The Ford Ranger is among the best contenders in the midsize segment. However, the Toyota Tacoma and the Chevrolet Colorado have had the upper hand in terms of market share. Well, that just might change.
Ford has taken the covers off the new 2022 Ranger, but it’s the global model that’s been revealed. The US version will be similar but expect a few changes in the standard equipment and available powertrains. The new generation is part of the Ford-Volkswagen collab, in which the German automaker’s upcoming Amarok will be based on the new Ranger and built in South Africa by Ford.
A refresh for the Ranger has been long overdue. In the overseas market, Ford has been milking the Ranger for 11 years without any serious upgrade. That aside, let’s talk about the 2022 Ford Ranger. More specifically, what’s new.
The blue oval’s design department has taken cues from the Maverick and the new F-150 to give the 2022 Ranger a refreshing new look. Other changes include a completely revamped interior and more standard features that rank it a step above its adversaries.
2022 Ford Ranger: Let’s Talk Exterior Design
Ford has given its mid-tier pickup a much-needed refresh. The design, especially, the front-end, is reminiscent of the Ford Maverick pickup, which is already a stylish and contemporary utilitarian. Borrowed elements include the C-shaped headlights and a redesigned front grille, among other things. The grille now houses a camera (part of the 360-degree system), although we’re not sure if Ford’s going to make that a standard fitment when it comes to the US.
The design also incorporates a radar system for available driver assistance features and dynamic cruise control. Also, you’ll find tow-hooks, although it remains to be seen whether they’re going to be functional. The new Ranger also gets a 50-millimeter increase in its wheelbase, allowing for better approach angles, crucial when you’re traversing off the beaten path.
There are functional heat extractors on the front fenders, which also include a plastic insert with the engine designation stamped on it. Other noticeable changes are redesigned mirrors with LED turn signals, and a new set of running boards for easy ingress.
Moving to the rear, the tailgate is new and happens to be more sculptured than before. A new pair of rear lights complete the look alongside a handy set of side steps for easy access to the cargo bed. Speaking of which, the load area is now bigger courtesy of a 50 mm (2-inch) wider rear track. The 2022 Ranger also gets additional tie-down points mounted on steel tube rails and a smart tailgate that doubles as a workbench with built-in measurements.
2022 Ford Ranger: Fancy New Interior
Gone is the Ranger’s old and dated interior. The 2022 model gets a bunch of new features including, a fancy portrait-oriented touchscreen. The screen measures 12-inch in its top-spec (a 10-inch screen is standard) running the SYNC 4 infotainment software. Digital instrument cluster finds its way into the new 2022 Ford Ranger. The rest of the interior is made more appealing thanks to better quality plastics and soft-touch materials.
The new Ranger supports over-the-air updates and connected car tech, allowing owners to remotely control the truck’s various features. In terms of tech, the new 2022 Ranger comes with matrix-LED headlights and radar-assisted cruise control with all the latest safety gear on board. Customers will get to pick from two four-wheel-drive setups, either an electronic shift-on-the-fly system or the more sophisticated full-time 4x4 system.
2022 Ford Ranger: Powertrain Options are Aplenty
Although powertrain details of the US-spec Ranger are yet to be released, the international model gets a host of engine options: a 3.0-liter V6 and a pair of smaller four-cylinder, 2.0-liter diesels with a single- and twin-turbo setup. Power figures, however, aren’t available as yet.
Based on the engine configuration, there will be a six-speed manual or automatic, plus the latest 10-speed auto. Although there isn’t any info about the Raptor, we reckon it could come with the Bronco’s twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6, running a higher tune. Around 350 horsepower is our ambitious guess.
We reckon Ford could equip the upcoming Raptor with the Bronco’s Sasquatch package that should make things bullet-proof for a reassuring off-road adventure. Much like the Bronco Warthog, increased ride height, heavy-duty suspension, a set of Beadlock rims with off-road rubber and skid plates could be part of the new Ranger Raptor’s standard list of features. But before we jump to any more conclusions, we’ll wait for Ford to officially reveal the 2022 Raptor.
Sources: Ford Europe, Motor1, YouTube