Ford just launched the Ranger in America in 2019. But that “new” model was really a retro-fitted version of the Ranger Ford has been selling in foreign markets since 2011. So despite the short timeframe, the new Ranger is likely to be an all-new model. And the changes could be significant.
Ford keeps product info close to the vest before launch. But the new Ranger will be coming to (and designed for) America with a proven market. We should see more (and more powerful) engine options. And Ford may even flex with a new Ranger Raptor to battle the Gladiator Mojave and Tacoma TRD Pro.
Here’s what we know about the next-generation 2023 Ford Ranger.
Ford’s Down Under division is serving up 2023 Ranger sneak peeks
Ford Australia has published a couple official teaser videos of the new 2023 Ranger pickup so far. The one seen here describes how the vehicle is “hiding in plain sight,” and indeed, it can be seen in far more revealing camouflage than before. The brief glimpse of the front end suggests it may bear a resemblance to the new Ford Maverick.
The new 2023 Ranger will be sold in 180 markets (and tough enough for all of them)
As with any modern vehicle, Ford is torture-testing the new Ranger before sending it out into the marketplace. As the company admitted in a recent video, while much of the development is being spearheaded in Australia, it’s also being tested from North America to New Zealand in hot and cold climates alike.
The 2023 Ranger will look like this
So far, Ford hasn’t formally taken the wraps off the next-gen Ranger yet — but they’re clearly not shy about letting people see it. This photo, first shared with the enthusiasts at the Ranger6G.com forum, depicts a trio of 2023 Rangers all but undisguised in the wild. The left-hand one is allegedly a mid-level XLT, the middle truck is reported an off-road-focused FX4, and the one on the right an even more off-road-focused Wildtrak.
The new Ford Ranger should offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain
Like many carmakers, Ford is going in hard and heavy towards electrification these days. While the 2023 Ranger won’t be an EV pickup á la the F-150 Lightning, it is expected to receive a plug-in hybrid powertrain. CarExpert of Australia suggests it could be a battery-and-electric-motor-assisted version of the 2.3-liter turbo four currently used in America’s Ranger, with the PHEV version spitting out more than 360 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque
Ford’s been very happy to share Ranger teaser videos
An earlier video showed the 2023 Ranger pickup being “tested to the extreme” in a range of terrains and weather conditions. While the video came from Australia, the pickup testing is a left-hand drive Ranger that would be bound for American or European markets.
When will the new Ford Ranger arrive?
All automotive timelines are tentative with the pandemic and crazy supply chain shortages. But Ford Authority, which usually has fairly good authority, says the new Ranger will go on sale in late 2022 as a 2023 model year vehicle. That would line up for a debut sometime between late 2021 and spring 2022. And Ford publishing an official teaser video with an officially sanctioned hashtag supports that timeline.
What will the new Ford Ranger look like?
New Ranger prototypes have been spotted several times. The camouflage still shows an extension of the current look with a bit more of a squared-off, F-150-like silhouette. Expect that, plus some more modern lighting and fascia details. The Ranger may end up looking a lot like a reasonably-sized F-150, which sounds pretty great.
Will there be a new Ford Ranger Raptor in the U.S.?
Very likely. Other markets — markets without an F-150 — get a Raptor version of the Ford Ranger. Ford didn’t bring that truck to America for the current generation because it might have undercut the F-150 Raptor, and it would have required a costly redesign.
The current Ranger is being designed with the American market in mind. The F-150 Raptor now starts at nearly $65,000, leaving ample room for a Ranger Raptor to slot under it. Ford should have compelling engine options for one. And Rangers have been spotted testing with Raptor-like features.
Will the new Ford Ranger get a V6?
There’s a good chance. The current Ranger only has a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine option. The new Ranger will share a platform with the Bronco, which means the twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 from the Bronco should be an option.
Ford Authority has the Ranger Raptor getting the 400 hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 used in the Ford Explorer ST.
Will the Ford Ranger get a hybrid?
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