The reveal models – the capable XL, versatile XLS, stylish XLT, rugged Sport and adventurer Wildtrak – reflect this customer input both inside and out.

“Customers told us the Ranger needs to look tough and needs to inspire confidence,” said Max Tran, chief designer for Ranger. “They were very clear in what Ranger should be, both in the way it looks, and the way it makes them feel.”

Beneath the new bodywork is an upgraded chassis riding on a wheelbase 50mm longer and a track 50mm wider than the prior Ranger. A hydro-formed front-end structure creates more space in the engine bay for the new V6 engine and helps future-proof the Ranger for other propulsion technologies. It also opens up the front of the pick-up to allow more airflow to the radiator, which helps keep running temperatures low when towing or carrying heavy loads.

New powertrain choices

Customers wanted a choice of more power and torque for towing heavy loads and extreme off-roading, so the team added Ford’s proven 3.0-Litre turbodiesel V6 and developed it for the Ranger. It is one of three turbodiesel engine options available at launch, depending on market.[ii]

“The 3.0-Litre turbodiesel V6 delivers,” says Pritika Maharaj, Ranger program manager. “When you drive a Ranger with the V6 turbodiesel, it feels like a much bigger truck. And it feels really tough in the sense that it's got endless power and torque, which is exactly what our customers wanted.”

The Next-Generation Ranger will also come with a choice of proven Single-Turbo and the Bi-Turbo 2.0-Litre inline four-cylinder diesels. The Single Turbo delivers power, torque and fuel economy, which is important to small business owners and commercial vehicle fleets. The Bi-Turbo engine is a more sophisticated, performance variant for customers who want more power but need to maintain fuel economy.

“We know our customers push their Rangers to the extreme, so that’s how we test them. We go the extra mile to make sure Ranger will do everything our customers want, over and over again,” Maharaj said.

Transmission choices include an updated 10-speed auto complementing the current six-speed automatic.

Improved ride and handling

To develop the ride and handling expected of a truck customer’s use for a wide range of work, family and play – engineers focused on the fundamentals.

“We have a really wide spectrum of customers,” said Pearson. “On one end, you might have small business owners looking for very work-oriented transportation. They want traditional two-wheel drive with a single cab and a load box to transport their goods.

“At the extreme other end, you have the serious off-roaders who really push their Rangers to the limit with endurance races like King of the Hammers or the Dakar Rally. The Next-Generation Ranger will meet the needs of both types of customers and everyone in between.”

Engineers moved the front wheels forward by 50mm for a better approach angle and outboard for better off-road articulation, both of which improve the off-roading experience. They also shifted the rear suspension dampers outboard of the frame rails to give drivers and passengers a better ride both on- and off-road, no matter if they’re carrying heavy cargo for work, or just taking the family out for dinner.

“On the Next-Generation Ranger, we’ve increased the tuning range to give our customers the best of both worlds – think of this as Built Ford Tough Plus – so you’ve got the capability, toughness and durability that Ford trucks are known for, plus comfort and a more car-like ride that Ranger is known for,” Pearson said.

Customers will have a choice of two four-wheel drive systems, an electronic shift-on-the-fly system, or advanced full-time 4x4 system with a reassuring set-and-forget mode, designed for capability when and where customers need it. Off-road recovery is made easier with prominent dual recovery hooks in the front bumper.

Customer-focused interior features

Customers wanted a flexible, modern cockpit that caters to both work and family duties. So, Ranger needs to serve as both a workspace and a haven, providing smart and connected features with more comfort and storage options than ever before.

“We know our customers are looking for a smart and functional interior space that feels comfortable. So, we set about designing it with a high level of well-integrated technology, clever functional storage and visual cues so the environment feels comfortable and spacious,” Tran said.

The heart of the Ranger’s connective experience is the large 10.1-inch or 12-inch touchscreen in the centre stack. It complements the fully digital instrument panel and is loaded with Ford’s latest SYNC4^® system, which comes customer-ready with its voice-activated communications, entertainment and information systems. Additionally, there’s an embedded factory-fitted modem, allowing connectivity on the go when linked with the FordPass™ app, so customers can stay connected to their world. FordPass[iii] enhances the ownership experience with features like Remote Start ^iv, Vehicle Status Check and Remote Lock and Unlock functions via your mobile device.

Many of the traditional driving mode controls have been moved from the dash and centre console to their own dedicated display on the SYNC screen. With one button press, drivers can go to Ranger’s dedicated screen for all off-road and drive modes where they can monitor the driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch and roll angles and other controls.

The screen also is linked to a 360-degree camera to make parking a breeze in tight urban spaces or to assist when negotiating particularly tricky terrain while out exploring. In addition, customers can control Ranger’s new exterior zone lighting system via the touchscreen or the FordPass app, which means they don’t have to work, camp or do anything in the dark. Ranger technology will also be future-proofed to accept software updates thanks to an embedded modem.

“You’ll find the interior plush but with the dual purpose of work and play in mind. The new short-throw e-shifter is central to the layout and is another example of where customers really guided our decision making,” said Tran. “Customers overwhelmingly liked the e-shifter – they liked the fact that it looked higher-tech and that it was intuitive to use.”

The design team also created clever storage and useful features for owners. There are not only places to store your phone or charge it wirelessly (where compatible), but there’s a large centre console bin to stash things. In addition, the door pockets are designed to carry more, the wide dash conceals an upper glovebox and there are storage bins under and behind the rear seats.

Built to do more with better access, more functional space

“When we met with our customers and observed how they climbed up to the load box, we saw a big improvement opportunity,” said Anthony Hall, Ranger vehicle engineering manager. “There were people stepping on the tyre and then going over the side of the truck or hoisting themselves onto the open tailgate.”

That was the inspiration for creating an integrated side-step behind the rear tyres of the Next-Generation Ranger, to create a strong, more stable way for them to access the box.

In addition, the Ranger team worked on making a wider variety of cargo fit and stay secure in the load box.

“Widening the truck by 50mm may not seem like a lot, but it makes a huge difference, especially in the cargo box. It means that customers will be able to load flat some pretty fundamental items, such as a sheet of building plywood or a full-size pallet,” said Hall.

Additional thoughtful, customer-focused touches include a new, tough plastic-moulded bedliner that helps protect both the truck bed from scratches and owner’s knees from kneeling on a steel truck bed. Extra cargo tie down points – on strong steel tube rails – provide convenient points to secure loads. Durable, flexible load box caps around the sides of the box and across the tailgate conceal structural attachment points for canopies and other aftermarket accessories.

In addition, Ranger offers a new cargo management system designed with dividers to hold various sized items – like timber or toolboxes. Owners also can create smaller compartments to store objects, which would otherwise have to go in the cab, using a system of ultra-strong spring-loaded cleats that clip into rails bolted to each side of the cargo box. The tailgate can also double as a mobile work bench with clamp pockets to measure, grip and cut building materials.

Zone lighting – controlled via the in-cabin SYNC screen or through the FordPass app – provides 360-degree lighting around the truck to help give customers better visibility around the vehicle. Load box lighting is provided under the left- and right-hand rails and provides plenty of light for finishing up jobs in low light or finding things in the cargo box at night.

Improving the customer experience

Just like the versatility of Ranger itself, Ford is designing a more personalized customer experience.

“Our customers told us what they want from the ownership experience – and that’s convenience on their terms. We’re determined to give them that, and even more,” Craig said.

Depending on the market, Ford will offer customers a suite of services to do just that, including:

• Being “always on” – whether you have questions about the vehicle or need assistance. Ford has Ranger Concierges in key markets that will walk customers through whatever they need to know.
• FordPass – customers will be connected to their Ranger 24/7 via their smartphone. They’ll be able to remote start their vehicle – on hot or cold days, to ensure the temp inside is comfortable when they get in or be able to receive notifications that their vehicle is due for service.
• If they have a question or want to learn more about how to best use Ranger’s high-tech features, such as the Ford Pass app, Ford has them covered with its “Master your Ranger” virtual and hands-on education – whatever suits their needs.
• Stay connected to your world while in your Ranger – with Ford’s award-winning SYNC systemⁱ [iv].

If customers need service or have an issue, Ford is there for them, with offerings like these, depending on the market:

• A Ranger Concierge, who will be their point of contact the whole way till their need is resolved.
• Convenient online service appointments – Ford dealers will even pick up and deliver a customer’s Ranger for them. Or, if they prefer, replace their vehicle while it’s being serviced with another Ranger, so they can continue with their business or family life.
• In the future, Ford also plans to offer over-the-air updates, so customers won’t even need to schedule a service for some things. We call it Ford Power-Up software.

“With these services, we intend to be ‘always on’ for our customers, always there if they need us,” Craig said. “That’s our family promise to you. Because Ford is a family company, and our customers are part of our family.”

Accessories to help you personalize

Customers will be able to personalize their Next-Generation Ranger with a range of almost 600 fully factory-backed work, urban and adventure accessories, depending on the market. These accessories include those developed in collaboration with global off-road icon, ARB 4x4 Accessories and will be fully backed by Ford’s New Vehicle Warranty of up to five years / unlimited kilometres.

The ARB 4x4 Accessories and Ford collaboration will initially be rolling out in select markets.

The Next-Generation Ranger will be built at Ford’s manufacturing plants in Thailand and South Africa beginning in 2022. Local specifications and pricing will be announced closer to arrival.

ⁱ Not all services will be available in all markets.  Precise services available for each market will be confirmed prior to launch.

ⁱⁱ Not all vehicle features will be available in all markets. Precise specifications for each market will be confirmed prior to launch.

[iii] Use of FordPass™ App is subject to the FordPass Terms and Privacy Policy and requires a compatible mobile device, internet access and software (including software updates from time to time). You are responsible for internet access, mobile network data and voice call services required for your use of the FordPass App on your mobile device, including associated fees. The FordPass App and the FordPass™ Connect modem can only work when both are connected to the telecommunications network. Ford cannot guarantee FordPass will be fully operational at all times and the App may be unavailable or particular services interrupted. Ford is not responsible for any limitations of the telecommunications network or your mobile device.

^iv Remote Vehicle Start and Stop: Use responsibly and only in well ventilated areas where you are aware of your vehicle’s surroundings.

^v Don’t drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don’t use handheld devices while driving. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.

• Ford designers used customer insights and award-winning global pick-up formula to create an iconic and versatile Ranger
• Next-Generation Ranger features an athletic, confident and rugged exterior echoing Ford’s global truck design DNA
• Interior includes a stylish new cockpit, user-friendly technology, and a premium, versatile and spacious cabin

MELBOURNE, Australia, Nov 24, 2021 – With an athletic exterior and premium interior, the Next-Generation Ford Ranger is the result of deep customer insight, developed through extensive customer research into what makes a great pick-up.

Designers took these insights, plus Ford’s award-winning pick-up formula, to create the Next-Generation Ranger – the one iconic, versatile and trusted pick-up customers trust to tackle anything.

“In a very real sense, our customers have been with us all along the vehicle development journey,” said Max Tran, Melbourne-based chief designer for Ranger. “We reimagined the Ranger from understanding and interpreting how our customers used their truck and what they expected from a pick-up.

“This journey started even before we put pen to paper with our first sketches,” Tran said. “We were not just trying to create a good truck. We wanted to create an exceptional one that inspired owners every time they saw their Ranger in their driveway.”

Tran’s team spent thousands of hours with customers in Thailand, Australia, South America, Europe, China, Saudi Arabia and North America to see how they use their pick-ups on a daily basis. Ford conducted more than 5,000 interviews and made more than 1,800 pages of field notes for reference, which helped development and guide both engineers and designers to build a pick-up with the features and capability customers wanted.

“Seeing owners use their trucks, whether for work, family or play, inspired some fantastic ideas that drove our design and development decisions,” said Tran. “One great example of that is the integrated box side-step. During our clinic sessions, we noticed that many customers had trouble reaching over the side of the truck into the bed; others were standing on the rear tyre or the bumper to gain access.

“So, we came up with the idea of a box step, behind the rear wheel,” he said. “We mocked one up, tested it with owners and the response was overwhelming. People told us that step would be reason enough to buy the Ford Ranger.”

Despite a broad customer base with different requirements and backgrounds, Tran’s team discovered that Ranger owners globally shared a lot of similar personality traits.

“We found that no matter what the market, our customers are doers. They like solving their own problems, and they like to feel confident in their truck, not just in the way the vehicle functions, but also in the way they feel when they’re driving it.”

Exterior Design

The exterior design of the Next-Generation Ranger followed two important guiding principles: to bring it into the future and to make it Built Ford Tough.

“Customers had clear ideas on what they liked and how they used their Rangers in their day-to-day lives,” Tran said. “We also needed to incorporate features customers wanted and valued to ensure it was welcoming and contemporary and as versatile as it was capable. The new box step in the rear bumper, for example, was a direct result of customer feedback on having better accessibility to the cargo area and they also wanted a wider cargo area that could accommodate a full-width pallet in the tray.”

Armed with extensive customer research and their guiding principles, Tran’s team set about translating everything into a set of visuals to reference for inspiration. Only then did they reach for their sketch books and high-tech design tablets to start the initial designs.

“Some of us looked to nature, some to architecture and some others to art for inspiration. We didn’t hold back. We let our designers loose to really go for it,” Tran said. “We really looked at Ranger as the F-150’s brother. Ranger has developed a strong following over the past 10 years, and we really leaned into the iconic design features that have made it such a beloved truck across the world but also push the design envelope.”

The pick-up’s athleticism is quite intentional, with surface treatments executed to be strong and muscular. From the bold new grille with its C-clamp headlights, daytime running lights and strong horizontal upper grille bar, to the pronounced wheel arches, strong shoulder line and large sculpted ‘Ranger’ logo on the tailgate, the Next-Generation Ranger conveys confidence and capability. At the rear, the taillamps were designed in harmony with the graphics of the C-clamp headlight treatment. A 50mm increase in track and 50mm longer wheelbase than the prior Ranger allowed designers to push the front wheels out to the corners, enhancing its on-road stance.

“We’ve taken everything we loved about the Ranger and really brought that into the future,” Tran said. “We’ve managed to create a bold new look while preserving the ruggedness and capability that people love about their current truck – and we’re excited to finally be able to show it to the world.”

Depending on the market, up to eight different exciting exterior colours are available in the line-up, evolving the Ranger’s exterior colour palette with innovative and on-trend offerings to suit customer lifestyles.

New wheel sizes range from new 17-inch alloys up to 20-inch machine-face multi-spoke alloys – a first for Ranger.

Interior design

Inside, the Next-Generation Ranger features a stylish new cockpit, user-friendly technology and a premium, versatile and spacious cabin. Designers focused on establishing a strong visual harmony inside to complement the durable and robust exterior.

Soft-touch materials and appliques elevate the interior ambience while the new instrument panel adopts a coast-to-coast design that creates a more spacious feel. Several design cues also are carried over from the exterior: the air vent vanes feature a similar design to those in the front grille, and several exterior surface treatments have been adapted for interior use.

The dash is dominated by a 10.1-inch or 12-inch high-resolution touchscreen solidly mounted into the centre stack, complementing the digital instrument cluster. Customers preferred the screen’s portrait orientation because it created enough space for navigation screens while also leaving room in the lower portion of the screen for other menus, like those for the climate and entertainment controls.

Another key area of customer input was the available e-shifter for its automatic transmission. Ford initially created a rotary dial gear selector, but customers preferred the short-throw e-shifter because it boosted the truck’s high-tech appeal.

Designers also reimagined key aspects of the cabin; for example, how the door release handles could be better integrated into the ‘coast-to-coast’ dashboard design, making them easier to use. Again, customer feedback led to the door release handles being mounted lower – looking more linear to provide easier reach to window switches and the armrests. The interior also features more soft-touch materials around the cabin for a premium feel. 

The seats also have been redesigned, with new bolsters and foam inserts that are more inviting, stylish and comfortable. Versatility is key with the second-row seats now folding flat and boasting out-of-sight and secure under-seat storage. Depending on the variant, rear occupants also have heating and cooling outlets at the rear of the centre console. There is also an added storage area in the door pockets with space both in the front and back.

“The Next-Generation Ranger really redefines the role of the pick-up as a trusted partner for work, family and play,” said Gary Boes, Enterprise Product Line Management director, Global Trucks. “With the help of all the rich insights from customers, we’ve created a Ranger we believe will inspire owners to do more of what they love to do, with features that encourage them to explore new horizons.”

The Next-Generation Ranger will be built at Ford’s plants in Thailand and South Africa beginning in 2022. Specific market launch details will be announced at a later date.[i]

[i] Not all vehicle features will be available in all markets.  Precise specifications for each market will be confirmed prior to launch.

Next-Gen Ranger offers an array of organisation and storage solutions to secure cargo, make fitting accessories a cinch and even DIY customisation. For instance, owners can create segmented DIY storage spaces, both big and small, by sliding pieces of wood into slots moulded into the bedliner, or even get creative and build things like a bike rack.

There are tie-downs mounted in the bed, and on the Wildtrak variant there are external tie-down rails and sliding cleats that can be adjusted into nine positions to help secure odd-shaped cargo.⁸ The new rear load box access step¹ is the result of more than 5000 interviews with pickup owners, learning how they used their trucks and what they wanted from their next one.

For those who use their vehicle for adventure, the addition of six structural attachment points in the protective load box capping, make it easy to fit accessories like a canopy, cross bars or a tent, truly making Next-Gen Ranger the most versatile ever.

There’s now more storage space on the inside of Next-Gen Ranger too, from under-seat storage to retractable cup holders and a raft of cubby holes stashed around the cabin. There’s room under the bonnet for a second battery², and the Wildtrak variant can be fitted with an optional auxiliary switch bank making it easier to install accessories like driving lights, a winch and more. 

The Cargo Box – Versatility as a Workspace

Ford’s design team studied the ways customers used the cargo box – be they a tradesperson, adventurer or family who needed to carry ‘stuff’ – and developed many innovative ways to help them access and use the space more effectively.

     • The rear load box access step makes climbing up into the cargo box much easier. Attached directly to the load box via two steel supports, the box step boasts a strong, durable construction and means you no longer need to climb onto the wheel to access gear, tools or equipment in the back of Ranger.¹

   • Load box lighting means that setting up or packing camp sites or finding gear in the dark is a lot easier. • Zone lighting can be controlled via the infotainment system inside the vehicle or via the FordPass™ app on your smartphone. A combination of the headlights, puddle lamps, numberplate lamps and box lighting can be set to illuminate a 360-degree area around the truck, or in specific areas. It is perfect for safely inspecting the area around the vehicle at night.³      • The easy-lift tailgate, which can be raised and lowered with one hand, doubles as a mobile workbench.¹ The tailgate work surface is designed to help owners with professional or DIY jobs. Two clamp pockets concealed by spring-loaded caps in the tail gate are designed to help secure timber or other project materials, while a built-in ruler with 10mm increments (on models not fitted with a drop-in bedliner) makes measuring convenient.¹

     • Power to the box comes in the form of a 12V socket, meaning customers can power a range of 12V appliances by plugging directly into the Ranger.⁴

The Cargo Box - Innovations for Load Carrying

The next-gen Ranger’s cargo box includes several new innovations that help customers customise the load area to suit their needs.

     • The new drop-in bedliner incorporates functional divider locators so that owners can create their own compartments to store gear that they might otherwise have to carry in the cabin. Dividers can be custom-made from timber at home and then installed and removed as required. As a bonus, the improved and wider moulded profile on the bedliner is more comfortable on your knees, is much easier to clean and also means items are less likely to slip around.⁵ 

     • Loading and unloading the Ranger has never been easier. At 1,233-litres, the cargo box has best-in-class volume⁶, meaning customers can carry more. With Ranger now 50mm wider, the cargo box can accommodate a standard European pallet (1,200mm x 800mm) in the bed, while the loadbox length runs from 1,544mm to 2,305mm depending on the variant.⁷

     • An internal rail with spring-loaded, adjustable cleats on either side of the cargo box allows customers to configure their cleats and tie-downs to suit every load.⁸ Cleats slide and lock into nine locations along the rail. There are also six fixed tie-down points in the cargo box.

     • Wildtrak models are fitted with aluminium extrusions that double as tie-down rails that run the full length of the cargo box.

      • Durable plastic box top and tail gate capping protects the load box edges and tailgate upper edge from damage. That means owners can load equipment into the cargo box without fear of damaging the paint on the top surface of the load box or tail gate.

     • Load box access caps are removable plastic caps that cover structural attachment points for aftermarket accessories like canopies and equipment crossbars for camping and adventure gear.

     • Roof top platform mounts allow for the easy fitment of roof accessories, like racks or a platform. Next-gen Ranger’s roof load limits are up to 350kg (static) and 85kg (dynamic).

     • The available powered roller shutter allows customers to open and close the box cover using their key fob or from a switch inside the cargo box or from the instrument panel. Special accessories channels run down the sides of the roller shutter allowing customers to easily fit accessory mounts for things like bikes, snow boards/skis, kayaks or camping gear. The powered roller shutter boasts features including an ice breaker and anti-pinch, which automatically stops the shutter when it detects an obstruction.

Customers can personalise their next-gen Ranger with a range of as many as 600 factory-backed work, urban and adventure accessories, depending on the market. These accessories include those developed in collaboration with global off-road icon, ARB 4x4 Accessories. The ARB 4x4 Accessories and Ford collaboration will initially roll out in select markets.

For customers who want the ability to operate electrical accessories easily from the inside of the cabin, the new Wildtrak offers an optional auxiliary switch bank.⁸ This allows customers to safely and easily add accessories such as light bars, work lights, warning beacons, loudspeakers and other electrical equipment to their vehicle. 

And for those owners looking to make their next-gen Ranger adventure ready, the team made sure to create a space in the engine bay for a dual battery setup.² This optional accessory kit will enable new owners to add an auxiliary battery to power their fridges, lighting, tools and other electrical gadgets without draining their main battery.

“We’ve really packed a lot into the next-generation Ranger to inspire owners to do more of what they love to do, with features that encourage them to explore new horizons.”

Gary Boes, Enterprise Product Line Management director, Global Trucks

My job is to think like our customers and integrate the features that deliver what they need. In fact, that’s the most rewarding part of my job – talking to owners, learning their requirements, engineering a solution, and then making it real. And regardless of whether our customers are do-it-yourselfers, small business owners or avid overlanders, they all rely on a cargo area that is functional, convenient, and durable.

Anthony Hall, vehicle engineering manager

“Before we started the design process, we took all of the research and boiled that down into some key phrases or themes to begin our work. One of those themes was 'empowering mastery'. This, to us, simply meant that we needed to deliver a product that would enable customers to be the best they could be – whether at work or play, or with their families. We were focused on authenticity and delivering a truck that wasn't superfluous, meaning everything in it had a purpose and meaning.”

Leigh Consentino, Ranger exterior design manager

¹ Only included in pick-up models

² Not all vehicle features will be available in all markets or on all series. Precise specifications for each market will be confirmed prior to launch.

³ Zone Lighting is standard on Wildtrak and available as an optional extra on XLT and Sport Pickup models.

⁴ Standard on XLT, Sport & Wildtrak pick-up models only. Not available on XL & XLS.

⁵ Not available on chassis cab models. Standard on XLT Double Cab, Sport & Wildtrak pick-up models. Not available on XL, XLS or XLT Super Cab model.

⁶ Mid-size pickup category.

⁷ Only included in Double Cab models. ⁸ Only available on Wildtrak

Matt Moran
Communications Director, Australia & New Zealand
MMORAN47@ford.com
+61 (0) 412 254 388 

Ben Nightingale
Product Communications Manager, Australia
BNIGHTI2@ford.com
+61 (0)466 005 800 

Angela Maher
Corporate and Employee Communications Manager, Australia
AMAHER9@ford.com
+61 (0)466 005 900