The Nissan Frontier and Ford Ranger have always been favorites when it comes to small pickup trucks. The Ford Ranger is no more in the US and Canada while the Nissan Frontier has become less attractive over the years. The Ford Ranger is alive and well in many other countries though and Ford has just unveiled their latest facelift for the truck.
The new Ford Ranger now has an updated interior, more engine options, new technologies, and of course the exterior has changed for the better. You may actually notice that the Ranger looks very similar to the new Ford Everest SUV which is also not available in North America. When it comes to automobiles, we really do get a bad deal in North America except for the prices, prices are better when compared to other parts of the world.
New Ford Ranger Overview
The interior on the Ford Ranger is more “car-like” according to Ford with upgrades such as an eight-inch touchscreen and a new dual-TFT LCD instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. The truck also features Ford’s Sync 2 which is latest in-car connectivity system by the automaker. Other features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Alert, Front/Rear Park Assist, Lane Keeping Alert and Aid, Tire Pressue Monitoring, Electronic Stability control, and much more. The interior looks simple, clean, comfortable, and gives off a modern feel.
The Ford Ranger will be available in a 3.2-liter Duratorq five-cylinder TDCi engine featuring an improved exhaust gas recirculation system helping boost fuel efficiency by as much as 18 percent! The diesel engine is capable of producing 197 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque. It will be available in either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual. The second engine is a 2.2-liter Duratorq four-cylinder TDCI available in either a 129 horsepower or 158 horsepower unit depending on which market you are in. The third option is a 2.5-liter Duratec petrol engine developing 164 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque.
Ford has also improved the Ranger’s suspension system to provide better handling and provide more comfort for the occupants of the vehicle. Steering is also made more accurate thanks to the addition of electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system which is beneficial at higher speeds as well as low-speed maneuvers. This steering system actually makes for a quieter vehicle as no power steering pump is required and fuel efficiency is improved by three percent.
Ford has made no mention of plans to bring back the Ford Ranger to the US or Canada. It would probably hurt the sales of its best selling Ford F-150. It’s a strategic move for Ford but the people of America would probably be very open to the new Ford Ranger.
