The 2023 Ford Ranger has only just launched in the US, somewhat later than it did here, but it’s more powerful across the range, and there’s a reason for that – petrol.
While it has a similar two-engine line-up to us, a four-cylinder and a V6, neither of them run on diesel as their Australian counterparts do. They do all, however, use a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Ford Performance-fettled Ranger Raptor is the point of similarity between Australia and America, where both use a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6.
However, the 292kW/583Nm Australian version is down on power compared to its US sibling, which boasts 302kW but the same torque rating.
The Australian 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel four-cylinder Ranger models make 154kW and 500Nm (single-turbo versions make 125kW/405Nm), while the American Ranger gets a 2.3-litre petrol which makes 201kW and 420Nm.
In six-cylinder variants, the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel Australian V6 makes 184kW and 600Nm, up against the US-spec 2.7-litre turbocharged petrol V6 EcoBoost engine shared with the F-150 and Bronco, making 234kW and 542Nm.
Given the popularity of diesel-powered dual-cab utes in Australia, it’s unlikely that the petrol versions of the Ranger would become the most popular if offered here, but given the positive feedback after the second Raptor arrived with a petrol V6 instead of a turbo-diesel-four, its likely there’s at least some buyer’s who’d prefer more octane in their fuel tank.
Luckily, Volkswagen’s Amarok is coming as a cousin to the Ranger, and will be available with a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 222kW and 452Nm.
Keyword: AUS vs USA: 2023 Ford Ranger ute lands in the US, but is their version better than ours?