The 2022 Ford Ranger was officially unveiled overnight, with Ford Australia taking the covers off their best selling vehicle due to go on sale mid-2022. The reveal comes after months of teasers, leaks, and a whole bunch of excitement, but with so much to take in about the new vehicle, we’re covering the 10 most important things you need to know about the new truck.
Let’s check it out.
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10 Things To Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
The next-gen Ranger is official, here are 10-things you need to know.
1. Ford Listened to the Customer
Most importantly, the Ranger took customer feedback into consideration throughout the design process. The brand spent time conducting more than 5,000 interviews and checking out dozens of customer workshops to understand how the user interacted with their trucks and understands what they wanted and expected in the Next-Generation Ranger.
“With the new Ranger, this is our moment to deliver. Not just a product our customers will love, but an always-on experience that will help us build strong and lasting relationships with them. This is the midsize truck people will want to own and experience,” said Ford president and CEO, Jim Farley.
Every upgrade or design change that you read below was taken into consideration from customer feedback, including more power, fresher design, integrated touchscreen, more technology, and a ride that transitions seamlessly between worksite, highway, and the bush. Ford knows that they have a wide customer base when it comes to the Ranger and creating a vehicle that can cater to most (if not all) is a tough task, but the brand is confident they’ve achieved it.
2. There’s More Power
While Ford is keeping exact power figures close to their chest, new powertrain options for the 2022 Ranger – including a turbo-diesel V6 – will serve the Australian market as a more capable vehicle for towing. The new V6 engine has been poached from the Ford F-150, and this will be its first application in a mid-sized truck.
In its overseas application, the engine makes 186kW @ 3250rpm and 597Nm @ 1750, power outputs that are more closely to par with the Volkswagen Amarok – the only other V6 in the segment. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel returns alongside the new V6 engine in twin and single turbo applications.
Those with a keen ear would have noticed the familiar sound of a petrol V6 and the teaser seemingly hints at the introduction of the twin-turbo Petrol V6 into Ranger Raptor models in 2022. Ford strongly hints at that being a possibility down the line, as the press release reads.
“A hydro-formed front-end structure creates more space in the engine bay for the new V6 engine and helps future-proof the Ranger for other propulsion technologies,” said Ford.
Notably, the 10-speed transmission (also found in the new Toyota 300-series Landcruiser) returns with a little fine-tuning to remove some of the low-speed ‘confusion’ that we experienced in the Ranger Raptor. It’s a great gearbox in our opinion and we really enjoy the truck-like ratios that always keep the vehicle in the powerband. The Range will also be available with a 6-speed automatic in lower-tiered models.
3. The Wheelbase Is Longer
What reads like a minor upgrade is a significant step in increasing the capabilities of the Range offroad and on. The track has been increased by 50mm (now only 100mm narrower than the out-going Raptor) and the wheelbase has been extended 50mm in the front to improve approach angles.
The suspension geometry goes far beyond a simple tweak. Rear dampers have been moved outboard, resulting in a more consistently comfortable ride that lacks the bounce and unstable nature of a modern ute when not carrying a load around. The suspension has been tuned to offer a comfortable ride when carrying a load or just dropping the kids at school.
2022 Ranger finally applies four-wheel disc brakes, something that was previously reserved for the Raptor. The traditional IFS front end and live axle rear remain, with coil springs reserved for the Everest and Raptor.
4. Designed Tough, but for the Future
The exterior of the new Ranger is notably shared with the rest of the global truck lineup. In many cases, customers wanted their Ranger to look more like the F-150 counterpart that we currently don’t have access to Downunder. The wider stance combined with prominent grille structures and new ‘C-clamp’ style headlights achieve such, and the vehicle is already looking like a modified truck owners vehicle of choice.
We love the new aggressive shoulder line, front bonnet, and bolder wheel arch design that sits somewhere between out-going narrow bodies Ranger and Raptor. All-in-all, this is undoubtedly the toughest looking dual-cab ute in its class (bar Raptor) and that’s without any accessories, speaking of which…
5. Ford Partnered with ARB in Australia
Ford announced a partnership with ARB 4×4 Australia earlier in the year and the Ranger looks to become a key part of the exercise. ARB will officially offer a range of accessories available from participating Ford dealers that are covered by full Ford Australia’s New Vehicle Warranty of up to five years / unlimited kilometres.
Modifying your Ranger is a big part of ownership for most customers, and the brand understands such. Customers will be able to accessorise their vehicle with a range of almost 600 fully factory-backed work, urban and adventure accessories. Many of which are designed in collaboration with ARB 4×4.
6. The Interior Has a Big Touch Screen
You probably didn’t need us to tell you that, but the screen in the new Ranger is HUGE. Designers took customer feedback into consideration and understood the hate surrounding the ‘add-on’ style screens in many modern cars that look more like a convenient afterthought than an addition.
Screen sizes include a factory 10.1-inch or upgraded 12-inch touchscreen in the centre stack. This complements the fully digital gauge cluster and comes loaded with SYNC4 offering voice-activated communication and all the information you could possibly want from your Ranger. Additionally, there’s an embedded factory-fitted modem, allowing connectivity on the go when linked with the FordPass app, so you can stay connected and download software updates over the air.
There’s plenty of clever storage solutions, including an upper glove box, and an easy access ledge for passengers to chuck their phone and any other quick-access items. In addition, the door pockets are designed to carry more, and there are cupholders just below the air vents on the sides of the dashboard (something the Nissan Navara got rid of but is supremely useful when the centre console is full of keys and phones).
7. Selectable Drive Mode Dial
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.
Thankfully, not everything has moved into the abyss of digital menus. There’s a console-mounted dial where drivers can choose between high-range and low-range modes for off-roading. It will be interesting to see how intuitive the drive mode selector is, but if the application is anything like Terrain Response found in the new Land Rover Defender, it will be plenty intuitive to not drive you mad before driving up a rocky outcrop.
8. There’s a Tailgate Workbench
It’s pretty sweet really. The tailgate has an integrated workbench that features a ruler, G-Clamp points and even a cupholder. While there’s no telling how many tradies and DIY’ers truly utilise their Ranger as a dedicated workbench it’s a pretty cool addition to the rear of the vehicle and a smart way to turn a typically wasted space into something cool. Just make sure not to drill or cut through the rear of your brand new ute.
9. There’s an Access Step
Another cool feature – that has seemingly become a standard for most modern trucks – is the load step. Integrated into the rear bumper, the step makes loading the vehicle easier than ever, and a whole lot safer than standing on the rear tire, especially if it’s caked in mud or slippery after a day of off-roading. In our opinion, it will also be a lifesaver when cleaning out the bed of the truck or accessing the top of a canopy.
“When we met with our customers and observed how they climbed up to the load box, we saw a big improvement opportunity… there were people stepping on the tyre and then going over the side of the truck or hoisting themselves onto the open tailgate,” said Ranger vehicle engineering manager, Anthony Hall.
The cargo area also receives a number of new tie-down points that are mounted to strong steel-tube rails.
10. It Comes Ready for Dual Batteries
Ford hasn’t given us the chance to jump under the bonnet of the new Ranger just yet, but 4WD fans will undoubtedly appreciate the integration of a dual battery tray into the vehicle from the factory. This space will allow you room to set up a deep cycle system that powers external lights, fridges, and any other accessories you might want to throw at it.
While this basic dual battery system won’t replace a quality 12V setup with solar panels etc. it’s enough to set up the average adventurer for a few days out in the bush. Just another example of Ford taking customer feedback onboard.
Other Notable inclusions that need no description include:
- Over the air updates, so there’s no need to visit a dealer for software improvements.
- New hinges on the rear seats so they fold flat.
- There’s a 360-degree camera for assistance offroad and when parking.
- Wireless charging is big enough for large phones.
- The digital gauge cluster displays truck data and off-roading information as well as turn-by-turn navigation.
- There are moulded slots in the Bedliner that allow you to fit dividers to customise the load box.
- Access caps on the tray edges prevent damage from sliding materials over.
- Zoned lighting on the exterior help when camping, controlled on the screen or through the FordPass app.
General FAQ
While the pricing is yet to be formally announced by Ford Australia, when you consider the current state of the new car market and the demand for utility vehicles, we expect the new Ranger to cost around AU$80,000 when it launches.
Power figures are yet to be formally announced, but in its overseas application the Ford Turbo-Diesel 'Lion' V6 makes 186kW and 597Nm.
