Under the strictest of embargos, we attended the virtual global reveal of the next-generation Ranger, it’s their most capable and most versatile Ranger yet. Redesigned from the ground up, It’s smarter than ever, carries more gear and even comes with a ‘box step’ for us little people.
Following extensive (and I mean extensive) consultation with Ranger and other truck owners, Ford have developed a new ute that has been created to help you work, rest and play – and maybe have some adventure along the way too.
The Next-Gen Ford Ranger takes its design cues from Ford’s global truck portfolio with a bold new design, a wider stance (+50mm), more prominent grille and signature ‘C-clamp’ daytime running lamps with powerful halogen or LED technology.
The Ranger’s athletic and powerful exterior design also incorporates a new tailgate with RANGER stamped on it and a choice of halogen or LED taillights that add to the truck’s tougher personality. Depending on the variant, an available tailgate work surface provides a built-in ruler and cupholders. What’s more, new clamp pockets are built into the tailgate of every Ranger so you can hold materials down for clean cuts and precision work. (Spring-loaded caps cover the pockets when not in use).
When it comes to the bed, the new Ranger’s cargo management system takes the hassle out of stowing items safely and securely. It gives customers organisation and storage solutions to secure cargo. Moulded slots in the bedliner allow you to fit dividers to customise the load box, allowing you to store gear and stop it from sliding around.
Durable caps protect the tray edges and tailgate’s upper edge from damage from gear and cargo. Need to fit a canopy or crossbars? Simply remove the access caps to reveal Ranger’s structural attachment points.
Now about that ‘box step’. Getting into the tray to load or unload cargo just got easier, thanks to the new, integrated sidestep. Now you don’t have to stand on the rear wheel to reach items in the tray.
Moving inside, the cabin has been completely redesigned with more comfort, technology and functionality in mind, along with more premium materials and more storage. Double cab fold-flat rear seats give you more functional space in the rear, while under-seat storage and a storage space behind the rear seats helps keep the interior in order.
The coast-to-coast instrument panel creates a spacious and premium feel to the cabin. A new customisable digital instrument panel is available, featuring impressive graphics and animations. It responds to the truck’s selectable drive modes and displays truck data and off-roading information as well as turn-by-turn navigation.
Pride of place and integrated into the dash is a high-resolution touchscreen with SYNC® 4. Designed for real-world truck customers, the 10.1 (standard) or optional 12-inch high-resolution portrait-oriented display allows for split screen app or feature viewing. A 360-degree camera gives you a view of what’s in front and what’s behind the vehicle, while a top-down view helps you to park and avoid obstacles near the vehicle.
In order to declutter the console, the Ranger now comes with an E-Shifter and electronic parking brake. Elegantly designed and robustly engineered, the short-throw e-shifter and electronic parking brake elevate Ranger’s high-tech interior. There’s also wireless phone charging that is large enough to take plus-sized phones, the charging pad not only does away with cables, but it also allows you to use Bluetooth SYNC® phone features while charging.
Ranger is built to take on any terrain with up to six available drive modes on 4×4 models – a feature that was previously only offered on Ranger Raptor. A wider stance and a choice of two different four-wheel-drive systems and selectable drive modes make off-road exploration effortless. The rear dampers are moved outboard, which means customers experience a more consistently comfortable ride no matter if they’re carrying a full pallet, towing a caravan or just taking the family out for a drive.
Globally, (NZ has yet to confirm what we’re getting) there’s now a choice of two fuel-efficient 2.0-litre turbo diesels in Single and Bi-Turbo configurations, and a new powerful 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6, there’s an engine to suit your needs.
Of course it’s built Ford tough too. The Next-Generation Ford Ranger has undergone unrelenting global testing from sub-zero to +50° Celsius temperatures to ensure it’s robust, rugged and capable. Its high-strength steel frame and steel body ensure the Ranger’s Built Ford Tough reputation for quality, durability and strength.
