2022 Ford Ranger to be accessorised by ARB: Build your own Toyota HiLux Rugged X and Nissan Navara Warrior rival when new ute arrives next year

Ford’s upcoming new-generation Ranger will receive some love and attention from off-road parts specialist ARB, with accessories soon to be in development for the hotly-anticipated ute.

Speaking to CarsGuide, ARB spokesperson Matt Frost said the company is hoping to get its hands on a pre-production prototype of the new Ranger to start development of parts like bullbars, winches and suspension kits.

“In terms of ‘is ARB planning on doing a full suite of product for it (new-generation Ranger)’, most definitely, absolutely we will,” he said.

“If the relationship with Ford results in us getting early access to the vehicle, then that is obviously going to expedite things, but it’s probably a bit premature to plan that out, but you’d like to think that that would be something that is on the table.”

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Accessories available for the new Ranger are expected to mirror the current line-up of parts, which includes bullbars, side steps, ute lids, canopies, suspension kits, winches and roof racks, but it is still unclear exactly how long it will take to the bring the new range to market.

Few details are yet to be confirmed for the new Ranger, but it is expected to ride on a heavily modified version of the current T6 platform, with the new underpinnings also slotting in beneath the next-generation Volkswagen Amarok ute.

This means that adapting existing parts for the new car could be a possibility, while accessories developed for the new Ranger could also slot right into the next Amarok.

Also expect these components to also be applicable to the new Everest SUV, which – like the current car – is expected to be based on the Ranger.

Ford and ARB strengthened their ties earlier this year with an announcement that the latter’s products will be available in the former’s showrooms, and will come backed by a full five-year factory warranty when purchased together.

Mr Frost said this relationship will examined in the lead-up to the reveal of the new Ranger, expected to be later in 2021, and could deepen further.

“I’ve got no doubt both parties are going to monitor the relationship very closely over the next 12 months before the new Ranger comes out,” he said.

“I think they can see the attraction for end users, people who buy a Ford Ranger, buy ARB products and at the same time get a five-year warranty.

“We’re working with them (Ford) on a global basis, we design a whole range of ARB-branded gear for them in the US.

“They want to capitalise on the expertise that’s already in the marketplace, particularly with the ARB brand.”

In the US, ARB has already developed accessories for the Bronco, while plans could also be underway for the market’s best-selling vehicle, the F-150.