After a series of teasers and leaked images, Ford finally took the wraps off the all-new 2022 Ford Ranger pickup.
On the exterior, we have a new grille, bolder wheel arches, and for the first time, matrix LED headlights. At the back, the taillights are designed in harmony with the signature graphics on the front.
Inside, the cabin now features soft‑touch materials that are more premium than before.
Taking centre stage is either a 10.1-inch or 12-inch touchscreen depending on variant, complemented by a fully digital instrument panel powered by Ford’s latest SYNC 4 system which comes customer-ready with its voice-activated communications, entertainment and information systems. The screen also is linked to a 360-degree camera.
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.
There are not only places to store your phone or charge it wirelessly (where compatible), but also a large centre console bin to stash things. In addition, the door pockets are designed to carry more, the wide dash conceals an upper glove box and there are storage bins under and behind the rear seats.
And then there is the FordPass app which enhances the ownership experience with features like Remote Start, Vehicle Status, and remote lock and unlock functions via a mobile device.
Beneath the new bodywork is an upgraded chassis riding on a wheelbase 50mm longer and a track 50mm wider than the prior Ranger.
Mechanical ungrades include the addition of the 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine into the lineup, complementing the Single-Turbo and Bi-Turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engines.
Ford’s engineers have also moved the front wheels forward by 50mm for a better approach angle and outboard for better off-road articulation, both of which improve the off‑roading experience.
They also shifted the rear suspension dampers outboard of the frame rails to give drivers and passengers a better ride both on- and off‑road.
Customers will have a choice of two four-wheel drive systems – an electronic shift-on-the-fly system, or an advanced new full-time four-wheel drive system with a set-and-forget mode, designed for capability when and where customers need it.
Off-road recovery is made easier with prominent dual recovery hooks in the front bumper.
Other new features include a tough plastic-moulded bedliner that helps protect both the truck bed from scratches and owners’ knees from kneeling on a steel truck bed, extra cargo tie down points, and flexible load box caps around the sides of the box and across the tailgate.
In addition, the Ranger offers a new cargo management system designed with dividers to hold various sized items – like timber or toolboxes.
Owners also can create smaller compartments to store objects, which would otherwise have to go in the cab, using a system of ultra-strong spring-loaded cleats that clip into rails bolted to each side of the cargo box.
The tailgate can also double as a mobile work bench with an integrated ruler and clamp pockets to measure, grip and cut building materials.
There is also Zone lighting now – controlled via the in-cabin SYNC screen or through the FordPass app – provides 360‑degree lighting around the truck to help give customers better visibility around the vehicle.
The Load box lighting is provided under the left- and right-hand rails and provides plenty of light for finishing up jobs in low light or finding things in the cargo box at night.
The next-generation Ranger will be built at Ford’s plants in Thailand and South Africa beginning in 2022, with other markets to be announced at a later date.
