Ford debuted the next-generation Ranger just over a year ago. Blue Oval unveiled the global model, revealed few details about it, and doesn’t say anything about the US-bound version other than that details will arrive at a later date. We’re still waiting, but Ford is still developing the truck, as a series of new spy shots show.
The new photos capture the Ranger in its XLT trim, which is a mid-level offering. The truck isn’t all that different from the global version, though this example has a restyled lower fascia. The global truck has black plastic trim at the front, connecting the lower bumper to the grille elements. It’s been taken for granted in these photos, instead of showing smoother, more distinct, and even parts.
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There are even fewer changes at the rear. Most noticeable is the high-mount brake light which was repositioned from the tailgate handle to the roof, making room for the truck’s US-mandated backup camera. We doubt there are any other significant styling changes hiding beneath the truck’s camouflage wrap.
Ranger Global also received a major interior update. The dashboard has a vertical touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster behind the wheel. US-bound trucks may feature a larger center screen to suit North American tastes.
Powertrain details are also elusive, and it’s unclear whether the engine debuting on the global model is intended for the US. The turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is rumored to be carried over to the next-generation model. The engine produces 270 horsepower (201 kilowatts) and 310 pound-feet (420 Newton-meters) of torque.
Ford has confirmed it will offer a hotter Ranger Raptor in the US, and the global version of the truck debuts with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. It produces 392 hp (292 kW) and 430 lb-ft (583 Nm) of torque in places outside Europe and could be the power figures on the North American version.
Ford hasn’t announced when we’ll get a full disclosure of the US-bound Ranger. However, that should happen in the coming months. The truck is already being sold in other markets, and Ford has suggested that the new pickup will go on sale in the US in 2023, including the Ranger Raptor. With 2022 coming to a close, we’re hoping for a Ranger reveal to happen early next year, and that could be a 2023 or 2024 model at this point.
