Bigger, more efficient, more family-friendly and more connected, this is how the new Ford Ranger looks. The American pick-up will be launched in Europe at the end of 2022 with four diesel engines to choose from, at prices that remain to be known.
Ford presents the new Ranger. This is a major launch for the American manufacturer, including in Europe because the current generation of the pick-up holds nearly 40% of the market there, in a segment that is admittedly sparsely populated. More than a revolution, the utility with the blue oval has improved on all points “that count” according to its designers., which drew on 5,000 interviews with Ranger owners around the world. The new pickup was developed by the Australian branch of Ford.
An enlarged pick-up for more versatility
The new Ranger looks more massive than its predecessor. This goes through front lights and an enlarged grille giving it a family resemblance with the latest F-150, as well as more angular wheel arches. The rear light units have also been redesigned. The wheelbase of this Ranger has been lengthened by 5 cm compared to that of the previous one by moving the front wheels towards the bow. Combined with the new shape of the engine bay, this operation made it possible to improve the vehicle’s angle of attack and therefore its off-the-beaten-path capabilities.
The utility has also been widened by 5 cm. Its rear shocks pushed out of the chassis rails are supposed to improve on- and off-road behavior while allowing load larger objects such as a full size palette. Steps were installed just behind the rear wheels. The body has a new protective coating, additional tie-down points and dividers. Its tailgate incorporates a rule and tightening zones to serve as a workbench. A wide range of accessories is planned. The exterior lighting that provides light all around the Ranger can be controlled via the on-board touchscreen or the FordPass mobile app.
Utility goes digital
The interior of the new Ford Ranger is intended to be more modern, more comfortable but also more practical in line with the vehicle’s utilitarian vocation. The digital instrument panel is complemented by a central touchscreen displaying 10.1 or 12 inches diagonally depending on the configuration. It is arranged vertically. This monitor allows the use of the new SYNC 4 multimedia system, recently introduced on board the restyled Focus in particular, and which offers, among other things, improved voice recognition compared to the previous version. The dashboard has a double glove box, the center console incorporates a large storage compartment and can accommodate a wireless charger, the door pockets are larger than before, and compartments are also available under and behind the rear seats.
The Ranger on our roads in 2023
The new Ford Ranger will be launched in Europe with a 2.0L turbo diesel four-cylinder offering two power levels, a 2.0L biturbo diesel, and a 3.0L turbo diesel V6. Ford does not communicate the power or torque for the moment. However, the firm announces several types of all-wheel drive in the catalog, a new gearbox control, and driving modes dedicated to all-terrain. Nothing is said about a possible Raptor version.
To learn more about the technical part, but also the equipment and prices of the different finishes visible on the official photos, you will have to be patient. The marketing of the new generation pick-up in Europe is only scheduled for the end of 2022, and the first deliveries for the beginning of 2023. As a reminder, the utility Ford will have as a technical “cousin” the next Volkswagen Amarok, developed on the same technical basis as part of a partnership between their respective manufacturers.
