Despite dominating new vehicle sales and leading the commercial segment in New Zealand with the Ranger, Ford has picked a radical design for the all-new version of the ute.

Sold in 180 markets around the world, the all-new Ford Ranger picks up global design DNA with hints of the F-150.

Using years of Ford truck expertise and a deep understanding of truck customers, Ford’s design and engineering teams collaborated with customers around the globe to create a vehicle and ownership experience that Next-Generation Ranger owners can rely on for their businesses, family lives and adventure.

“With Ranger, we’ve had a big extended family for decades,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO.

“This truck has always been a trusted partner to small business owners, farmers, families, adventurers, commercial fleets and so many more in over 180 markets around the world.”

The Next-Generation Ranger project was led by Ford’s Product Development Centre in Australia. Its international, 2000-strong team of dedicated designers and engineers worked with teams around the globe to not only incorporate the very latest in Ford technology, capability and safety, but to also engineer and test the Ranger to Ford’s toughest standards.

“Our team was focused on one goal – to make this Ranger the toughest and most capable we’ve ever created,” said Graham Pearson, Ranger vehicle program director.

“They put it through one of the most exhaustive global testing schedules we’ve ever developed and would not rest until we were satisfied that it was Built Ford Tough.”

The revealed models – the XL, XLS, XLT, Sport and Wildtrak – reflect this customer input both inside and out.

“Customers told us the Ranger needs to look tough and needs to inspire confidence,” said Max Tran, chief designer for Ranger. “They were very clear in what Ranger should be, both in the way it looks, and the way it makes them feel.”

Beneath the new bodywork is an upgraded chassis riding on a wheelbase 50mm longer and a track 50mm wider than the prior Ranger. 

Customers wanted a choice of more power and torque for towing heavy loads and extreme off-roading, so the team added Ford’s proven 3.0-Litre turbodiesel V6 and developed it for the Ranger. It is one of three turbodiesel engine options available at launch, depending on the market.

Ford has confirmed the new-generation Ford Ranger ute (and by default the jointly-developed, new-generation Ford Everest 4WD) will be able to adopt hybrid power, according to Drive.com.au

Hybrid versions of the jointly-developed Ford Ranger and Ford Everest – engineered in Australia but manufactured in Thailand – are expected to be in overseas showrooms by 2024 in countries that have mandated strict emissions targets.

Customers wanted a flexible, modern cockpit that caters to both work and family duties. So, Ranger needs to serve as both a workspace and a haven, providing smart and connected features with more comfort and storage options than ever before.

The heart of the Ranger’s connective experience is the large 10.1-inch or 12-inch touchscreen in the centre stack. It complements the fully digital instrument panel and is loaded with Ford’s latest SYNC4 system, which has voice-activated communications, entertainment and information systems. 

Many of the traditional driving mode controls have been moved from the dash and centre console to their own dedicated display on the SYNC screen. With one button press, drivers can go to Ranger’s dedicated screen for all off-road and drive modes where they can monitor the driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch and roll angles and other controls.

The screen also is linked to a 360-degree camera to make parking a breeze in tight urban spaces or to assist when negotiating particularly tricky terrain while out exploring. 

The Next-Generation Ranger will be built at Ford’s manufacturing plants in Thailand and South Africa beginning in 2022. Local specifications and pricing will be announced closer to arrival.