre spar of the grille extends into the headlights that are fitted with signature C-shaped DRL elements. The Ford design team have held back on the brightwork, replacing it with satin finishes and piano black trims on the interior.
The new Ranger is also wider than before, creating more interior space and making the load bin more functional than it has been. At the rear, the tailgate has been stamped with the Ranger name and is flanked by stylish taillights.
Interior
The cabin f the new Ranger employs a horizontal theme with clever use of high-end material to create the best environment that combines comfort and practicality. Additional storage, but visible and hidden places your items in convenient locations.
The large 12-inch portrait orientated infotainment system that runs Ford’s SYNC 4 OS houses many of the functions and controls that you need and is flanked by air vents with the same trapezoidal theme as seen on the exterior. The driver’s gauge cluster is also fitted with a fully digital display.
The interior door releases are incorporated into the handle, allowing for one-hand operation. In fact, much of the interior has been designed to be more practical and ergonomic with less frequently required controls placed in one area with others placed within easy reach.
Functionality
A great deal of emphasis has been placed on functionality with the next-gen Ford Ranger. The infotainment screen houses a dedicated off-road screen with access to the 360-degree camera, steering angle, drivetrain mode and numerous other features that are handy when tackling a trail.
A step box has been included behind the rear wheels, making it easier to load and unload the rear bin and offering a step up for better access to the bin. The tailgate also doubles as a workbench and offers a built-in ruler and clamping notches while the load bin has additional lighting in both rails for illumination when things get dark. In fact, all the exterior lights can be activated when the vehicle is parked via the infotainment screen to allow for the area around the Ranger to be lit, a boon for those who only set up camp after dusk or those working late into the night.
The wider load bin, a product of the redesigned suspension, is now wide enough to accept a standard pallet and load weights have been improved. Modular side mounting points also allow for quick and easy switching between fixtures on the back allowing you to switch from a canopy to sidebars quickly and easily.
Engines
While information on our local specification is yet to be released, this 3rd incarnation of the T6 Ranger will see it available with a choice of three diesel engines and one petrol engine.
The 2.0 BiTurbo remains as the core offering with the single turbo version available in two power outputs. Ford has included the revised 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine as an alternative and enthusiasts can rejoice as the next-gen Ranger will also get a 3.0-litre V6.
We were assured that this is the Ford powerplant and despite the collaboration with Volkswagen, this is not the same unit as found in the current V6 Amarok.
Drivetrains
These engines will be mated to a revised 10R80 10-speed automatic with a new torque converter and updated gear ratios. Also on offer is the 6R80 6-speed unit on single turbo offerings as well as a new MT88 manual gearbox on certain models.
Ford will also be offering a new 4x4 system that features on-demand drive. This system will allow you to set and forget the power delivery and see the computers adjust the torque biasing based on the terrain and driving requirements. This will be offered in addition to the existing shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system that is currently employed in Ranger models.
New drive modes, previously only available on Raptors, will be made more abundant through the range and will tie into the aforementioned off-road control interface.
Revisions to the suspension will see the 2022 Ranger ride more compliant on the road and handle the rough stuff better as well. The rear dampers have been moved outwards and recalibrated while the front axle has been moved forward and given more articulation. This design feature will see the Ranger’s approach angle improve over the outgoing model.
South Africa
We’re yet to hear when the new Ranger will launch n South Africa and no pricing has been released yet but we anticipate that pricing will remain competitive and expect to see a local launch in mid-2022.
**Note: local specifications may vary from those listed above. More information will be made available closer to the local launch.
