It’s been a decade since Ford introduced the Ranger’s current T6 platform, and all the myriad variants it has spawned thus far can’t mask the fact that it’s getting quite long in the tooth. With the 2022 Ford Ranger currently in development, the carmaker is giving fans of its midsize pickup something to look forward to.
The 2022 Ford Ranger is undergoing testing in Australia [Image: motoring.com.au]
Spy shots have emerged of the new prototype rig in camouflaged threads undergoing testing in Australia, where the present Ranger was developed. Although largely concealed, the roadgoing example does give away clues such as revamped headlamps with vertical LED daytime running lights on the outer edges and new tail lamps.
Marginal size revisions are expected on a cabin widely considered among the roomiest in its class, complemented by wide door openings. Instead, Ford is said to be investing heavily in improving the layout and onboard technology. For example, the new Ranger is rumored to adopt the same widescreen digital instrument cluster found on the Puma city SUV, along with a high-resolution infotainment head unit.
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A digital instrument panel from the Ford Puma could make an appearance
Probably the most anticipated detail is the powertrain, with Ford expected to retire the Australia-market 3.2-liter 5-cylinder turbodiesel in favor of the 2.0-liter bi-turbo that our market uses. The 2.0-liter single turbo diesel will likely be retained as well. There’s also the likelihood that the Wildtrak and Raptor trim levels will come equipped with the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 showcased on the F-150 full-size pickup.
That bigger engine delivers almost 600Nm of torque on demand, which means that the current rear-wheel drivetrain could give way to a permanent all-wheel-drive setup with a center differential that’s better equipped at handling the increased output. This will benefit the upcoming next-generation Volkswagen Amarok (which will share the new Ranger’s underpinnings) as it won’t have to downgrade to a part-time 4WD system.
A 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 could compel Ford to switch to a permanent all-wheel drivetrain for the Ranger
The 2022 Ford Ranger is expected to make a bid for the Toyota Hilux pickup’s crown, which it has occasionally outsold but never truly dethroned so far in the Australian market. The Blue Oval’s midsize truck is on its way to a global premiere in the second half of this year as a 2022 model.
We have our eyes out for the latest automotive updates at Philkotse.com.