Ford has unwrapped its new Ranger pickup, arriving late 2022 and debuting latest tech, enhanced versatility and a new V6 turbodiesel.

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It’s the fourth generation of Europe’s pickup segment leader and the new model has big boots to fill – the current Ranger recently set a new September year-to-date sales record of 45,539 units, with market share of 39.9%.

“With Ranger, we’ve had a big extended family for decades,” said Jim Farley, president and chief executive officer, Ford Motor Company.

“This truck has always been a trusted partner to small business owners, farmers, families, adventurers, commercial fleets and so many more in more than 180 markets around the world. And with the new Ranger, this is our moment to deliver. Not just a product our customers will love, but an always-on experience that will help us build strong and lasting relationships with them. This is the midsize truck people will want to own and experience.”

Longer and wider than before, the Ranger sits on an all-new platform that will also underpin the new Volkswagen Amarok under the firms’ global cooperation.

Styling draws on Ford’s global truck design DNA and pays particular homage to the F-150 large pickup on sale in the US market. The grille is bigger and bolder while the headlights adopt new ‘C‑clamp’ styling and are available for the first time with matrix LED headlights.

Big changes have also been made under the bonnet. While no electric version is on the cards yet, a new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel joins the line-up, made over for the Ranger and one of three turbodiesel engine options available at launch. The line-up will also include single-turbo and bi-turbo 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder diesels. Economy and performance details are yet to be revealed but the single-turbo diesel will be offered in two different performance levels and is intended to provide power, torque and fuel economy in keeping with the needs of small business owners or commercial vehicle fleets. The bi-turbo engine brings a more performance-orientated variant for lifestyle customers.

Ride and handling have also been improved, including an upgraded chassis and suspension, enhancing off-roading abilities and increasing comfort.

“On the next-gen Ranger, we’ve increased the tuning range to give our customers the best of both worlds – think of this as Built Ford Tough Plus – so you’ve got the capability, toughness and durability that Ford trucks are known for, plus comfort and a more car-like ride that Ranger is known for,” said Graham Pearson, Ranger vehicle programme director.

Customers will have a choice of two four-wheel drive systems – an electronic shift-on-the-fly system, or a new full-time four-wheel drive system with a ‘set-and-forget mode’.

The new Ranger will also feature prominent dual recovery hooks in the front bumper, while the cargo area provides increased functionality and better access, including through an integrated side-step behind the rear tyres.

The extra 50mm width for the new Ranger also brings increased space for the cargo box, which now enables customers to load items such as a sheet of building plywood or a full-size pallet. Other additions include a new, tough plastic-moulded bedliner, extra cargo tie-down points – on strong steel tube rails – and flexible load box caps around the sides of the box and across the tailgate.

The 2022 Ranger also debuts a new cargo management system designed with dividers to hold various sized items – such as timber or toolboxes – and owners also can create smaller compartments to store objects that would otherwise have to go in the cab.

The interior has also been overhauled to ensure it caters to both work and family duties. It’s conceived to provide a connective experience founded around a 10.1-inch or 12-inch touchscreen in the centre stack, which complements the fully digital instrument panel and  comes with Ford’s latest Sync 4 infotainment system. This brings access to voice-activated communications, entertainment and information systems.

The new Ranger also marks the brand’s continued roll-out of its factory-fitted FordPass Connect modem. This can also be used to provide connectivity on the go when linked with the FordPass app, enabling features such as Remote Start, vehicle status and remote lock and unlock functions via a mobile device. The embedded modem also enables Ford Power-Up wireless software updates.

Drivers can also use the Sync screen to access many of the traditional driving mode controls via a dedicated display and giving one-button access to all off-road and drive modes.

The Ranger can also be specified with a 360-degree camera and a new exterior zone lighting system that can be operated via the touchscreen or the FordPass app and provides 360‑degree lighting around the truck.

More than 150 factory-fit work, urban and adventure accessories will also be available in Europe, supporting customisation.

Order books for the next-generation Ranger will open in Europe in late 2022 for customer delivery in early 2023.