2022 Ford Ranger Australia launches with V6 power, more tech, here next year. The first new Ford Ranger in a decade has been unveiled ahead of the arrival of Australian showrooms in the middle of next year. Here’s everything you need to know.
The 2022 Ford Ranger has unveiled ahead of the arrival of Australian showrooms in the middle of next year with new technology, luxurious interiors, smart ute features for both tradies and travelers – and a class-leading V6 turbo-diesel power option.
With the lid finally open, the Ford Ranger reveals a bold new look that brings the global ute closer to the iconic Ford F-150 pick-up sold in North America.
Although the proportions of the 2022 Ford Ranger looks similar to the current model, Ford says the chassis and cab are all new – and, the company confirms the engine and transmission issues that have plagued the twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 10-cylinder engines. -speed auto has been discussed once and for all.
The frame has been reconfigured to accommodate the V6 and – finally – hybrid power, and to push the wheels out into the corners of the vehicle for greater stability on the road, and greater clarity on the road.
Beneath the sheet metal lies more power from the three engines: a 2.0-liter single-turbo diesel, a 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel, and a choice of a single-turbo 3.0-liter V6 diesel sourced from the Ford F-150 in the US and paired with the 10 automatic speed and all-wheel drive.
Ford Ranger’s aging 3.2-liter five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine has now entered the history books; it should have been dropped from the line-up when the twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel arrived four years ago, but Ford decided to keep it until the TDV6 arrived.
A first for the ute category, all variants in the 2022 Ford Ranger lineup – from cheapest to dearest – will come standard with an 8.0-inch widescreen digital instrument cluster similar to that found in luxury cars.
The massive 12-inch or 10.1-inch vertical screen for infotainment (depending on the model) is similar to those on Tesla, Volvo, and Subaru cars.
The vertical infotainment screen – the largest in its class – is supported by buttons and dials for easy on-the-go use.
The new Ford Ranger line-up has been designed to reflect changing customer demands, as utes increasingly become dual-purpose “work and play” vehicles – and replace SUVs on driveways like family cars.
Ford has used the arrival of the new model to more clearly define an emerging segment in the booming ute market, which has seen record growth over the past decade – and has seen the Toyota HiLux pick-up become Australia’s best-selling vehicle in the past. five years in a row.
The 2022 Ford Ranger will retain its hardworking DNA as it remains a popular choice among mining companies and fleet operators.
But the new line-up will expand to include more luxury variants and hardcore off-road models, splitting both ways at the top of the range to appeal to a wider audience.
While the current Ford Ranger has kept pace with competition with frequent upgrades over the past decade – and is currently threatening to topple the Toyota HiLux and give Ford Australia its first win in the annual sales race in 26 years – the new-generation Ford Ranger steps to another level with more power. , features, and technology than competitors.
Ford Australia has yet to confirm an exact showroom arrival time for the Ford Ranger 2022 ute, but Drive understands it will be here in the first half of next year, awaiting unexpected delays.
Drive has compiled a series of stories as part of our “deep dive” coverage of the 2022 Ford Ranger. These are our main stories and cover the highlights of everything we know.
Another story about the 2022 Ford Ranger is linked at the bottom of this article.
Highlights for the 2022 Ford Ranger include:
- Over-the-air Wi-Fi updates (similar to Tesla’s electric cars and some other automotive brands) for engine management and infotainment systems, to minimize customer inconvenience – and to reduce time at dealerships for routine maintenance.
- The full suite of advanced safety technologies includes center airbags between the front seats, autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control, speed sign recognition, blind zone warning, rear traffic warning, lane guard assistance, and 360-degree cameras on select variants.
- A large vertical digital display for infotainment (12 inches on the high-end model and 10.1 inches on the mainstream model, both with buttons and dials for easy on-the-go use), and an 8.0-inch widescreen digital instrument cluster throughout the lineup.
- In addition to the USB-A, USB-C, and 12V ports, there are wireless phone charging pads on the high-end models.
- Space for a second battery under the hood (fits the current generation Toyota HiLux) for those who need extra power while camping and off-roading.
- Ultra-bright “pool lights” under the side mirrors and side steps illuminate the ground when camping, or changing tires in the dark.
- The “ambient lighting” on the high-end version of the new Ford Ranger can be controlled via a smartphone, to select which individual lights are on.
- The engine in the new Ford Ranger can be started remotely using a smartphone, to activate the air conditioner to cool or warm the cabin before getting into the vehicle.
- Improved low and high headlights throughout the range, with the option of Bi-LED “matrix” headlights (which mask oncoming traffic to avoid dazzling other drivers) on high-end models.
- The C-shaped daytime-running light sign closely links the Ford Ranger’s design DNA with the iconic Ford F-150.
- The step wedge at the bottom of each rear fender makes it easier to step in and reach the ute tray (rather than balancing on top of the rear tire).
- The new ute tray is 50mm wider between the wheel arches than before so it can fit pallets in the tray.
- The top edge of the ute tray is wide and flat to balance cargo briefly during loading and unloading and to fit larger attachments such as canopies, storage racks, and railings. The tailgate has a built-in ruler, cupholder recess, and clamping points to secure building materials when cut.
- The ute bed has a divider finder, so customers can personalize the tray storage.
- Power to the ute tray gets a boost, to the 400W 240V socket.
- There is lighting in the ute tray – under the rails – on some models, designed for trays working after dark, or to help find camping gear.
- Ford promises up to 600 accessories (some of which have been developed with Australia-based 4WD specialist ARB) for sports cars and off-roaders.
- Six driving modes on the 4WD model (previously only available on the Ford Ranger Raptor), including crawl function and various traction modes.
- The 360-degree camera on the high-end model will give the driver a front-facing camera view for off-road (shown on the infotainment screen), similar to the Land Rover and Range Rover.
- The automatic transmission was controlled electronically via a gear lever, after initial plans to use a rotating dial were scrapped. An electronic parking brake is installed on high-end models.
- The interior doorknobs are now 1970s-style levers inside the door pulls and are similar to those on the Ford F-150.
- Ford says the external body dimensions – bumper-to-bumper and mirror-to-mirror – are similar to current vehicles, but the wheelbase has been extended by 50mm between the dashboard and front axle (to accommodate V6 power and future hybrid options), and the tread which is 50mm wider.
- The exact dimensions haven’t been disclosed yet, but Ford promises better approach and departure angles for off-highway driving.
- Ford says significant improvements have been made to the articulation of the front and rear wheels, and engineers have hinted that the new Ranger will be close to or better than the
- Toyota Hilux category benchmark in this regard.
- The overall height of the new Ford Ranger is said to have grown quite a bit due to the higher-profile tires. There will be 17-inch, 18-inch, and, for the first time on a Ranger, a 20-inch wheel and tire package available depending on the model.
- Although the wheelbase and track have been increased, Ford says its turning circle is similar to that of current vehicles (12.7 meters) thanks to the smart front suspension geometry.
- More advanced trailer sway control and stability control systems have been developed throughout the range.
- The rear shock absorbers have been removed from the chassis rail
- The front fender vents now work, designed to expel hot air from the engine bay. The ‘vents’ on today’s Ford Ranger are design embellishments.
- The 10-speed automatic has new ratios and a new torque converter, and Ford promises smoother gearshifts.
- Ford says it has updated the fuel injectors again on the 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel and insists its reliability woes are behind them (see our engine story for more details).
- The horizontal beams on the sides of the ute tray on the 2022 Ford Ranger Wildtrak aren’t just a design feature. They have been engineered as a point of attachment for ropes.
- The wider top edge of the tailgate is designed to aid aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, as well as provide a brief rest area for heavy cargo while loading and unloading.
- The blue oval Ford badge on the front and rear of the Ranger is very large. Both are the same size and over nine inches (22cm) in diameter.
- While the cabin and glass areas look familiar, Ford says each new panel, as well as the chassis underneath.
- The dashboard now has a pop-out drink holder similar to the one on the previous Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Hilux.
- The center of the dashboard has a storage box similar to the Isuzu D-Max and Volkswagen Amarok.
- Rear seat passengers now have rear air vents.
- The rear seats can be stored flat to create more load space, and have more storage space under the bottom cushions.
- The front seat map pocket can hold a laptop or two large water bottles.
- The tailgate now has the letters RANGER stamped onto the sheet metal instead of a sticker.
- The only parts carried from the current Ranger to the new Ranger at first glance are the exterior door handles, and front and rear mud flaps.
- Figures such as curb weight, payload, axle load, gross vehicle mass, and gross combined mass have not been disclosed, but Ford says “many variants are more capable than before”.
- However, the maximum towing capacity will likely remain 3500kg.
- The interior doorknobs have old-fashioned levers in the door pulls, similar to those used on the Ford F-150 – and on Ford cars of the 1970s.
- Design work on the new model began in 2016 and is nearing completion in 2018.
- Due to advances in virtual reality and computer simulation technology, the development time of the 2022 Ford Ranger was reduced to approximately three and a half years (instead of five years) and approximately 200 physical prototype test vehicles were assembled (compared to up to 500 physical prototypes in the previous vehicle development program).
- While the Ford Ranger is designed and engineered primarily in Australia, it is made in Thailand, South Africa, South America, Vietnam, and the US.
Although the Ford Ranger engine line-up has been revealed, Ford has yet to reveal which engines will be available in which models, and power and torque output have yet to be confirmed. Read more details about the machine here.
There’s no word yet on the next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor, but Drive understands that the company aims to have flagship performance in Australian showrooms by the end of 2022 – and it could be powered by the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 petrol and the 10-speed Mobil used in the Ford Explorer. ST in the US. Read more details about the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor here.
Our artists’ impressions of the base model Ford Ranger XL and the sales volume of the Ford Ranger XLT – based on leaked images of preliminary design studies – suggest that the next generation will adopt Ford F-150 design guidelines.
The extremely wide, extended grille bars and C-shaped daytime running lights appear to have been designed to create a visual link to the Ford F-150.
Although the Ford F-150 – the best-selling pick-up in North America for the last 43 years – was not planned for an Australian showroom, the new Ford Ranger will continue to be sold with it in the US, therefore it bears some family resemblance.
Additionally, in most of the 180 countries where the Ford Ranger is sold – more regions, in fact, than McDonald’s restaurants have – company insiders refer to the vehicle as “our F Series.”
While the next-generation Ford Ranger will be based on the Australian developed ‘T6’ platform (a version that also supports four-wheel-drive Everest and the US Ford Bronco), the substantial changes to suspension geometry are aimed at improving performance on the road. and off-road performance.
The Ford Ranger has just returned to the US, and we’re already hearing rumors about the next generation of the version of this middle pick-up. Most speculation surrounding the U.S. arrival of the Ranger Raptor stateside, this will also feature a redesigned 2022 Ford Ranger lineup.
According to reports, the current Ford Ranger Raptor is not and will never be for U.S. consumption. But there are internal rumors that Ford’s global team is working a new platform that will underpin Ranger and Bronco. The same reports suggest this platform will also underpin a U.S.-enabled Ranger Raptor.
It’s unclear what Ford will do about the new generation ranger, but Ford is likely to stick to an evolutionary shake-up to avoid its new-found customers jettisoning in the US. As for the Ranger Raptor, we expect much of the same additions as the current model has compared to the base ranger.
This means wider front and rear lanes, a distinct chassis elevator, a flat body, and an exclusive grid with blocked “FORD ” lettering.
2022 Ford Ranger Interior Design
As a side note, the “dash to axle ratio” (distance between the cab and front wheels), has been extended while the engine compartment will be changed to accommodate a wider V6 engine option.
The tracks are said to be slightly wider and the wheelbase slightly longer, to give the new model a bigger and even more stable footprint.
Highway clearance angles are said to be improved, especially at the rear where the new crane bar design will be better than the current model.
The rear bumper corners have a handy foot wedge (pictured below) to make it easier for you to get on and into the tub of the ute.
Read next: 2022 Ford Fusion: Everything We Know So Far
The cabin, despite being similar in size, shape, and space to the current Ranger, is expected to come for a major makeover, with higher-quality materials, a new digital instrument display, a large high-resolution infotainment screen and premium audio on top. the final model.
A smartphone app called Ford Pass, which allows owners to remotely locate, lock and unlock cars (pictured below), will be introduced in the current Ford Ranger later this year before being adopted on the next-generation model.
The current-generation Ford Ranger has led the ute market in advanced safety – and was the first in its class globally to receive a five-star rating, in 2011 – although its competitors have closed the gap.
2022 Ford Ranger Tech
The Ford Ranger 2022 is said to be making another major technological leap forward, with available safety aids such as blind zone alerts (already available on current US models, pictured below), rear traffic alerts, and 360-degree cameras, all complementing autonomous emergency braking. , radar cruise control, and speed mark recognition on current models.
Ford Australia hasn’t confirmed the details or the estimated timeline for the new generation Ranger, but if history is any guide, it will be due in late 2021 or early 2022.
The current-generation Ford Ranger went on sale locally in September 2011, followed by a facelift in 2015 and 2018.
The average life cycle for a full model change on a body-on-frame pick-up is 10 years.
Though unconfirmed, the Ford Ranger will be required to adopt a center airbag (pictured below) in the center of the two front seats – a new requirement to meet the increasingly stringent five-star crash safety rating to prevent contact between front passengers in collisions – unless the company can find away. others to achieve the same level of occupant protection without extra air pockets.
The 2021 Isuzu D-Max and 2021 Mazda BT-50 utes will both come with center airbags when they go on sale this year, to make them at least eligible for a five-star rating after a full round of crash tests.
The new Ford Ranger must be in showrooms by the end of 2021 to meet the current five-star rating criteria deadline. The goal post to reach the five-star rating will move again in 2022 to stricter safety standards.
As many have speculated, we understand that the 3.2-liter five-cylinder (147kW / 470Nm) turbo diesel engine – which has served the current Ford Ranger for a decade – will retreat with a switch to a new model.
2022 Ford Ranger Engine
The 3.2-liter, the five-cylinder turbo diesel engine is meant to end in 2018 when the 2.0-liter bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel arrives with the Ford Ranger Raptor (pictured above) and as an option on the XLT and Wildtrak.
However, Ford is keeping the 3.2-liter, five-cylinder turbo-diesel for longer than planned amid concerns over buyer reaction to the switch to the smaller 2.0-liter engine.
Tests by us and other media outlets have found that a 2.0 liter (157kW / 500Nm) bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel that matches a 10-speed car is faster and more powerful than a 3.2 liter (147kW / 470Nm) five-cylinder turbo-diesel fits a six-car. speed – whether empty, pulling, or carrying a load.
The 10-speed auto means the 2.0-liter bi-turbo is always in the optimal power band and less stressed.
The big news – which has been widely speculated – is the expected arrival of a 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6 borrowed from the Ford F-150 (pictured above) with outputs approaching 185kW and 600Nm.
It is this V6 turbo diesel that apparently helped seal a collaboration deal with Volkswagen for the next generation Amarok, which will be made by Ford but has a unique appearance (see separate story here).
Currently, the VW Amarok TDV6 in its most powerful guise has a peak output of 190kW and 580Nm and is suitable for an eight-speed auto.
We understand that the 2.0-liter bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel and 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel (pictured below) on the Ford Ranger 2022 will be powered by a 10-speed automatic transmission and a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive system. It is unclear whether manuals will be developed as an option for both machines due to the relatively low demand.
Given the expected power, we expect at least some variants of the Ford Ranger 2022 lineup to come with four-wheel disc brakes.
Read next: 2022 Ford Explorer: All-New Ford Explorer Specs and Price
The US market version of the current Ford Ranger – and the current Ford Ranger Raptor – is already getting four-wheel disc brakes, which are expected to pave the way for other models in the Ford Ranger 2022 lineup.
The more affordable models in the Ford Ranger 2022 lineup – including a single-cabin tradie – are expected to move from a single-turbo 2.2-liter four-cylinder (118kW / 385Nm) diesel to a new generation that is more powerful and more efficient. 2.0-liter four-cylinder single turbo diesel from Transit Custom.
However, it is unclear which of the two outputs of the 2.0-liter single turbo-diesel will be used; in Transit Custom (pictured below) the machine is available in 125kW / 390Nm or 136kW / 405Nm formats and is compatible with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
In addition to the trio of diesel engines that are expected to headline the Ford Ranger 2022 (with the 3.0 TDV6 likely to be an option on high-end models such as the XLT and Wildtrak), there may also be petrol power options on select models.
We’ve learned that the high-powered twin-turbo V6 petrol – currently used in the Ford Explorer ST in the US (pictured below) – can be used under the hood of the new generation Ranger Raptor.
Under his bonnet, we see no reason for Ford to abandon the Ranger’s current powertrain, which includes a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 310 and-foot torque. Ford can make a few changes to bring up power or lower fuel economy, but this engine has a lot of good life in it. Ford may see a chance with a diesel option, given the Colorado and Canyon each offer this, but the jury remains on getting a solid oil burner in place that can pass strict emissions laws in the U.S.
As for the Raptor, Ford is likely to forgo the model’s current diesel engine. The replacement remains unclear, but the 335-horsepower 2.7-liter V-6 turbocharged found in the F-150 and Edge ST appears a good contender.
The current ranger features automatic emergency braking of the IIHS likes and optional blind-spot monitors and an adaptive cruise. We expect the 2022 Ford Ranger to keep all that and add all the other new treats the automaker is putting out until its release. Safety in specialist vehicles such as the Ranger Raptor can be tough as too many nannies take away the fun and too few can lead to poor safety figures. Thankfully, the F-150 Raptor sets a precedent by offering all of the F-150 “s safety leaks as standard or option equipment, so we expect the Ranger Raptor to keep safety in the foreground.
2022 Ford Ranger Hybrid
Hybrid petrol options are also reportedly being developed for the new generation Ranger, but it is unclear whether one or both of these petrol engines will be available in certain markets globally (including Australia) or only in North America.
The hybrid option, if available on the Ranger ute, will be introduced sometime after the initial launch.
We understand that the Ford Ranger 2022 will be built on road-leading features and technology in the current model class, and engineers have been tasked with making the vehicle more SUV-like in terms of comfort, quietness, and driving dynamics.
The good news is, we won’t have to wait long before seeing the next generation, Ford Ranger.
We understand that the Ford Ranger 2022 will launch in the first half of next year, at which time there will be a clearer picture of the arrival date of its local showroom.
For now, the windows are still wide open – late 2021 or early 2022 – as there are four Ford Ranger plants around the world (Thailand, South Africa, Argentina and the US) that need to increase the production of the new model.
2022 Ford Ranger Price
There is no official release date for the 2022 Ford Ranger yet. Check back for updates. Prices also remain uncertain, but if there are no big changes, we only expect inflation-related price increases compared to the current ranger, which ranges from $25.195 to $39,580 (target fees included). Depending on where the 2022 Ranger Raptor falls in the lineup — in the middle like the F-150 Raptor or as a shunting cut — this could push his top price up a bit.
