Ford Ranger (T6)

The Ford Ranger (T6) is a range of mid-size pickup trucks manufactured and sold by Ford Motor Company since 2011. The T6 consolidated worldwide production of the Ranger onto a single model range, replacing both the 1998–2012 Ranger marketed in North America and South America and the Mazda-derived Ranger sold in Asia-Pacific, Europe and several Latin American markets.

Based on the T6 platform, this series of the Ranger was designed and engineered by Ford of Australia. Though developed for sales worldwide, the Ranger T6 was initially not marketed for sale in the United States and Canada (with Ford instead concentrating its resources on turbocharged versions of the F-150 at the time). For 2019, the Ranger T6 was released for sale in North America, slotted between the F-150 and the later Maverick (released in 2022). In late 2021, the second generation of the Ranger T6 was revealed for 2022 production, adopting a revised T6 platform known as "T6.2" with a modernized body design.

Like the previous Mazda-derived Ranger, the T6 Ranger has an SUV derivative called the Everest (Endeavour in India). Since 2022, the T6 Ranger platform is also shared with the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok.

First generation (P375/PX; 2011)
First unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney in October 2010, production of the first-generation T6-based Ranger commenced in mid-2011. During development, the first-generation T6-based Ranger is codenamed P375, and also known by the PX model code in Australia. It is considered the third-generation Ranger in most international markets, and the fourth-generation Ranger in North America.

Similar to its 2006–2011 predecessor, the P375 Ranger is produced in three body styles worldwide. A two-door (single-cab) is standard, with a cargo capacity of 1.21 m3. A cargo capacity of 1.82 m3 is offered with a four-door extended cab (SuperCab in North America), or a four-door crew cab (SuperCrew in North America). Along with the standard pickup truck, the Ranger is also offered as a chassis cab, effectively taking the place of the Ford Falcon cab-chassis in Australia.

All four-door Rangers have the same ground clearance, whether two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive; two-door versions are offered with a "Hi-Rider" option in two-wheel drive configuration, giving them the same ground clearance as 4x4 versions. Hi-Rider versions (including the Wildtrak) have water-fording clearance of 800 mm, while standard-height Rangers have clearance of 600 mm. The Ranger T6 has a rated towing capacity of 3500 kg; versions with the 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel have a payload capacity of 1333 kg.

The model is produced across several facilities worldwide. First produced by the AutoAlliance (and also later Ford Thailand Manufacturing) facilities in Rayong, Thailand, production is also conducted in Argentina and South Africa, while CKD assembly are conducted in Nigeria and Vietnam. North American production is sourced from the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan.

As of 2022, the Argentine version contains 46% locally-made parts. 70% of its production is exported.

The model is also used as the basis for the second-generation Mazda BT-50 and the second-generation Ford Everest. The 2014–2021 Troller T4 off-road vehicle is also derived from the T6 platform shared with the Ranger.

Facelift
In 2015, the P375 Ranger underwent a major mid-cycle redesign (codenamed PX MkII in Australia), with the front fascia adopting elements of Ford Kinetic Design. In place of the rectangular three-bar grille, the Ranger adopted a slightly oval grille with a single center bar, allowing further differentiation between the Ranger and the mechanically similar Everest, the Interior was also completely overhauled with the rear of the vehicle remaining largely unchanged.

In 2019, the P375 Ranger underwent a second, minor redesign (codenamed PX MkIII in Australia), with its exterior appearance being largely the same as the PXII with a few minor cosmetic changes to the front of the vehicle. Some mechanical changes were made such as a new front end suspension setup and the option to spec the XLT & Wildtrak trims with the 2.0-litre engine from the Ranger Raptor. The interior remained largely unchanged with upgrades to safety features and a new infotainment system based on the Ford SYNC 3 operating system.

First facelift

Trim levels
The global Ranger follows traditional Ford truck trim level nomenclature, offering XL, XLS, and XLT trim levels. Based on its four-wheel drive versions, Ford offers the Ranger Sport, Ranger FX4, Ranger Wildtrak and the Ranger Wildtrak X, with model-specific exteriors. The North American version of the Ranger shares similar nomenclature, with XL, XLT, and Lariat; the FX4 is offered as an option package for 4x4 vehicles. The Tremor trim level was introduced in North America in 2020.

Wildtrak
In certain global markets, including Australia and UK, Ford released the Ranger Wildtrak as a special edition of the Ranger. Based on the four-wheel drive crew-cab, the Wildtrak was equipped with a 3.2-litre Duratorq diesel engine with a manual or automatic transmission. To visually distinguish the model, the Wildtrak was equipped with a model-specific grille (painted dark grey), model-specific 18-inch wheels, and other exterior and interior trim. Marketed in a color exclusive to the trim (Pride Orange), the Wildtrak was also offered in several other colors.

Raptor
Unveiled in Thailand in February 2018, the Ranger Raptor is a high-performance truck optimized for off-road driving similar to the larger F-150 Raptor. Marking the debut of the 210 hp 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel engine in the Ranger paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Raptor is equipped with standard four-wheel drive and upgraded chassis and suspension. As with the F-150 Raptor, the grille of the Ranger Raptor replaces the Ford blue oval logo with "FORD" in block letters. The first-generation Ranger Raptor was not available in North America, with Ford citing that the Ranger Raptor was designed specifically for markets where the F-150 Raptor is not available; Ford also cited the cost of redesigning the truck to accommodate a more powerful petrol engine for the US market.

Safety
The first-generation T6-based Ranger is equipped with six airbags (seven in Europe). Along with dual front and side airbags, the Ranger is equipped with curtain airbags; European versions are equipped with a driver-side knee airbag. Along with standard anti-lock brakes, the Ranger is equipped with emergency brake assist. The twin-piston 302 mm by 32 mm front brake rotors are joined by 270 mm by 55 mm rear drums (on two-wheel drive Rangers) and 295 mm by 55 mm rear drums (on Hi-Rider and all 4x4 Rangers). The Latin American Ranger is equipped with rear drum brakes.

Australian-market XLT and WildTrak variants have the optional Tech Pack which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping aid, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, front windscreen mounted camera and a radar placed on in the front right side of the grille.

The Ranger in its most basic Latin American market configuration with 3 airbags and no ESC received 3 stars for adult occupants and 4 stars for infants from Latin NCAP in 2016 (one level above from 2010-2015).

The Ranger in its most basic Latin American market configuration with 3 airbags received 4 stars for adult occupants and 4 stars for infants from Latin NCAP in 2019.

Awards
In January 2021, the Ford Ranger Double Cab 2.0 EcoBlue 213 Wildtrak auto was named Pick-up of the Year by British magazine What Car?. What Car? awarded the Ranger five stars out of five in its review of the vehicle.

North American version (2019–2023)
For its 2011 launch, the first-generation T6-based Ranger replaced previous generations of the Ranger worldwide, consolidating designs developed by Ford and Mazda. A notable exception included the United States and Canada, as Ford exited the compact truck segment entirely. During the early 2010s, Ford concentrated its light truck design resources in North America on its F-Series trucks, with its redesign for 2015 including an aluminum-intensive body and introducing direct-injection and turbocharged engines in an effort to improve fuel economy.

After an eight-year market hiatus, Ford introduced the fourth-generation Ranger for the United States or Canada for the 2019 model year at the 2018 North American International Auto Show, marking the first Ford entry into the mid-size pickup truck segment since the discontinuation of the Explorer Sport Trac. As the first mid-size Ranger sold in North America, the Ranger underwent several design modifications to accommodate US crash standards along with the increase of its payload, with the introduction of fully-boxed frame rails. All versions of the Ranger sold in the United States and Canada have a 127 in wheelbase, regardless of cab or drivetrain configuration. Production started on 29 October 2018.

The North American-market Ranger is sold in four-door SuperCab and four-door SuperCrew configurations. While externally similar to its global counterpart, the Ranger features a number of exterior design changes. The front fascia was redesigned with a frame-mounted steel bumper. At the minor expense of frontal aerodynamics, the sturdier front bumper was designed to better comply with American crash standards.

To better market the vehicle towards private buyers in North America, the Ranger was given a distinct hood design and grilles related to trim level. Additional trim included color-contrasting fender molding and fender grilles, in line with the F-Series trucks. The "RANGER"-embossed tailgate was modified; in the interest of aerodynamics, a spoiler was added. Unlike the F-Series, usage of aluminum in the body is minor, with only an aluminum hood and tailgate.

While offered in both rear-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive, all Rangers in North America are produced using the "HiRider" chassis of the Ranger 4x4. Ford did not introduce the Ranger Raptor and the Ranger Wildtrak in North America. Ford has no current plans to market a two-door Ranger in North America.

To comply with American safety mandates, a rear view safety camera is standard. Several sizes of interior touchscreens are offered, depending on trim packages ordered. To increase interior storage, waterproof storage compartments were added under the rear seats.

Powertrain
For the North American market, the Ranger is produced with a single powertrain: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four paired with 10-speed 10R80 automatic transmission. For increased fuel economy, the engine includes direct fuel injection, four valves per cylinder, and a twin-scroll turbocharger.

Trim levels
The fourth-generation Ranger shares the traditional trim levels used by Ford light trucks in North America, with base-trim XL, mid-level XLT, and top-trim Lariat. To supplement each trim level, Chrome, Sport, and FX option packages are offered for all three trim levels'''. '''

There are several different appearance packages available for each trim level. The base XL trim offers the STX Appearance Package, while the mid-level XLT and range-topping Lariat trims offer two different appearance packages: either the Sport Appearance Package and the Chrome Appearance Package. An FX-4 Off-Road Package is available on all 4x4-equipped models, adding features such as side pickup box FX-4 Off-Road decals, an off-road suspension package, and on/off-road tires.

An off-road focused trim package called the Tremor was unveiled in September 2020 for the 2021 model year. Reserved for the XLT or Lariat trims with 4x4 and the SuperCrew chassis, the Tremor off-road package offers updated suspension tuned for off-road use with FOX Dampers, multi-leaf rear springs, a terrain management system with trail control, 17" painted aluminum wheels with 32" off-road all-terrain General Grabber ATx tires, bash plates with skid plates for the radiator, EPAS, transfer case and fuel tank, rear tow hooks (deleted w/ tow package), updated LED cluster data, custom seats with Tremor logo, 6 upfitter switches mounted top center console and optional side, hood and tailgate graphics, and red accented grille.

Second generation (P703/RA; 2022)
The second-generation T6-based Ranger (fourth-generation Ranger worldwide and fifth-generation Ranger in North America) debuted in November 2021. Codenamed P703 during development, and also known by the RA model code in Australia and Thailand, it continued to be developed by Ford Australia with heavy inputs from Asian, American, African and European subsidiaries of Ford. It has been produced starting from the second quarter of 2022 in Thailand and South Africa for more than 100 global markets. Dubbed the "T6.2", the vehicle is not completely reengineered with the use of the same basic body shapes and dimensions, door and glass apertures, most chassis hardpoints, along with many engine and transmission options. However, most parts are not directly interchangeable with the previous Ranger, according to Ian Foston, chief platform engineer for T6.

The P703 Ranger features an upgraded chassis, an added wheelbase and wider tracks of 50 mm each, and an all-new suspension which has been placed further outboard. The change allows for more room for spring/damper articulation, which improves ride and handling capabilities regardless of load, and 4x4 off-road capability due to greater wheel travel. The engine bay is also wholly reworked with hydroformed structure to allow for the fitment of the V6 engine, a Power Stroke 3.0-litre turbodiesel unit which is first introduced for the 2018 F-150 but heavily modified for Ranger. The vehicle also introduced a wider bed, allowing for a standard pallet (1.2 m x 0.8 m) to fit.

The model shares its underpinnings with the third-generation Ford Everest and the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok. As part of Ford-VW global alliance cooperation agreement, Volkswagen has been involved with the development of the P703 Ranger since 2017.

Tremor and Wildtrak X
The Ranger Wildtrak X debuted in March 2023 in Australia, featuring a wider track and higher ground clearance than the regular Wildtrak. In the same month, the Ranger Tremor and Wildtrak X trims were launched in Europe, featuring higher ground clearance, longer suspension travel and more advanced off-road systems.

Raptor
The second-generation Ranger Raptor was unveiled in February 2022. It is powered by a EcoBoost 3.0 TT V6 petrol engine from the Bronco Raptor paired with a 10R60 automatic transmission. Power outputs are rated at 392 hp for the Australian market while the output for European market is limited to 282 hp to meet EU emissions standards. Ford CEO Jim Farley confirmed that the second-generation Ranger Raptor will be sold in the United States and Canada starting in 2023. The North American Ranger Raptor's power output is rated at 405 hp.

Plug-in electric hybrid
In September 2023, Ford unveiled a plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger. The PHEV Ranger is powered by the 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol matted with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system, with an expected all-electric range of 45 km; the hybrid powertrain is expected to produce more torque than the 600 Nm produced by the 3.0-litre Power Stroke V6 turbodiesel. The PHEV Ranger is expected to be released in late 2024 as a 2025 model in the European, Australian and New Zealand markets; at launch, the PHEV powertrain will only be available on the Wildtrak trim. A North American release is not planned, with Ford citing the availability of the compact hybrid Maverick as well as the full sized F-150 hybrid and fully electric F-150 Lightning.

North American version
On 10 May 2023, Ford officially unveiled the North American version of the P703 Ranger. Unlike the previous generation, the P703 Ranger was engineered for the American market since the beginning of its development. While the North American Ranger is visually identical to its global counterpart, the third brake light is relocated from the tailgate to the top of the cab, and amber side markers are added to the front quarter panels.

Base XL, mid-level XLT, and luxury-oriented Lariat trims will remain available, though a new performance-oriented Raptor model will also be available, powered by the same 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbocharged gasoline V6 engine from the Explorer ST and Bronco Raptor.

The 2.3-litre EcoBoost from the previous generation carries over as the truck's base engine. In lieu of the diesel engines used globally, the North American Ranger receives the 2.7-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 shared with the Bronco and F-150 as an optional engine on the XLT and Lariat trims, producing 315 hp; regardless of engine choice, all North American Rangers are matted to the 10-speed automatic transmission. Order banks for the 2024 Ranger opened in late May 2023 with initial deliveries planned by late summer. However, the ongoing global supply chain crisis has delayed the 2024 Ranger's manufacturing start date several times, and the Ranger's production was halted by the 2023 United Auto Workers strike from mid-September to the end of October.

At launch, only a SuperCrew model with 5 ft bed will be available, though a SuperCab model with 6 ft bed is expected to follow. All models (except for the Raptor) will feature the 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine at launch, with the 2.7-litre twin-turbocharged V6 gasoline engine available later in production. Like its predecessor, the North American market Ranger will be assembled at the Michigan Assembly Plant.

Ford Everest
The T6 Ranger is used as the basis for the Ford Everest since its second generation. Unveiled in November 2014, the Everest visibly shared body panels with the T6 Ranger including the front hood, front doors and front fenders. The Everest is developed and adapted by Ford Australia.

Ford Bronco
The sixth-generation Ford Bronco shares its chassis (in modified form) and 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine with the North American version of the Ranger T6. A mid-size SUV, the Bronco is offered as a two-door and four-door convertible.

Mazda BT-50
Developed in tandem with the first-generation T6-based Ranger, the second-generation Mazda BT-50 is mechanically identical to the Ranger, using the 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre Duratorq diesel engines (as the rebranded MZ-CD engines). In the reverse of its predecessors, the second-generation BT-50 was developed by Ford. As the BT-50 was styled using the work of a separate design team, the two vehicles share almost no common body panels, with the exception of the roof stamping and the window glass.

In 2020, Mazda released a third-generation BT-50 derived from the Isuzu D-Max, marking the first time in 50 years that neither Ford nor Mazda have shared a compact pickup body.

Troller T4
The Troller T4 is an off-road vehicle that was produced in Brazil by Ford subsidiary Troller Veículos Especiais S/A. Designed with a similar body and chassis layout as the Jeep Wrangler and Land Rover, the T4 was produced from 2004 to 2021. Following the purchase of Troller by Ford, the T4 underwent a design upgrade in 2014, adopting a shorter-wheelbase version of the Ranger T6 frame.

In 2021, Ford Brasil ended local vehicle production, ultimately closing down operations of its Troller subsidiary.