Image credit: Navigator84, Wikimedia Commons
In 2022, the UK welcomed the arrival of the new Ford Ranger, which marked the fourth generation of this popular pickup. What’s even more exciting is that this new lineup will eventually feature an electric powertrain.
Despite being on sale since 2011, the Ford Ranger has managed to maintain its popularity in the UK market. In fact, it secured the fifth position in light commercial vehicle sales, with over 13,000 units sold in the country in 2020. It is worth noting that the Ranger is the only pick-up truck to make it to the top 10 list. Given its success, let’s delve into what this new version of the Ranger has to offer.
Redesigned exterior for the new Ranger pick-up
The new Ranger boasts a new look, which takes inspiration from Ford’s F-150 pickup truck and new Bronco SUV. The latest Ranger is 50mm wider, resulting in a broader and more commanding stance. One notable change is the introduction of a larger radiator grille, which features a horizontal bar showcasing the iconic Ford logo. This bar extends across the front of the truck, leading up to new matrix LED headlights with the newly added C-clamp style daytime running lights.
Among the new features on the 2022 model is also a new tailgate with the Ranger name stamped into the metal along with a new side profile with more pronounced wheel arches and a step integrated into either side of the rear bumper for easier loading into the bed. Both ends now have LED lights.
The addition of a 3.0-litre V6 diesel & petrol engines
There is no change to the architecture of the previous 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, and only minor changes have been made to the cooling system. However, the all-new Ranger gets three new engine options: two single-turbocharged models and one twin-turbocharged model. Alongside a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel the all-new Ford Ranger now also offers a new 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. Furthermore, there is a turbocharged Ecoboost V6 petrol engine.
In terms of power, there are various options depending on the variant you choose:
- Ford Ranger 2.0 EcoBlue 170 PS chassis cab, single cab and double cab – 168bhp
- Ford Ranger 2.0 EcoBlue 205PS double Cab – 202bhp
- Ford Ranger 2.0 EcoBlue 210PS Double Cab Raptor – 207bhp
- Ford Ranger 3.0 EcoBlue 240PS Double Cab – 237bhp
- Ford Ranger 3.0 Ecoboost Double Cab Raptor 282bhp
All-electric Ford Ranger
Ford UK also confirmed that the new Ranger will be available with an electrified drivetrain. The manufacturer aims to make its entire European commercial vehicle line-up available with zero emissions by 2024. This means that a plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger is a likely format for this popular pickup.
New gearboxes to improve Ford Ranger’s towing performance
A new five- and six-speed manual gearbox replaced the previous units. Furthermore, a revised 10-speed automatic transmission has a tighter ratio for improved towing performance at low revs.
As for the gearshift itself, it has been replaced by a short-throw “e-shifter” with an electronic parking brake. This allowed the Ranger pick-up to acquire more driver assistance systems and semi-automated driving features in the future.
Two options for controlling the 4WD drivetrain
For the first time, Ford offers a choice of two different versions of its four-wheel-drive system in its top-selling pickup truck. There is a basic manual mode selection system and a more advanced electronic system that can be controlled on-demand.
All-new Ford Ranger Raptor & Wildtrak models
The new Ford Ranger comes with different body styles and trim levels. The single cab Ranger, which has two doors, is limited to the basic XL trim. On the other hand, the double cab model, with four doors, is available in a wider range of trims including Ranger XLT, Tremor, the very popular Wildtrak trim, Wildtrak X, and the top of line, Ford Ranger Raptor Performance.
All Ford Ranger models offer premium materials, 10in or 12in portrait touchscreen with navigation, and Ford’s newest Sync4 infotainment system.
A new digital instrument cluster with customisable info no longer reserved for the Raptor model
Drivers can customise the information shown in front of them with a fully digital instrument cluster and adapt its display to suit the six new driving modes (previously only available in Raptor models). Off-roading controls are now found on the touchscreen. There is also a special off-roading screen view with information on the driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch, and roll angles, among other helpful information.
Improved load bed for the latest Ford Ranger
The new Ranger pick-up offers enhanced usability with the addition of an onboard inverter in the rear, providing 400 watts of power. The inclusion of new exterior zone lighting ensures better visibility of the load bed and its surroundings.
In terms of features for the load bed, the updated Ranger now includes clamps built into the tailgate, allowing it to be used as a mobile workbench. This versatile feature enables tasks such as cutting materials to be conveniently performed.
Moreover, the load bed is equipped with shaped slots that can be fitted with dividers, facilitating customisation of the load box to suit different needs. Additionally, the edges feature new plastic capping. It protects the body from damage while also concealing structural anchoring points.
Payload capacity for the new Ford pickup
Every version of the Ford Ranger is capable of carrying more than 1,000kg, however, the payload capacity may differ. As a result, all versions of the Ranger qualify for the commercial vehicle taxation status. However, it is important to note that a few models have a payload capacity lower than the necessary 1,045kg required to fit a hard top over the loading bay. In such cases, installing a hard top could result in the application of passenger car benefit-in-kind rates, which are higher than the van equivalent. Notably, the rolling load cover is exempt from this rule as it can be opened and closed using a button.
What is the price for a new Ford Ranger?
The single cab model is the most affordable option, priced at £28,275. If you’re looking for a Ford Ranger double cab, prices range from £29,800 for the base trim to £45,900 for the Platinum model. For those interested in the Ford Ranger Raptor, the starting price is £46,400. It’s important to mention that these prices represent the recommended retail price (RRP) and do not include VAT.
Q&A about the new Ford Ranger pick-up truck
Rob Hugo, Ford’s Dynamic Experiences Supervisor, answers some questions about the 2022 Ranger.
The Ranger’s wheelbase has been increased and widened. Will it impact the pickup’s performance?
We started with giving the Ranger a wider track width and [50mm-] longer wheelbase. We brought the front wheels closer to the front of the vehicle, which improves your approach angle, and increased the axle articulation, which allows the Ranger to behave more car-like on the road and more capable off-road. We’ve moved the rear dampers further outboard, which allowed us to tune a more controlled on-road ride. That means customers experience a more consistently comfortable ride.
The new Ranger offers both selectable and 4WD 4×4 systems. Why?
That part-time shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system is for more traditional enthusiast off-roaders. But we’re now offering an automated four-wheel drive, which distributes the torque between the front and rear axles smartly and intelligently as the customer demands, whether towing or on grass, gravel, ice and snow. That was driven by what we recognised the customers were after.
What about the Ford Ranger’s driving modes and touchscreen functionality for off-roading?
You don’t have to hunt for a rear differential lock or hill descent control. There’s a single touch button on the console that takes you to everything you need in one place on the screen. There are details of exactly what they do to the vehicle and certain modes will engage the diff lock and certain modes will disengage, so we have that hard button to select the drive modes.
