Tough new Ford Ranger MS-RT unleashed

Ford of Europe and its World Rally Championship partner, M-Sport, have unwrapped a new Ford Ranger MS-RT that it claims will be the “ultimate street truck” when it goes on sale in Europe in mid-2024.

Based on the new-generation Ford Ranger – Australia’s top-selling new vehicles in 2023 – and featuring a look inspired by the Ranger race trucks that compete in Asia, the 2024 Ford Ranger MS-RT is distinguished by a new honeycomb grille and integrated splitter, new sculptured side skirts and a revised rear bumper that includes a rear diffuser.

Sticking with the racy theme, there’s also a rear ducktail spoiler on the tailgate and MS-RT says all of the new aero parts have been developed to enhance high-speed stability.

Trading off-road capability for on-road performance, however, the Ranger MS-RT gets a set of diamond-cut 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile 275/45 highway tyres.

There are also flared wheel-arches that extend the width of the Ford truck by a further 82mm, accentuating the ute’s bigger footprint.

Both the front and rear wheel tracks have been widened by 40mm to boost grip and stability. Hinting at a unique new suspension set-up developed for the Ranger by M-Sport, which is said to sharpen up the ute’s handling while also benefitting ride quality.

The changes include firmer front dampers, a retuned rear-end set-up and a 40mm reduction in ride height, meaning it’s been slammed by almost two inches.

Importantly, however, MS-RT says all the chassis work comes without compromising the Ranger’s one-tonne payload or its 3500kg towing capacity.

Inside, there’s a pair of supportive new seats with larger side bolsters, vegan leather and suede trim, MS-RT decals and blue stitching.

Further MS-RT badges are found on the dashboard and the sports steering wheel gets a blue 12 o’clock marker.

Under the bonnet, the Ranger MS-RT misses out on the Ford Ranger Raptor’s 293kW/583Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, but still scores the Ranger’s optional 176kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, offering more performance than the previous Ranger MS-RT released in 2021.

Pricing and full details of the new Ford Ranger MS-RT are yet to be announced in the UK, where the vehicle will be produced for Europe.

There’s no word yet whether the new Ranger MS-RT – or the similarly-saucy new Ford Transit Custom MS-RT also revealed in recent days – will be made available in Australia.

Earlier Ranger and Transit Custom MS-RT vehicles were previously sold here by AUTOsource International, which charged about $27,000 for the upgraded Ranger package.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au