Ford hypes next-generation Ranger, confirms launch date

Friday, 10 September 2021

Ford has released a surprise look at the next-generation Ford Ranger in action.

The next generation of Ford Ranger has finally been officially confirmed and teased, ahead of a full reveal later this year.

The images don’t reveal a lot, save for a new headlight design that will bring the Ranger closer to the likes of the F-150.

“Embracing superior off-road credentials and Ford’s dynamic driving DNA, customers will be driving the toughest, most capable and connected Ranger pickup yet developed by Ford,” said Ford New Zealand in a statement.

The new Ranger is nearly here, coming with F-150-derived headlights.

Ford didn’t confirm any specifications, but the new Ranger has been linked with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, expected to comprise a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine connected to a ten-speed automatic and an electric motor.

**READ MORE:

This could be the first Ranger to come as a plug-in hybrid.

* Is Ford working on a plug-in Bronco Raptor?

* Ford debuts not-for-us electrified F-150

The next Ranger Raptor might be powered by a petrol-fed turbocharged V6 instead of a diesel four-cylinder.

* Ford working on plug-in Ranger

Combined output is pegged at 270kW/680Nm and will reportedly be different to the existing 3.0-litre and 2.5-litre hybrid systems currently powering other Ford vehicles. There’s also a chance this new powertrain will power a future version of the Mustang.

Aside from the hybrid powertrain, Ford will apparently drop the 3.2-litre five-cylinder in favour of the biturbo 2.0-litre diesel producing 157kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

A 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 offering 186kW and 600Nm may also appear, which could eventually power the next Raptor, although other reports have linked the Raptor with the 2.7-litre petrol EcoBoost turbocharged V6 found in the Bronco. It could make around 242kW/542Nm.

An all-electric Ranger is also seemingly in the works, although that might not be ready in time for the new model’s launch.

Ford New Zealand also said the new Ranger will be the “smartest, most capable and most versatile Ranger yet.”

That falls in with previous rumours, which linked the Ranger with the Sync4 infotainment system, which uses a new, vertical 12.8-inch screen and a smaller 10.25-inch driver's display behind the wheel. Similar to the Ford Mach-E electric SUV, the Ranger (and related Everest) are also expected to get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Whatever the new Ranger brings, we’ll know soon enough. Ford NZ confirmed the full reveal will happen “later this year,” ahead of a launch in 2022.