2022 Ford Ranger arrives

The next-generation 2022 Ford Ranger is finally here, with 4x4 dual-cab pick-up examples of the new line-up now available in Australian dealerships.

While a plethora of other Ranger models will come online down the track, there’s still plenty of hardware to choose from across the new generation, Aussie-developed Ford Ranger, including for the first time a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel.

So, which one is going to suit your requirements best, and what’s new? We’ve delved into the Ranger’s specs to give you a snapshot of what’s on offer…

Need to know: It’s the only model that gets the availability of the least-powerful 2.0-litre single-turbo four-cylinder diesel. The XL can also be had with a more powerful twin-turbo version of the same engine, although it does without the stop-start system with which it was previously fitted.

What it gets: 16-inch steel wheels, auto headlights, auto high beam, reversing camera, vinyl floor, three USB ports, embedded modem for FordPass remote connectivity, emergency assistance, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear locking diff, ruler built into the tailgate (it’s the only Ranger to get this feature standard).

What it loses: Two speakers (previously a six-speaker system), manual gearbox option on some engine variants.

What it gets over its predecessor: Nine airbags (previously six) including centre front and knee airbags for front seat occupants, digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, daytime running lights, 10.1-inch touch-screen (up from 8.0-inch), load box illumination, tailgate ruler, adaptive cruise control, intelligent speed assist, evasive steer assist, rear steps to access load box, post-impact braking (automatically applies the brakes after first impact).

There’s also no shifting the gears yourself anymore. All Rangers have an auto transmission. In the case of the entry-level XL single-turbo it’s a six-speed unit.

What’s changed: +7kW/20Nm for 2.0-litre single-turbo versus old model’s 2.2-litre single-turbo, +7kW/30Nm for 2.0-litre biturbo versus old model’s 3.2-litre five-cylinder, -3kW for 2.0-litre biturbo versus old model’s 2.0-litre biturbo, 10-speed auto replaces six-speed auto.

Key options: Tow pack with brake controller ($1700), heavy-duty suspension ($500), spray-in bedliner ($900), 17-inch steel wheels with A/T tyres ($750).

Summary: Great ute safety and basic tech but in a package that focuses on the Ranger core. If it’s all about saving money, best to stick with the single-turbo engine.

Need to know: The tradie special with a few flashes of (basic) luxury popped on. Available only with the 2.0-litre biturbo/10-speed auto drivetrain combo.

What it gets (in addition to XL): Availability of V6 engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, tailgate lock linked to central locking, fog lights, carpet, driver’s floor mat, front parking sensors, tweeter speakers on the A-pillars (six-speaker sound system), side steps, alarm, four drive modes (Normal, Eco, Slippery and Tow/Haul).

What it loses: Interior motion sensor and vehicle inclination sensor as part of alarm pack.

What it gets over its predecessor (on top of XL features): Digital instrument cluster, drive mode selector.

What’s changed: +7kW/30Nm with move to biturbo engine over 3.2-litre five-cylinder, 10-speed auto replaces six-speed auto.

Key options: 17-inch alloy wheels and A/T tyres ($750), tow pack with brake controller ($1700), spray-in bedliner ($900).

Summary: The pick for those who want a little extra in their workhorse, including the sweeter twin-turbo engine.

Need to know: Most affordable model that’s likely to keep the family content. Also the cheapest variants available with the new V6, which comes with a full-time four-wheel drive system.

What it gets (in addition to XLS): 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome bar across the grille, ‘C-clamp’ LED daytime running lights, larger front brakes, rear disc brakes, plastic bedliner, classier seat cloth, 12V power outlet in tray, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone ventilation, rear air vents, tinted windows, rain-sensing wipers, smart key entry, push-button start, digital radio tuning, embedded satellite navigation, tow bar, trailer light check system, tyre pressure monitoring, electro-chromatic rear-view mirror.

What it loses: Interior motion sensor and vehicle inclination sensor as part of alarm pack.

What it gets over its predecessor: Digital instrument cluster, rear air vents, drive mode selector.

What’s changed: Sports bar now black (previously chrome), 2.0-litre biturbo makes 3kW less.

Key options: All-terrain tyres ($500), trailer brake controller, 360-degree camera and zone lighting ($900), off-road pack with underbody protection, 17-inch all-terrain tyres ($650).

Summary: The XLT is the minimum Ranger you’d pick for family duties. Comes with the adventure basics – including a tow bar – but leaves the seat adjustment and other features to the people inside.

Need to know: New addition to the line-up bringing some of the Wildtrak design flair at a price almost identical to the outgoing Wildtrak. It gets the same black sports bar as the XLT. The Sport is only available as a dual-cab pick-up and with 4WD matched either to the 2.0-litre biturbo or new V6.

What it gets (in addition to XLT): 18-inch wheels with alloy spare (XL, XLS and XLT get a steel spare), dark grille highlights, two additional drive modes (Mud/Ruts and Sand), second front recovery hook, wireless phone charging, passenger floor mat, leather-accented seats embossed with ‘Sport’ logo, power-adjust driver’s seat, LED front fog lights.

What it loses: N/A

What it gets over its predecessor (on top of XLT features): N/A

What’s changed: N/A

Key options: All-terrain tyres ($500), trailer brake controller, 360-degree camera and zone lighting ($900).

Summary: A worthy addition to the line-up that to some extent fills the void left by an increasingly better-equipped Wildtrak. The Sport has plenty of visual flair and a decent list of standard fare.

Need to know: The Wildtrak represents the pinnacle of the diesel-powered Ranger line-up. Available with a 2.0-litre biturbo or V6, it’s only available as a dual-cab pick-up with 4WD.

What it gets (in addition to Sport): Powered rear roller shutter, aluminium tie-down rails, 12-inch touch-screen, 360-degree camera, upper glove box, outer dash cup holders, ambient lighting, heated front seats, mirror puddle lights, trailer brake controller, leather seats with orange stitching and embossed with ‘Wildtrak’, orange stitching on steering wheel, powered passenger seat.

What it loses: The 230V power point that was previously part of the Wildtrak equipment list has not made a return.

What it gets over its predecessor: Optional Premium Pack (see below), digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, drive mode selector, a second glove box, 360-degree camera, adjustable tie-down rails.

What’s changed: The Wildtrak still gets 18-inch alloy wheels, but they’re half an inch narrower than those on its predecessor and have tyres that are 10mm narrower, 2.0-litre biturbo makes 3kW less.

Key options: Premium Pack (10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, Matrix LED headlights, LED tail lights, roof-mounted auxiliary switches.

Summary: Ticking the option box for the V6 engine is a no-brainer at this end of the market. You’ve come this far, so scrounging $3000 on the engine seems like missing out on the pinnacle of the diesel-powered Ranger range.

You can catch all the info on the latest 2022 Ford Ranger at Carsales, along with the launch review of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6.

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