New Ford Ranger: Top five highlights

So the new-generation 2022 Ford Ranger has been launched and we can tell you it packs huge presence in the metal.

We also know the advanced homegrown ute, which could be the last Ranger developed Down Under, is gunning for Australian market dominance – both overall and in its segment over the all-conquering Toyota HiLux – with class-leading powertrain and multimedia technologies.

Ford is keeping its powder dry on several aspects of the new Ranger, including the range-topping Raptor, in the lead-up to its Australian release in mid-2022, but for now here are the five big advances for the first new Ranger in a decade.

Powertrains

The headline act for the 2022 Ford Ranger is a new F-150-sourced 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel that should deliver a class-leading 600Nm of torque in premium models like the new FX4, although the Raptor could switch to twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol V6 power.

The V6 diesel will be paired to an upgraded 10-speed automatic transmission (with revised ratios and a new torque converter for smoother shifts) and automatic four-wheel drive, while mainstream models will be powered by single-turbo and twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesels, the latter offering at least 157kW and 500Nm.

The current Ranger’s 2.2- and 3.2-litre diesels will be axed, 4x4 models will get six driving modes including a crawl function in their multi-terrain system (previously only on Raptor), high-end variants come with an electric park brake and automatic vehicles adopt a new rotary gear selector on the centre console.

Read more about 2022 Ford Ranger powertrains here

Design

So far revealed only in premium Wildtrak dual-cab form, the 2022 Ford Ranger might look like it has a carryover cab and glasshouse, but Ford says every panel of metal and every pane of glass is new.

We love the tough new front-end design with its bold C-shaped headlights (with Bi-LED matrix beams for upmarket variants) and bolder grille with huge FORD badge, and new design details like the rear-quarter steps.

But the big highlights are inside, where premium variants score a huge 12.0-inch portrait-style touch-screen, setting another new standard in the ute class.

Even entry versions of the new Ranger will come standard with an 8.0-inch widescreen digital instrument cluster, plus a 10.1-inch vertical touch-screen with Ford’s latest SYNC4 infotainment system with over-the-air Wi-Fi update capability and remote access to certain functions via the FordPass smartphone app, such as engine start and climate control.

A centre front airbag, upgraded traction/stability systems and 360-degree camera for premium variants (which also get a wireless phone charger and ‘surround lighting’) should give the Ranger class-leading safety, while new seats, more soft-touch surfaces and puddle lamps under the wing mirrors and side steps are icing on the cake.

There’s also space under the bonnet for a second battery to power auxiliary appliances, multiple USB-A, USB-C and 12V outlets, and the 400W/240V outlet and lighting in the tray of selected models. Other new interior highlights include rear air vents and a dash-top storage cubby.

Read more about 2022 Ford Ranger design here

Chassis

Based on a new ladder frame with a wheelbase and wheel track that grows by 50mm, plus revised double-wishbone front suspension and dampers moved outboard on the coil-sprung live rear axle, the 2022 Ford Ranger promises improved stability, ride/handling and refinement.

Despite the larger footprint, Ford says the turning circle remains similar at about 12.7 metres thanks to clever front suspension geometry, while moving the rear shock absorbers outboard of the chassis rails helps put another 50mm of width between the wheel-arches – enough to match the Volkswagen Amarok in swallowing a shipping pallet in the tray.

The tub has flat top edges to aid cargo loading and the fitment of canopies and racks, divider locators to customise tray storage and a tailgate with built-in cup holders, clamping points and ruler.

Read more about 2022 Ford Ranger suspension here

Off-road capability

Full specs are yet to be announced for the 2022 Ford Ranger, but a class-leading 800mm wading depth will remain and Ford says front and rear wheel articulation is significantly improved and that other key off-road metrics like approach, departure and ramp-over angles will be at least as generous as before.

The first-time option of 20-inch wheels won’t help off-road (alongside standard 17- and 18-inch wheels), but two recovery points under the front of the vehicle may, as should improved engine cooling via bigger air intakes, functional quarter vents and larger radiators and fans.

Premium versions get four-wheel disc brakes, with rear drums continuing on base models, and a range of up to 600 genuine accessories will allow extensive personalisation for not only tradies, but campers, trekkers and off-road enthusiasts.

Read more about 2022 Ford Ranger off-road capability here

Development

The 2022 Ford Ranger is based on the third-generation T6 ladder platform, which will also form the basis of the new Ford Everest and new Volkswagen Amarok, and was designed and engineered in Australia, making it the only locally-developed ute.

Ford says the new Ranger was subject to more market research than any other model and design work began in 2016, with development time reduced from five years to just 3.5 and the number of physical prototypes reduced from up to 500 to about 200 due to advances in virtual reality technology and computer simulations.

The new Ranger will again be sold in about 180 markets and built in countries including Thailand (for Australia), South Africa, South America, Vietnam and the US.

However, it could be the last Australian-developed Ranger, with Ford indicating the next-generation mid-size ute will share its ladder frame with the larger F-Series pick-up in future, in which most of the R&D is likely to take place in the US.

Read more about 2022 Ford Ranger development here