New Ford Ranger edges closer

A fleet of freshly-wrapped new-generation Ford Ranger utes are hitting the streets and trails of Australia and New Zealand as the highly-anticipated replacement for Australia’s top-selling dual-cab 4x4 ute enters its final phase of testing.

The 2022 Ford Ranger’s global premiere has been confirmed for later in the year ahead of first deliveries next year.

Now, following our first official look at the new pick-up truck’s off-road prowess last month, the bulky black and white camo has been peeled off and replaced with a body-hugging wrap that reveals a little more detail of the Australian designed and developed global ute.

As Ford continues to reveal more of the 2022 Ranger’s new exterior design, the car-maker says it is “…not trying to hide the fact that this is the #NextGenRanger thanks to the hashtag and QR code built into the pattern” but also cautions that it “doesn’t want to fully reveal the final design just yet”.

In the new video there are glimpses of the Ranger’s butch new front-end design, inspired by the F-150 full-size pick-up – including its C-shaped LED daytime running lights – while a fresh press photo exposes the newly-designed LED tail-light clusters for the first time.

There also appear to be LED lights in the tailgate handle at the top of the tray, which could be a new feature for the next Ranger line-up.

The prototype model in question is likely a high-grade ute, possibly a Ranger FX4 by virtue of its unique rear sports bar, side boards and shiny alloy wheels.

The bigger, more powerful new Ranger’s fresh camouflage features reflective elements so it will be easily identifiable day or night on local Aussie and Kiwi, according to Ford.

The camo was designed by the Ranger’s exterior designer Lee Imrie, who previously worked for Holden, and uses the ‘science of optics’ to hide many of the ute’s new styling cues.

“There’s no line work on this camo that aligns with anything on the exterior and that means you can’t see volume or shape or lines in the vehicle,” insisted Imrie.

“My intention with this design was to scatter your eye so that you can’t focus on a specific line; and the colour patching adds to that effect.”

Ford is yet to confirm any technical specs or engine details for the new Ranger, but it’s almost certain to come packing six-cylinder power for the first time in the form of a new turbo-diesel V6 and, at least in some markets, turbo-petrol V6.

A new 3.0-litre Power Stroke V6 turbo-diesel that could belt out more than 200kW will ensure the next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor and other high-spec Ranger variants – and the closely related second-generation Volkswagen Amarok due in showrooms from late 2023 – won’t take a backward step.

Meantime, a twin-turbo petrol V6 EcoBoost engine also offering up to 300kW is expected to be available in markets including North America.

Mainstream Ford Ranger models are tipped to be powered by the 157kW/500Nm 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel EcoBlue four-cylinder that powers the existing Raptor and is available in various current Ranger grades, although a single-turbo version of the ‘Panther’ engine could power entry models to keep costs down.

The Ranger’s current 3.2-litre five-cylinder Puma turbo-diesel is set to be discontinued along with its six-speed automatic transmission, and Ford’s newer 10-speed auto is expected to be offered across the Ranger line-up.

It’s not clear whether the new Ranger will deliver a higher towing capacity to go with its increased off-road capability, but it will at least maintain its 3500kg limit.

Talk of hybrid and even all-electric powertrains for the new-generation Ranger continues to bubble along as many markets tighten emissions regulations.

What’s certain is the 2022 Ford Ranger’s technology suite will be bolstered by the introduction of new connectivity, infotainment, safety and driver assistance systems.

The Blue Oval brand’s new SYNC4 infotainment system could be accompanied by a class-leading 12-inch central touch-screen and a new 12.3-inch digital instrument display, both leveraging the latest Ford F-150 parts bin.