BANGKOK, Thailand, 15 July, 2024 – The Ford Ranger is built for work, family and play and boasts a selection of segment-first features to help owners get the job done, no matter what.

“We focused on packing Ranger with clever design and tech features that make day-to-day life even more convenient for customers,” said Max Tran, chief designer, Ford IMG (International Market Group) Design Studio.

The inspiration for these innovations came from customers themselves. Well before the first designs were created, Ford spoke to thousands of customers and held dozens of workshops around the world to understand what they loved about their trucks, and what Ford could do to improve truck ownership.

The Box Step

One of the key gripes Ford worked on solving, said Tran, was accessing the load box after it had observed truck owners climbing on tyres or trying to heave themselves over the side during clinics.

Long-time Ranger owner Mike Grove agrees and told Ford access to the cargo box has always been an issue when loading and unloading motorbikes – so the new Ranger’s box step is “worth its weight in gold”.   

“I’m in and out of the box every five minutes securing or unloading the bikes, grabbing gear, tools or fuel – and the box step makes that really easy, especially when the tailgate is down,” Mike said.

“Climbing into the back of my old Ranger is a mission and reaching in to grab anything means climbing onto the tyre or using a step-stool – but this is awesome. Ford really seems to have taken the time to think about how owners use their trucks and what they need.”

Ranger’s list of innovations also includes features like the Flexible Rack System^1,2, load box partition slots¹ to help make daily tasks simpler, while also adding features like Trail Turn Assist¹ and the integrated trailer brake controller¹ will help you explore new places, and tow easier. Here are ten more useful features that enable Ranger owners to conquer every challenge.

Flexible Rack System^1,2

Carrying long loads can be challenging and usually requires fitting an aftermarket rack to your truck – which adds cost. That’s fine if you’re using the rack a lot – but what if you only need to carry a longboard, kayak or lengths of timber occasionally? That’s where the Flexible Rack System^1,2 steps in. It consists of two features, the Sliding Load Rack^1,2 and Folding Roof Racks^1,2, and because the Sliding Load Rack can be locked in five different positions different length items can be carried easily.

Zone Lighting¹

Working around your Ranger or setting up camp at night is much easier with Ranger’s Zone Lighting. Controlled via the in-vehicle touchscreen or FordPass™ app³ on a smartphone, Zone Lighting illuminates the area around the truck, and the truck. Four zones can be individually controlled depending on where you need light the most.

Load Box Partition Slots¹

Keeping your gear or groceries in place in the load box can be tricky, but the Ford team have solved this by creating moulded slots in the drop-in bedliner that allow owners to create DIY wooden partitions and segment the load box to create multiple storage zones. Being able to segment the load box means gear can be kept exactly where it’s needed and minimise the risk of it sliding around and becoming damaged.

Clamp Pockets and Ruler

The most versatile Ranger ever was built to help get stuff done, and the clamp pockets and built-in ruler are a perfect example of this. Ranger’s tailgate can be used as a mobile workbench and even comes equipped with two clamp pockets to help secure timber in place while it’s being cut. The built-in ruler – available on models without a drop-in bedliner – is marked at 10mm increments.

Accessory Ready

Right from the word go, Ranger was designed and built with accessories in mind. This means there are structural attachment points in the box capping around the load box. These marked locations make it easy to quick-fit canopies, cross bars or a platform-based folding tent. The auxiliary switch bank is pre-fused with blunt-cut wiring around the vehicle to common accessory mounting points, making it easy to install a winch, additional lighting, or a fridge.

Integrated Trailer Brake Controller^1,4

Ranger’s integrated trailer brake controller^1,4 delivers smooth, effective and safer trailer braking. The integrated trailer brake controller^1,4 is connected into the vehicle’s wider safety suite including automatic emergency braking and can prepare the trailer for a braking event if necessary. The system automatically activates the trailer brakes (if electric) when the towing vehicle’s brakes are applied. Ranger’s integrated trailer brake controller conveniently ties into SYNC 4A’s⁹ saved trailer profiles and can recall different configurations and settings for each.

Trailer Light Check^1,5

The Trailer Light Check^1,5 feature is one of Ranger’s many tow-friendly features that help owners check the lights on their trailer when travelling solo. Activated via the SYNC⁹ screen or FordPass app³ on a smartphone, owners can start and, if necessary, repeat, a light sequence, giving owners enough time to walk around their vehicle and trailer to check that all lights are working as they should.

Pro-Trailer Backup Assist^1,6

A new feature in Ranger’s tow-friendly arsenal is Pro-Trailer Backup Assist^1,6 which is designed to help take the guesswork out of reversing a trailer. Pro-Trailer Backup Assist enables the driver to ‘steer the trailer’ with the outer ring of the drive mode controller, with the vehicle controlling the steering and directing the trailer the way you want it to go.

Trail Turn Assist^1,7

Thanks to Ranger’s Trail Turn Assist^1,7, three-point turns on tight tracks are a thing of the past. By applying the brakes to the inside wheels and allowing the outside wheels to turn in low-speed, high-steering angle manoeuvres, Trail Turn Assist^1,7 helps Ranger reduces its turning circle by up to 25 per cent on loose surfaces⁸. The system is designed to be used on loose surfaces at speeds under 19km/h and can be used when the truck is engaged in either 4H or 4L and when the rear differential is unlocked.

Auxiliary Driving Lights¹

Available on selected Ranger variants, integrated auxiliary driving lights mean there’s now no need to install aftermarket driving lights to boost your visibility when driving at night with high beam activated.

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^{1.     Not all features are available in all markets or on all variants.}

^{2.     Flexible Rack System has a maximum load limit 80kg (dynamic) and 250kg (static). Manual set up required. Removal of antenna mast recommended when cargo positioned over antenna – may affect availability of radio, satellite and connected services.}

^{3.     Use of FordPass™ 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.}

^{4.     When using the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, drivers must set the gain on the Brake Controller unit.}

^{5.     Trailer Light Check requires a Genuine Ford Tow Bar to be fitted and can be used via SYNC, or via FordPass app as a Connected Service. Where used via the app as a Connected Service, eligible vehicles receive 1 year of service from the Ford Express New Vehicle Warranty start date after which time, the Connected Service may cease to be available, or may be subject to a subscription fee. Users must have created a FordPass App account (terms apply) and have fully activated the vehicle’s FordPass Connect modem to use this feature via the app.}

^{6.     Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for more information.}

^{7.     Trail Turn Assist should only be used off-road on loose or slippery terrain in four-wheel drive (high) or four-wheel drive (low) with the rear differential lock disengaged.}

^{8.     Turning circle reduction may vary depending on surface.}

^{9.     Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.}