Standard XL features include a front tow hook, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Ford’s latest Sync4 multimedia system, a digital instrument cluster, manual air-conditioning, USB-A and -C ports, cloth seats and 16-inch steel wheels.

Note, too, that all Rangers score nine airbags, AEB autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert and lane keep assist, while all pick-ups have blind spot warning and cross-traffic alert tech.

Next up is XLS, adding fog lights, alloy wheels, side steps and carpet.

The XLT is the least-expensive version with the now Ranger-signature C-clamp LED headlights, and can also be identified via its chrome grille bar, pick-up tub bed-liner with illumination, a sports bar and 17-inch alloys. Little luxuries inside include keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, sat-nav, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, fancier interior trimmings, intelligent adaptive cruise control with full stop/go functionality and traffic-sign recognition tech. 

Above that, the Sport ushers in contrasting blacked-out themes inside and out, two front tow hooks, 18-inch alloys, wireless charging, an Off-Road screen showing 4WD activation and other related settings, leather upholstery and a powered driver’s seat.

Finally, the Wildtrak gets its own grille, bumper, sports bar and wheel treatments, a trailer brake controller, side rails and a powered roller shutter for the tub and zone lighting all around the vehicle, while the cabin upgrades to a 12-inch touchscreen, ambient lighting, pull-out cupholders, a powered front passenger seat, front seat heaters, a 360-degree camera and active park assist.

Sophisticated Matrix LEDs and premium 10-speaker audio sound system can be had in the Wildtrak Premium Pack, while some other higher-grade Ranger features can be bundled up into option packs in lower grades as well.

There are also various off-road and towing packs, depending on grade.

The new Ranger is as fresh and modern as the old one was looking old and tired; it's a massive change.

That said, the general architecture and dimensions remain the same – the windscreen position, the door apertures, the glasshouse. This is not an all-new truck, but a thorough overhaul of the previous design from 2011.

Yet there are real big-ticket differences, kicking off with an all-new dashboard, door cards, seats and trim. Now you'll finally find a reach as well as height-adjustable steering column.

The touchscreen choices really dominate the cabin – measuring in at  10.1 inches in all but the Wildtrak, which jumps up to a 12-inch item. It also operates the latest SYNC 4A system, and that's a first for an Aussie Ford. 

The new Ranger also gains a number of new items, such as full digital instrumentation across the range, both USB-A and USB-C ports, as well as a wireless charger from certain grades upwards and a storage shelf above the glovebox (that's lidded in Wildtrak).

Moving on to the rear seats, you will find face-level air vents for the first time in some grades, the seats have been redesigned for added comfort and support, as well as the usual amenities like overhead grab handles, map pockets and centre armrest with cupholders in higher grades. 

Downsides? For some people, using touchscreens for functionality can be confusing; at least Ford has has made essentials like volume and climate controls as hard buttons and knobs, so you’re not so distracted using these. The 12-inch screen's extra depth makes accessing the USB ports directly underneath awkward. The pull-out cupholders struggle with broader cup bases as their clamps are too narrow. And we experienced a glitch with connecting the phone and climate control system in separate cars.

Breaking down the model walk, there are key differences between each model to help you make up your mind.

The XL, for instance, is a workhorse. Minimum frills, hard-wearing cloth, vinyl floor, a manual handbrake, easy-access dash storage – that sort of thing.

The XLS is more of the same, but with side steps, carpet and livelier trim.

Moving up to the XLT, it adds keyless entry/push-button start, leather wheel, dual-zone climate control, sat-nav and electric park brake up front, as well as rear-seat air vents and centre armrest with cupholders out back.

The Sport ushers in leather, a powered driver’s seat, ‘off-road screen’ and wireless charging, while the Wildtrak ups the ante with the larger touchscreen, 360º view camera, ambient lighting, pull-out cupholders, a powered front passenger seat and front seat heaters.

For 2023, the Ranger's seats have been redesigned.

The front seats are new, and are claimed to be more comfortable than before, with improved support. They include a front-side airbag between driver and passenger.

We certainly found them amply comfortable after many hours and hundreds of kilometres behind the wheel during the launch drive days.

Moving on to the rear seats in the Dual Cab, there is room for three people to sit abreast, with the cushion and backrest providing sufficient comfort and support as well. There is storage beneath the bench, but it does not slide forwards.

The Ford Ranger V6 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in under 10 seconds.