2020 Ford Ranger upgraded

Details of the 2020 Ford Ranger ute have been announced today, headlined by increased standard equipment across the range.

Arriving in showrooms from December with minor price increases, the MY20 updates to the Ranger -- which we named Australia's Best Dual-cab 4WD Ute of 2019 -- are designed to cement the vehicle's position near the top of the sales charts.

Arriving within months of the 'MY19.75' Ford Ranger update, which brought AEB as standard across the range in June, the MY20 line-up now brings an 8.0-inch SYNC3 touch-screen infotainment system as standard range-wide.

Also standard across the range is a USB port mounted behind the rear-view mirror, while 2020 Ford Ranger XLT, Wildtrak and Raptor models get new-look Bi-LED headlights and there's a power roller shutter for Wildtrack dual-cabs.

The SYNC 3 infotainment system comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration software built-in for every Ford Ranger variant, while the fitment of the high-mount USB port comes in response to customer feedback requesting a spot to plug in dash-cams.

Ford dealers will also now stock a Garmin dash-cam accessory, Dash Cam 55 with 1440px resolution and voice commands, which can be fully fitted for $249 and is covered by Ford's 12-month/20,000km accessories warranty.

The Wildtrak's standard power roller shutter is activated remotely via the key fob, by a dash-mounted switch or via a button in the rear tub. It has a wider opening length of 80mm compared to the previous manually-operated roller system.

Replacing the previous HID projector headlights, the Bi-LED headlights provide mid- and top-spec Ford Ranger pick-ups with a new square-edged aesthetic and improved vision and visibility for drivers and other road users.

The 2020 Ford Ranger Wildtrak also gets a new-look machined-finish 18-inch alloy wheel design as standard, with six-spoke black rims optional on XLT and Wildtrak.

While there are no changes to powertrains – and no sign of the Ford Ranger V8 spied near its Aussie proving ground – the entry-level 2020 Ford Ranger XL will be available with a heavy-duty suspension (HDS) pack for $500.

Engine options include the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder twin turbo-diesel (157kW/500Nm), paired to a 10-speed powertrain, with claimed fuel use of 7.4L/100km.

The more affordable 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel (147kW/470Nm) comes with a six-speed auto and consumes fuel at 8.4L/100km - but with a manual gearbox. More engine details will be released in due time.

Ford says feedback from Ranger owners who work in the construction and mining industries indicated a need for a factory-fitted HDS system that would "…enable improved ride and handling characteristics for those who regularly carry a significant load in the rear tray."

Although the HDS doesn't increase Ranger XL's rear tray payload (1069-1476kg) or towing capacity (3500kg), it improves approach and departure angles by increasing bump-stop clearance by 25mm, or around 70 per cent, with an typical load mass of 550kg.

The new HDS suspension bits comprise new, thicker rear springs with revised spring rates, new front and rear dampers along with Bridgestone A/S tyres on 4x2 XL models, which are standard on 4x4 XL models. The anti-lock brakes and stability control system have also been recalibrated to suit the HDS.

The 2020 Ford Ranger continues to be covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Service intervals of 12 months or 15,000km are capped at $299 per service. Owners also get roadside assist, map updates for the sat-nav, auto club membership and a loan car when it's in the shop.

Ford Australia's product communications manager, Damion Smy, told carsales.com.au that prices are likely to rise slightly due to the additional features.

"There are no price changes at this stage, as we’re a while away from arrivals and want to ensure we’re not vulnerable currency fluctuations. We don’t expect much variation from the current pricing," he said.

Ford Australia and New Zealand CEO, Kay Hart, said the upgrades to the new 2020 Ford Ranger ute were driven by feedback from Australian and New Zealand customers.

"Customers also told us they want the convenience of a windshield mounted USB to power accessories, so we will now make this available across the Ranger line-up," she said.

Sales of the Ford Ranger 4x4 ute in Australia are up slightly (by 1.3%) for the first seven months of 2019, to 22,108 sales, while the Ranger 4x2 sales slipped by 21 per cent from 2556 to 3240 sales.

The Ranger remains Australia's second most popular ute after the Toyota HiLux, but the top-selling ute so far this year (by less than 100 registrations!) when it comes to 4x4s.

Stay tuned for pricing details of the 2020 Ford Ranger.