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It’s officially 2021, and that means the next-generation Ford Ranger ute’s reveal is now a matter of months away, so what better time to take a look at what the new Toyota HiLux archrival has in store?
Platform
The current-generation Ranger is based on Ford’s ubiquitous T6 platform, a revised version of which is set to underpin its successor, which has been aptly dubbed ‘T6.2’.
Yep, the inevitable T7 architecture likely won’t be seen until the end of this decade at the earliest, when the Ranger will be truly ‘all-new’.
In the meantime, the T6.2 model will platform-share with the next-generation Volkswagen Amarok, with the T6 Ranger having been a twin to the previous-generation Mazda BT-50.
Design
There’s no doubting the T6 Ranger looks tough, especially in flagship Raptor form, but it doesn’t necessarily fit in with Ford’s global ‘tough truck’ aesthetic.
The T6.2 Ranger, on the other hand, well, there should be no mistaking it for anything but a Ford pick-up, with its front fascia design set to be closely aligned with the one-size-larger F-150.
Alongside the Ranger’s exterior, its interior will also be redesigned, although we’re yet to find out what’s in store. Expect a larger touchscreen with Ford’s latest Sync4 multimedia system, though.
Engines
This is the big one that everybody is talking about: engines. And yep, massive changes are in store, with older 118kW/385Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder and 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five-cylinder single-turbo diesel units set to not carry over to the T6.2 Ranger.
That said, the T6 model’s newer 157kW/500Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine will transition across, although it’s expected to be joined by a new 130kW/420Nm single-turbo version for entry-level variants.
Other expected new additions for the T6.2 Ranger include two V6 engines for flagship grades, including a 3.0-litre single-turbo diesel producing about 185kW/600Nm, and a 2.7-litre twin-turbo petrol developing around 230kW/540Nm.
The T6.2 Ranger is likely to be available with the choice of a six-speed manual or a 10-speed torque-converter automatic with 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains, although the mooted sole petrol engine option might be exclusively mated to the latter.
And yes, even a plug-in hybrid version of the T6.2 Ranger is on the cards, with it rumoured to pair a turbo-petrol four-cylinder petrol engine with at least one electric motor.
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Safety
Up until the new-generation Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50 twins’ recent releases, the T6 Ranger was arguably the class leader when it came to safety, and now it finds itself near the front of the pack.
That’s likely to change when the T6.2 model arrives, with its expanded suite of advanced driver-assist systems to ensure it at the very least matches the newcomers and find itself in contention for ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating.
To do so, the series would have to not only introduce intersection assist and a centre airbag, but also more advanced versions of its autonomous emergency braking (AEB) set-up and lane support systems (LSS).
Timing
More pertinant questions: when will the T6.2 Ranger be revealed, and when will it go on sale in Australia? Well, our intel suggests it will make its big debut in late 2021 ahead of entering Ford showrooms as late as early 2022.
That said, for obvious reasons, 2020 has been a strange year, one which has led to delay after delay when it comes to new model releases – and we’re not just talking about Ford – so it’s possible the T6 successor might now arrive later than expected.
This seems even more likely when you consider Ford’s Asia Pacific Product Development Centre in Broadmeadows, Victoria, was caught up in metropolitan Melbourne’s extensive Stage 4 lockdown earlier this year. It’s been developing the T6.2 Ranger, so stay patient.
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