Ford Motor Co. is redesigning the Ranger and including a Raptor efficiency variant to the midsize pickup for the primary time in North America because it seeks to maintain tempo in an more and more aggressive phase with considered one of its hottest international nameplates.
The 2024 Ranger, scheduled to succeed in dealerships late this summer time, will get an expanded engine lineup that features an optionally available 2.7-litre EcoBoost V-6, bigger inside touchscreens and extra aggressive exterior styling that mirrors the design of Ford’s bigger F-Sequence vans.
The Ranger Raptor, powered by the three.0-litre EcoBoost V-6 from the Bronco Raptor that shares its platform, additionally might be out there late this summer time.
Ford resurrected the Ranger nameplate in North America in 2019 and is seeking to snap a three-year gross sales droop in the US, the place the segment-leading Toyota Tacoma outsells it greater than 4-to-1. That ratio is 3-to-1 in Canada. Toyota plans to unveil the next-generation Tacoma this month, and Normal Motors has redesigned its Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon for 2023.
Regardless of its challenges in the US, the Ranger is a high vendor in various international markets. Ford already has launched the redesigned mannequin in most of these markets and hopes to copy its abroad success stateside.
“The all-new Ranger has already confirmed itself on virtually each continent with gross sales management in 18 international locations and all of Europe,” Kumar Galhotra, the president of Ford Blue, stated in an announcement. “Now it is prepared for North America.”
U.S. pricing for the 2024 mannequin begins at $34,160 (all figures in USD), whereas the Ranger Raptor will begin at $56,960. Each figures embody a $1,595 transportation charge. Canadian pricing hasn’t been introduced.
The 2024 mannequin is 2 inches (5 centimetres) wider and two inches (5 cm) longer than the present technology. Engineers moved the rear shocks and shock mounts outdoors of the body rails for higher management and redesigned the cab for higher sight strains.
The two.3-litre EcoBoost that powers the present mannequin will proceed as the usual engine on the 2024 Ranger. It can generate 270 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque.
For extra energy, clients can go for the two.7-litre V-6, which additionally powers the F-150 and Bronco. It will get 315 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque.
Ford says the Ranger can have a towing capability of seven,500 kilos (3,400 kilograms) and a payload capability of 1,805 kilos (181 kg).
The Raptor variant is billed as probably the most highly effective Ranger and meant to provide clients excessive off-road functionality. The three.0-litre V-6 is predicted to generate 405 hp and 430 pound-feet of torque. The Raptor has a singular suspension and exterior design.
The outside of the bottom Ranger additionally has been up to date to be extra sculpted and angular than the present mannequin, incorporating the “c-clamp” headlight and grille designs discovered on bigger F-Sequence merchandise. Designers stated clients, particularly in international markets, requested for extra proof that the product was a part of Ford’s bigger truck household.
“Ranger is the F-150 in the remainder of the world,” stated Gretchen Sauer, Ranger’s advertising and marketing supervisor.
The Ranger inside has been up to date with bigger screens. An eight-inch digital cluster is commonplace, though clients can go for a 12.4-inch cluster, relying on trim. A ten.1-inch centre touchscreen is commonplace, and Ford says the optionally available 12-inch display might be largest out there on a midsize pickup.
The Ranger might be able to over-the-air software program updates and embody various driver-assist applied sciences, though it won’t supply Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free system.
Since re-introducing the Ranger in North America, Ford has expanded its pickup portfolio with the compact Maverick and electrical F-150 Lightning.
The Ranger will borrow various standard options from Ford’s different vans, in addition to its Bronco SUV, together with second-row underseat storage, fold-flat rear seatbacks, exterior zone lighting and a built-in ruler and bottle opener within the mattress.
“There’s some issues we have introduced from every one,” Sauer stated. “However we’re targeted on delivering for the worldwide buyer.”
Sauer stated Ford, which has struggled for years with high quality points, has made various adjustments to make sure a easy launch.
For instance, the corporate will begin manufacturing with solely sure cab and engine configurations. Different choices, similar to the two.7-litre V-6 engine, will not be out there earlier than the autumn.
“We’re actually targeted on delivering a top quality automobile,” Sauer stated.