New Ford Ranger: Will it be better off-road?

The addition of a gruntier V6 turbo-diesel engine and sophisticated full-time 4x4 system are the off-roading headline items for the incoming new-generation 2022 Ford Ranger.

But Ford has delivered other updates that should benefit Ranger buyers right across the range and not just those shopping at the top end of the market, where the 3.0-litre engine and new 4x4 system will be offered in concert with an upgraded 10-speed auto.

“The old car is super-capable but what we have done is we have given it [2022 Ford Ranger] a bit more ground clearance, a bit more capability in terms of keeping wheels fixed on the ground and we’ve given it some new technology,” said Ranger platform chef engineer Ian Foston.

“So while the old one is super-capable you will probably go slightly further in more comfort in this one. It flatters the novice but assists the expert.”

Making the track 50mm wider has improved the 2022 Ford Ranger’s axle articulation, which means the tyres should stay in contact with the surface more often and that translates to all-important traction.

Ford says moving the shocks outboard at the rear has also improved the tuning range of the suspension, improving off-road (as well as on-road) stability and traction.

Pushing the front wheels 50mm forward and therefore reducing the front overhang aids the approach angle, while a tucked-away tow bar aids departure.

The breakover angle is virtually no different despite the 50mm extra wheelbase. Ford cites the bigger SLR (static load radius) of new tyres as one reason for that.

It also says the longer wheelbase and wider track have impacted turning circle by about 0.1 per cent (currently the 4x4 dual-cab is 12.7m, so maybe 12.82m).

The only figure Ford definitely confirms in this area is the 800mm water fording ability, which is the same as before.

Detail additions include a split-screen 360-degree camera to aid vision and two recovery hooks up front where previously they were only rated for towing tie-downs.

The traditional part-time shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system continues alongside the new Borg-Warner full-time system that is already employed by the F-150 in North America. An earlier iteration is used by the Ranger’s SUV spin-off, the Ford Everest.

A key feature of the system is it adds set-and-forget 4Hi auto to the usual 4x2, 4Hi and 4Lo settings. In that mode, the hydraulically-operated centre clutches in the transfer case will release when cornering to prevent binding and then reapply.

“It’s very much more sophisticated than what we have had before,” said Foston. “We pushed very hard to have it, it’s clearly a lot of technology and every expensive but we wanted to make sure we gave customers the choice.”

The full-time system will come with a Terrain Management System (TMS) with multiple driver-adjustable modes, which are projected graphically onto the digital instrument cluster when selected.

Those modes are Eco, Normal, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud and Ruts. There is no on-road Sport mode.

The parameters tuned by TMS include steering feel, throttle feel and transmission preload. It’s expected the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor will also have adaptive damper tuning.

The big new touch-screen also works with a single off-road super-switch on the centre console. One button press takes the driver to a dedicated screen for all off-road content.

The driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch and roll angles can all be monitored and adjustments made such as turning parking sensors off.

The part-time system already pairs with TMS in the Ranger Raptor and it will flow into mainstream 2022 Rangers too.

Both systems will have a locking rear diff. Hill descent control (HDC) is also part of the Ranger off-road armoury. One-pedal ‘off-road cruise control’ will be available in some variants.

Ford will go to market with almost 600 accessories, many developed by ARB to aid off-road performance and protection including heavy-duty bash plates.