2022 Ford Ranger Steps Onto Global Stage, Previews America’s Next Mid-Size Pickup

Ford is giving us a reason to be thankful as the company has unveiled the redesigned Ranger for international markets.

Billed as the “smartest, most versatile and most capable Ranger ever,” the next-generation pickup builds on the legacy of its predecessors while also embracing comfort, technology and improved capability.

Its ‘newness’ is immediately apparent as the model adopts a bolder design that is in keeping with the Maverick and F-150. A single bar sits atop a larger and more prominent grille, and flows into new C-shaped headlights. The latter are notable for featuring stylish daytime running lights and newly available Matrix LED technology.

Also Read: Ranger-Based VW Amarok Spied Testing At Ford’s Proving Grounds

Other highlights include a sculpted hood and muscular bodywork that largely eschews the soft curves of its predecessor. Despite this, the model is instantly recognizable as the truck retains a pronounced shoulder line and a familiar greenhouse.

The rear end is more evolutionary, but we can see distinctive taillights and a revised tailgate with prominent Ranger lettering. Those aren’t the only changes as the model features a new rear bumper with side steps, which help to improve access to the bed.

While Ford didn’t go into many specifics, we can see SuperCab and SuperCrew body styles as well as a rugged Wildtrak trim. Ford also announced plans for nearly 600 factory-backed accessories including some developed in collaboration with ARB.

A Bed That Works Almost As Hard As You Do

One of the biggest selling points of a truck is its bed and it’s slightly larger than before as the redesigned Ranger has a 2 inch (50 mm) wider track and a 2 inch (50 mm) longer wheelbase.

Besides the increased dimensions, it sports a new bedliner and additional cargo tie down points. They’re joined by spring-loaded cleats on the sides of the cargo box as well as a new cargo management system that features moveable dividers.

However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg as the tailgate can function as a mobile work bench. While this isn’t too unusual, Ford said the tailgate has an “integrated ruler and clamp pockets to measure, grip and cut building materials.”

Another interesting touch is the zone lighting system, which provides 360 degrees of illumination at night. This should prove useful on your next camping trip or for contractors trying to finish up a last minute job.

A Sleeker And More Modern Interior

While the previous Ranger was saddled with an outdated interior, that’s no longer the case as the latest pickup features a high-tech cockpit with a digital instrument cluster and a 10.1- or 12-inch SYNC4 infotainment system. The latter have a portrait orientation as well as a dedicated off-road screen that allows owners to “monitor the driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch and roll angles.”

Speaking of technology, the Ranger has an integrated modem that allows for modern connectivity. In particular, owners can use the FordPass app to remotely start and lock/unlock the vehicle as well as check on its status. The model should also improve with age thanks to over-the-air updates.

Putting the tech aside, the Ranger features a more modern dashboard with stylish air vents and what appears to be painted trim. Elsewhere, there’s a revised center console, minimalist switchgear, and a stubby “short-throw e-shifter” on models equipped with an automatic transmission. We can also see higher quality materials, available contrast stitching and a new steering wheel.

Ford didn’t go into many specifics, but they confirmed the redesigned Ranger will offer a wireless smartphone charger and clever storage solutions. In regards to the latter, the company said the truck has more accommodating door pockets, storage bins under and behind the rear seats, and an upper glove box integrated into the dash.

Three Turbodiesels And An EcoBoost Four-Cylinder

Under the hood, there will be three turbodiesels including a new 3.0-liter V6 which reportedly feels like it has “endless” levels of power and torque. Ford didn’t provide numbers, but said the V6 will be joined by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is available with one or two turbochargers.

The variant with the single turbo will be available in two different configurations, while the twin-turbo four-cylinder is billed as a “more sophisticated” option that should appeal to customers seeking a combination of performance and fuel efficiency.

On the petrol side, the truck will be offered with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. It should be immediately familiar as it’s used in everything from the Bronco to the Mustang.

Engine options and transmission choices will vary by market, but the Ranger will be offered with three different gearboxes. Besides the six-speed manual, there will be a carryover six-speed automatic and an updated ten-speed automatic.

An Upgraded Platform That Promises Improved Ride Comfort

Ford didn’t say much about the truck’s underpinnings, but they confirmed the model rides on an “upgraded chassis” and features a “hydro-formed front-end structure [that] creates more space in the engine bay for the new V6 engine and helps future-proof the Ranger for other propulsion technologies” such as the plug-in hybrid powertrain that is expected to be offered in Europe.

Besides the updated chassis, the front wheels have been moved forward to allow for a better approach angle. The rear suspension dampers have also been relocated to allow for a more comfortable ride both on- and off-road.

Speaking of off-roading, the truck will be offered with two different four-wheel drive systems. The first is an electronic shift-on-the-fly setup, while the second is a more capable “full-time 4×4 system with a reassuring set-and-forget mode.”

Production Begins Next Year, But Ford Is Staying Coy On The US-Spec Pickup

The redesigned Ranger will go into production at plants in Thailand and South Africa next year. We’ll learn more about the model closer to launch, but most of our readers are probably more interested in the US-spec pickup.

We asked Ford about it and the company told us, “We’ll share more details about the next-generation Ranger for North America at a later date.”  However, we expect it to arrive for the 2023 model year.