5 things to know about the upcoming next-gen Ford Ranger

The popularity of pickup trucks is growing in the Malaysian market and the recent citation to that is the sales record made by Isuzu Malaysia. However, the truck which redefined the lifestyle trucking in the country is none other than the Ford Ranger, which is set to get a generation update soon. 

The official distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion, has recently opened registration of interest for the next-gen Ranger, ahead of the public debut at Pavilion Bukit Jalil on July 23-24. It will be followed by previews in Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu over the next weekends. 

However, the revamped pickup is already on sale in Thailand, so we do have an idea of what it is like and how it is going to be when it gets launched in the local market. So, here we bring 5 important things you should know about it.

Edgier styling 

The upcoming Ranger appears edgier than the outgoing model with the new LED headlights, C-shaped daytime running lights, and new 17-inch wheels previewed in the teaser image. 

The design of the revamped truck is inspired by the much larger F-150 truck, which is one of the best-selling pickups in the world. Further, the automaker confirms that the customer input played a major role in developing the new Ranger’s rugged new look. The bold and confident pickup boasts a new grille, Matrix LED headlights, a subtle shoulder line, bolder wheel arches, and restyled tail lights.

Upgraded chassis

Not only the bodywork, but the chassis of the Ford Ranger also gets some significant improvements for enhanced capabilities. These include a 50 mm wider track, a 50 mm longer wheelbase, and a hydro‑formed front‑end structure, which resulted in more space in the engine compartment for the new engine. The front of the pickup is also opened up for more airflow to the radiator, which aids in maintaining low running temperatures when towing or carrying bulky loads.

More powerful drivetrain

Ford is likely to offer the revamped truck with more powerful engine options over the predecessor. Powering the non-Raptor versions would be a 2.0-litre EcoBlue four-cylinder turbo diesel engine paired either to a single or double turbocharger. The former kicks out a maximum power of 150 hp and a peak torque of 350 Nm, while the latter offers a higher output with 170 hp and 405 Nm. Depending on the variant, the shifting duties will be handled by a five-speed MT, six-speed MT, six-speed AT, or 10-speed AT.

The upcoming Baja racing-inspired Ranger Raptor, on the other hand, is expected to get energy from a much better engine. That’s a 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo petrol, which delivers 397 PS of power at 5,650 rpm and 583 Nm of peak torque at 3,500 rpm. 

Improved ride and handling

Ford engineers worked hard on improving the pickup’s ride and handling. The front wheels are forwarded by 50 mm for a better approach angle at the time of off‑roading while the rear suspension dampers have been shifted for a better ride both on- and off‑road.

The automaker has also increased the tuning range to give the customers the best of both worlds. The Built Ford Tough Plus for capability, durability, and toughness that Ford pickup trucks are known for along with comfort and a more car-like ride, for which the Ranger is known for.

A choice of two 4WD systems is also likely to be on offer, including an electronic shift-on-the-fly system and an advanced new full-time four-wheel drive system.

Greater digitalisation

Another important upgrade, which we are likely to see in the next-gen Ranger standard kit is an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and the huge 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment, paired with Ford’s latest SYNC 4A system. The head unit is also expected to feature voice-activated communications, FordPass Connect, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and a built-in e-SIM for over-the-air software updates.

Other than that, numerous cameras and sensors, and an improved advanced driver assistance suite are also expected to be on the cards.

Well, the exact picture of the all-new Malaysian-spec Ford Ranger will get clear with the pickup’s debut that’s just a few days away.. However, one thing is for sure, the upcoming version is the smartest, most versatile, and most capable Ranger ever. What do you think, let us know in the comments.

Also read: 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R revealed, here’s what makes it different from the standard Raptor