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A new series of spy photos have provided another glimpse at the US version of the new-generation Ford Ranger ute. So what’s the difference?
The US-market Ford Ranger is still undergoing development ahead of the expected showroom arrival in North America next year.
It’s not unusual for Australia to beat the US to a new model debut, but that’s the case with the latest Ford Ranger – which is sold in 180 countries, more than any vehicle currently made by the Blue Oval brand.
Ford builds the Ranger in four factories including Thailand (where models sold in Australia originate), South Africa (where the VW Amarok version is also produced), South America and Detroit.
The release of the latest generation Ford Ranger has been staggered in the US – after launching in Australia, Asia-Pacific, South Africa and Europe earlier this year – because it differs slightly from the global version, and because its predecessor arrived there late in the previous model cycle.
North American versions of the Ford Ranger must meet tougher crash tests and rollover protection requirements, so there are some structural changes under the skin.
And petrol power is preferred in North America, requiring a new engine development program.
The new Ford Ranger in the US is expected to be sold primarily with turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder petrol power. Ford Australia does not offer this engine in its Ranger locally, but it will be available in the new VW Amarok in Australia.
Diesel may not be an option, however, of course, Ford US has access to at least three diesel engines (the single-turbo 2.0-litre, twin-turbo 2.0-litre and single-turbo 3.0-litre V6 available in Australia) if it decides to expand the North American line-up.
A plug-in hybrid petrol power option is also expected to be developed for the new Ranger in Europe, the US and Australia – with a possible release in 2024.
Meanwhile, eagle-eyed readers may have noticed in these photos what our spy agency claims is an XLT model grade: no step wedge in the lower section of the rear fender.
There could be two reasons: Ford only fitted this test car with a plain insert so it wouldn’t spoil the US launch surprise, or Ford doesn’t plan to apply the handy step wedge to many – or any – models. sold in North America.
In Australia, most of the new Ford Ranger line-up has this handy step wedge feature, for easier access to the cargo bed (it’s not available on the Raptor as the exhaust system takes up the space).
Beyond these subtle differences, the new Ford Ranger on sale in the US is largely identical to what we get in Australia.
However, there is one mystery that has yet to be solved. A long-wheelbase version of the new Ford Ranger is reportedly under development in the US. But it has not yet broken the lid.
Here’s hoping when it opens up, it’s an opportunity for Australia.
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