Ford touched on the new-generation Ranger’s clever pallet-swallowing tub at the world premiere in November last year, but as the launch gets closer it’s talking about some of the standard or optional features once again.
Much like the bigger F-150 in the States, the Blue Oval brand has decided a simple open space with some tie-downs and a counterbalanced tailgate don’t cut the mustard. As it said in its brand spiel: “Why don’t all pick-ups have that?”.
Given the Ranger is Australia’s second biggest-selling vehicle, and given it was once again developed right here in Victoria, a revisit seems in order. The explainer piece appeared on Ford of Europe’s media site, but you can expect most or all of these features to be global.
“Across Europe, pick-up trucks are no longer only to be found working hard on farms or building sites. More and more customers are discovering that their practicality can make pick-ups the perfect partners for leisure activities too,” Ford reckons.
So, what are we talking about?
- An access step as pictured above that saves you stepping on a slippery tyre.
- A combination of the headlights, puddle lamps, numberplate lamps and box lighting can be set to illuminate a 360-degree area, or just zones. Controlled via touchscreen or a Ford app.
- The ‘easy-lift’ tailgate can be raised and lowered with one hand, and doubles as a workbench with clamp pockets concealed by spring-loaded caps, plus a built-in ruler with 10mm increments.
- 12V sockets and a 400W inverter in the tub, so you can power appliances.
- The wider moulded profile on the bedliner is said to be more comfortable on your knees, thereby easier to clean and gripper.
- Drop-in bedliner with divider sections to make compartments, although Ford says the actual dividers need to be custom-made from timber at home and then installed. That’s odd.
- An internal rail with spring-loaded, adjustable cleats on either side of the cargo box which slide and lock into nine locations along the rail. There are also six fixed tie-down points. Very Nissan-Navara-like.
- External tie-down rails designed to fit ratchet straps and ropes. Wildtrak variants are fitted with aluminium extrusions that double as tie-down rails that run the full length of the cargo box.
- Load box access caps, or removable plastic bits that cover attachment points for accessories such as canopies and equipment crossbars.
- A powered roller shutter run from the key fob, a switch inside the cargo box, or from the instrument panel is optional. The powered shutter includes accessories channels, and ice break and anti-pinch functions.
There are also under-seat stowage tubs in the rear, plus added space for a second battery under the bonnet and a pre-wired overhead auxiliary switch panel to facilitate fitment of light bars, winches, or more complex conversions such as tipper bodies and towing equipment.
We don’t know final specs and market details at this stage, save that the new and again Thai-sourced Ford Ranger will hit Australian dealerships from the middle of 2022.
- Three engines will be offered at launch: single- and bi-turbo four-cylinder options, and a 3.0-litre V6. They’re all diesels
- Five trim levels will be available at launch, ranging from XL to Wildtrak. A Ranger Raptor will follow
- Top-spec cars will have a 12-inch vertical touchscreen inside, cheaper cars get a 10-inch unit
- Sales will start in the middle of 2022 for Australia
Keyword: 2022 Ford Ranger's clever tub details