Ford Philippines recently announced that it will be discontinuing the EcoSport, Expedition, and Transit models for the local market. While this might sound like disappointing news, the company made up for it by confirming the arrival of the next-generation Ranger and Everest this year.
Ford Philippines already lists the two models as coming soon on its official website
This information was shared in a brief media advisory shared by the Blue Oval brand on April 1. The date notwithstanding, we highly doubt that this is the automaker’s idea of an April Fool’s Day joke.
Ford Philippines has already marked the two vehicles as coming soon on its official website. The latest iterations of both the Ranger and its Everest derivative have been highly anticipated by Ford customers and fans, and now we’re a step closer to seeing them in the metal following their respective world premieres.
The fourth-generation Ranger midsize pickup was launched in November 2021, developed by Ford Australia with extensive input from Ford’s Asian, American, African, and European subsidiaries. As it rides on an evolved version of its T6 platform dubbed the T6.2, the new Ranger is not completely reengineered, but Ford says most of its parts are not interchangeable with the outgoing model.
The 2022 Ford Ranger uses an upgraded version of the T6 platform
It is now visually comparable to the larger F-150, especially on the new fascia with the C-clamp daytime running lights surrounding the LED headlamps. Owing to chassis upgrades, the new Ranger now features a wider cargo bed that fits a standard-sized pallet, apart from accommodating an all-new suspension system for improved handling.
Interior updates include a redesigned dashboard, additional storage spaces, a fully digital instrument panel, wireless charging, and a 12.1-inch touchscreen head unit. Specific functions are enabled remotely on smartphone via the FordPass App, although we’re not sure if that feature will be offered here.
A large 12.1-inch touchscreen is available
The new Ranger now comes with a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine, predicted to generate 250 horsepower and 597 Nm of torque. For those who are more conscious of fuel efficiency, the standard single- and bi-turbo inline-4 diesel power units will continue to be offered as well. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and 10-speed automatic.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Everest shares many of the Ranger’s attributes in two-box form. Like its pickup sibling, the midsize SUV sports a track widened by 50mm, complemented by tweaked damper settings that enhance ride quality both on and off the road.
The new Everest adopts a more angular design
It sports a similar fascia with the signature exterior lighting, with a blockier-looking rear end that enhances the vehicle’s muscular appearance. Ford claims that the interior was redesigned to serve as a sanctuary, featuring improved noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) insulation.
The cleaner-looking dashboard plays host to a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch multimedia display. Up to nine airbags are now standard, with driver-assist features such as a 360-degree camera array, automated emergency braking, and a new Parking Assist 2.0 feature.
Ford designed the new Everest's cabin to serve as a sanctuary
As the Philippine-release Everest will likely be offered exclusively in diesel trim, expect it to have the same powertrain selection as that on the Ranger, right down to the four-wheel drivetrain with 2-speed transfer case.
Of note, Ford PH has yet to announce the exact date as to when it will be launching the all-new Ranger and Everest. Are you hyped up for the arrival of these two new Ford models in our market?
We keep an eye out for the newest automotive releases at Philkotse.com.