The 2022 Ford Ranger is finally here! Facts about the heavily modified Australian pickup, plus an update on the hot new Raptor and redesigned Everest.

Still a recognizable Ranger, the 2022 redesign nonetheless takes a lot of flair for the F-Series, along with huge changes inside.

Ford has finally lifted the veil on the next-generation Ranger, due out in the second quarter of 2022, with more extensive changes and updates than previously thought.

Developed here in Australia for over half a century, key differences include new sheetmetal, a redesigned interior, a larger cargo area that can now accommodate the standard palette, a wider choice of powertrains including a rumored 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, an updated platform. with 50mm longer wheelbase and 50mm wider tracks, bigger wheels and up to 20" tires, upgraded all-wheel drive system depending on class, four-wheel disc brakes, space for two batteries and integrated electronic brake control. for towing.

Significant advances in safety systems are said to unlock segment-first driver-assistance technologies that will help the T6.2 achieve its coveted five-star ANCAP crash test rating.

Styling reflects Ford's current mindset for full-size F-series trucks in North America (particularly at the front), while the wider stance achievable thanks to the extended tracks results in a shorter front overhang and significantly better off-road capability, as well as on-road dynamics.

Although not "all new" due to retaining the same basic body shapes and dimensions, door and glass openings, most of the chassis stiffeners, a 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission (although both heavily modified) and other elements, most of the parts are not directly interchangeable with their existing PX III Ranger counterparts, according to T6 platform chief engineer Ian Foston.

As with the outgoing Ranger, XL, XLS, XLT, Sport and Wildtrak will initially be available as base trims, along with Single, Super and Double Cab, 4×2 (rear-wheel drive), Low Rider, 4×2 body styles Hi-Rider and 4×4 (XNUMXWD) Hi-Rider, as well as cab-chassis and pickup models.

The Ranger lineup consists of XL, XLS, XLT, Sport and Wildtrak.

However, the exact dimensions of the new Ranger, engine power, fuel consumption figures, specific safety features, equipment levels, payloads, towing capacity, pricing and other data will be revealed at a later date as Ford delays the release of information in the coming weeks. months.

Which brings us to the confusing issues of ordering and availability.

With a target date for on sale sometime in the second quarter of next year (which is when you can start placing your order with dealers), we understand that customer deliveries won't start until June or July at the earliest.

Most Ranger varieties will be sourced from Thailand.

Also, the long-awaited flagship Raptor spin-off, which Ford refuses to comment on right now, should arrive before the end of 2022. That's when we'll also see an equally redesigned Ranger sibling, the Everest SUV, although the company is also silent on the matter. also for now.

As before, most Ranger brands will be sourced from Thailand, as well as from the Silverton plant in South Africa, which has undergone extensive renovations to bring it in line with the technological advances of the new model.

Australia also continues to be the "homeroom" of the T6 in keeping with the 2011 original, with all design and engineering work for the T6.2 based at Ford Australia's Campbellfield head office in Melbourne as well as the You Yangs proving ground near Geelong. However, the Blue Oval outposts in Asia, America, Africa and Europe have made a huge contribution.

Styling reflects the current Ford F-series full-size truck for North America.

Ford says it has listened to and learned from extensive owner and user feedback in some of the 180 global markets in which the current Ranger is sold, resulting in improvements in functionality, accessibility and ease of use, especially for people below average height.

To this end, a new integrated footrest is available to help increase the reach of the cargo area. There are also redesigned body rails that are now load-bearing, improved attachment points, an integrated workbench in the restyled tailgate, access to 240W outlets, new spot lighting right around the truck for better/safer night vision, and molded underlayment. with delimiter locators, among other improvements.

The restyled tailgate has a built-in workbench.

It also promises better after-sales customer service, though what they are or what they look like has yet to be revealed for Australian and New Zealand buyers.

The redesigned T6.2 chassis, longer wheelbase and wider tracks required a completely new suspension that is now further outboard. This move allows more room for the spring and shock to articulate, which in turn allows for a greater range of adjustment to improve two opposing elements: ride and handling regardless of load, and 4×4 prowess thanks to more wheel travel. There are up to six off-road driving modes.

The platform has been redesigned with a 50mm longer wheelbase and 50mm wider tracks.

Another bonus is a wider bed in the back to accommodate a standard palette - a rarity in this class. These are significant changes that go beyond a simple facelift or restyling.

Comfort levels are also improved with a new, quieter interior that makes a big difference. These include a new heating/ventilation system for more efficient climate control, softer-feeling materials, fresh finish/material textures and, of course, an all-new instrument panel with customizable electronics and an integrated 10.1 or 12.0-inch portrait touchscreen. . -inch sizes depending on the model. 

The Ranger is equipped with a 10.1-inch or 12.0-inch touchscreen in a vertical orientation.

The latest Ford multimedia system (SYNC4) is another evolution of the series with wireless phone charging, wireless update capability and built-in modem. Exquisite! Storage and optional surround cameras also contribute to ease of use.

The 2022 Ranger's engine bay is also all-new, with a hydroformed design to accommodate a V6, the 3.0-liter Power Stroke unit first used in the 2018 F-150 truck but fully modified for the Ranger. However, despite being one of the most anticipated T6.2 designs, it is most likely destined for the highest ratings like the Wildtrak and Raptor, probably due to the high cost.

The 2022 Ranger isn't exactly new.

This will leave the 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine familiar to Transit van buyers in new single-turbo and ongoing twin-turbo versions (bi-turbo in Ford parlance) that will power the rest of the range, replacing the old 2.2-liter engine. and 3.2-liter four- and five-cylinder diesel engines, respectively.

An alternative to the stock six-speed manual, the 2.0-litre twin-turbo 10-speed automatic has a new torque converter for greater responsiveness, fixing one of the existing application's biggest flaws, as well as a new short "electronic shifter" . while the 2.0-liter single-turbo base engine uses a six-speed torque converter automatic and five-speed manual transmission. Both gearboxes are new.

Auto Rangers are equipped with a short new "electronic switch".

As previously stated, the power output of the engine is not yet known, but it is known that the 2.0-litre single turbo engine will have two power levels. Some models will offer four-wheel disc brakes. The electronic parking brake is now installed. And each class had at least one inch wheel/tire upgrade, with the maximum size now being 20 inches. Double tow hooks are now also fitted.

Finally, Australian XNUMXxXNUMX specialists ARB have formed a strategic partnership with Ford to have their customized parts installed at Ford dealers.

The breadth and depth of changes to the 2022 Ranger are vast, but will they be enough to keep the anticipated last-ever Australian-designed and engineered vehicle at the top of the pickup list? 

Rest assured, there will be much more information coming soon, so stay tuned.