When the next-generation Ford Ranger line-up arrives in the middle of 2022, it’ll initially consist of five trim levels.
That’ll grow to six later when the next-generation Raptor joins the line, while we expect special editions to return in due course. For context, there are five full-time members of the current Ranger family but six special editions.
The redesigned range will also continue to offer a choice of 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains, while we expect to see a full spread of Single, Super and Double Cab bodies, plus a choice of cab-chassis or pickup styles.
Ford hasn’t confirmed which trim levels will offer which body styles.
We know the Ranger will be offered with three turbo-diesel engines at launch: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder single-turbo, a carryover (but improved) 2.0-litre bi-turbo, and a new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6.
The single-turbo 2.0-litre will be offered with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, though we expect the other engines to be auto-only.
The current car’s 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four, available only in XL variants, will be axed, as will the 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel offered across much of the existing range.
Final power outputs, GCM and tow ratings are yet to be confirmed, though Ford did hint its axle loads and GVM would get an increase.
There’ll be a choice of two four-wheel drive systems: a carryover, shift-on-the-fly one, and a new system with a full-time four-wheel drive option you’ll be able to use on pavement.
The only colours at first will be Absolute Black, Aluminium, Arctic White, Blue Lightning, Meteor Grey and Sedona Orange, though the flagship Wildtrak has a slightly different colour palette.
XL
As before, the XL is the entry point to the Ranger range. It’s distinguished from the others by its 16-inch steel wheels and a black grille, along with halogen daytime running lights.
Though it’s the fleet-spec Ranger, it still has the new digital instrument cluster. Its touchscreen isn’t the largest of the new Ranger line-up but, measuring 10.1 inches and with a portrait orientation, it’s still larger than any of the screens in the outgoing Ranger.
The seats are upholstered in Ebony cloth.
The outgoing Ranger XL currently offers the widest spread of body styles, with pickup and cab-chassis body styles, 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains, and Single, Super and Double Cab bodies. Expect the new Ranger XL to offer a similarly comprehensive array of models, particularly if Ford wants to take some sales from the current 4×2 ute leader, the Toyota HiLux, and claw past the HiLux range overall in sales.
XLS
The XLS also wears a black grille with halogen daytime running lights, though it builds on the XL with halogen fog lights and 16-inch alloy wheels in a “Dark Sparkle Silver” finish.
Inside, it’s largely the same as the XL, from its black cloth upholstery to its 10.1-inch touchscreen.
In the outgoing Ranger, the XLS is only available as a 4×4 Double Cab Pickup. It’s unclear if this will be the same with the new model, though Ford has only released photographs of it in this body style.
XLT
With the XLT, we now step up to the variants with a greater skew towards private buyers.
The XLT wears Ford’s distinctive “C-Clamp” LED headlights, connected by a two-tier chrome bar that spans the grille.
Like the XLS, its alloy wheels are also finished in “Dark Sparkle Silver”, though they’re larger 17-inch units.
The black cloth upholstery features a “hex” pattern, while the air vents have a Satin Aluminium finish.
Currently, the XLT is offered in Super and Double Cab bodies and predominantly offered with 4×4, though Ford also offers a 4×2 Double Cab Pickup ‘Hi-Rider’.
Sport
No longer a mere special edition, the Sport is becoming a full-time member of the Ranger line-up.
It loses the XLT’s chrome grille bar, but gains a metal-look front skid plate. The 18-inch, machined-face alloy wheels feature Asphalt Black accents and a clear matte finish.
There are Gloss Black air vents with Satin Aluminium accent, while Ford says “aero grain texture features on the upper dash and in all the storage areas”. The seats appear to be upholstered in leather trim.
We expect both this and the Wildtrak to be offered only in the Double Cab Pickup body style.
Wildtrak
The Wildtrak will be the most expensive Ranger at first and the only one to come standard with the larger 12.0-inch touchscreen, until such time as the Raptor arrives.
Though it’ll be offered with the same exterior colour palette as other models, orange remains the Wildtrak’s signature colour. To that end, it features black leather upholstery with Cyber Orange stitching on the seats, shifter and steering wheel. The seats also feature a Cyber Orange ‘Wildtrak’ wordmark.
Other interior accents are finished in Boulder Grey or Satin Aluminium. For example, the triangular cut-outs at the base of the centre stack are finished in the latter.
The Wildtrak rides on Boulder Grey 18-inch alloy wheels and features a bolder mesh insert for its grille.
Its hero colour is Luxe Yellow, which replaces Lightning Blue on the colour palette. Otherwise, it’s available in the same colours as the rest of the range.
Ford is continuing to release Ranger information in the lead-up to its launch in 2022, so it won’t be too long before we find out more.
For example, we don’t yet know what each variant will come standard with besides the previously confirmed touchscreens and digital instrument cluster. We also don’t know whether the full-time four-wheel drive system will be available only with the turbo-diesel V6, or whether either will be exclusive to the Wildtrak or offered elsewhere in the range.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest on the redesigned Ford Ranger.
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