There’s a new Ford Ranger on the way, but we may not get our hands on it in the States for a while.
The current Ranger has only been for sale in the U.S. since 2019. But the truck was actually designed for the 2011 model year. It was sold outside the U.S. for most of that run and brought to our shores just a few years ago. So it may seem early for a redesign, but it’s time.
Ford’s Australian division handled most of the design work on the Ranger, which will be sold in more than 180 markets worldwide. It will make it to the U.S., though Ford hasn’t said whether it will appear as a 2023 model.
Growing Into its Middle Brother Role
With the new Ford Maverick available to buyers who want a compact truck, Ford has gone big with its midsize Ranger.
The next Ranger is bigger and boxier than the truck it replaces. It has grown by 2 inches in length and 2 inches in width. But the look isn’t just bigger. It’s remade. A more upright grille, C-shaped daytime running lights and new character lines in the door make it look much more like its big brother F-150 than the 2021 Ranger does.
An integrated step behind the rear wheels should make loading the bed an easier proposition.
Inside, a portrait-mounted touchscreen takes over a simplified dashboard. The screen runs Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system. That means that entertainment functions now run through menus on the screen, though there are still dials for climate control.
A Manual Transmission… But Probably Not For Us
Under the hood, international buyers can choose from three diesel-powered engines.
They include a 2.0-liter diesel with a single turbo or a similarly-sized model with two turbos, as well as a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. Buyers can choose from a 10-speed automatic transmission or 6-speed manual.
The 2023 Ford Ranger right-hand drive international model is shown
We expect, however, that the U.S.-bound version will instead carry the turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder gasoline-powered version of the current Ranger. And, as much as we’d love a stick, we’d be surprised to see it here.
