Whether next-generation Ford Ranger is being used for work, family or play, Ford knows its customers rely on a pickup that is functional, convenient, and durable. And next-gen Ranger goes all-out with a wider cargo box packed with features and opportunities to transform the space into a total cargo management makerspace.
Customer-centered design led to innovative features throughout the truck, while a relentless testing and engineering program ensured every facet of the Ranger’s versatility was truly Built Ford Tough.
“Our intent was not to simply create a good truck. We wanted to deliver an exceptional one that people would want to own – one that customers around the world could trust to tackle anything,” said Gary Boes, Enterprise Product Line Management director, Global Trucks.
Redefining Versatility
Next-gen Ranger offers an array of organisation and storage solutions to secure cargo, make fitting accessories a cinch and even DIY customisation. For instance, owners can create segmented DIY storage spaces, both big and small, by sliding pieces of wood into slots moulded into the bedliner, or even get creative and build things like a bike rack.
There are tie-downs mounted in the bed, while the new rear load box access step is the result of interviews with pickup owners, learning how they used their trucks and what they wanted from their next one.
For those who use their vehicle for adventure, the addition of six structural attachment points in the protective load box capping, make it easy to fit accessories like a canopy, cross bars, or a tent, truly making next-gen Ranger the most versatile ever.
There’s now more storage space on the inside of next-gen Ranger too, from under-seat storage to retractable cup holders and a raft of cubby holes stashed around the cabin.
Notable Examples[i]
The Cargo Box – Versatility as a Workspace
Ford’s design team studied the ways customers used the cargo box – be they a tradesman, adventurer or family who needed to carry ‘stuff’ – and developed many innovative ways to help them access and use the space more effectively.
- The rear load box access step makes climbing up into the cargo box much easier. Attached directly to the load box via two steel supports, the box step boasts a strong, durable construction and means you no longer need to climb onto the wheel to access gear, tools or equipment in the back of Ranger.
- The easy-lift tailgate, which can be raised and lowered with one hand, doubles as a mobile workbench. The tailgate work surface is designed to help owners with professional or DIY jobs. Two clamp pockets concealed by spring-loaded caps in the tail gate are designed to help secure timber or other project materials, while a built-in ruler with 10mm increments (on models not fitted with a drop-in bedliner) makes measuring convenient.
- Power to the box comes in the form of a combination of either 400W and 12V sockets or just one or the other, meaning customers can power a range of appliances by plugging directly into the Ranger. With a 400W capacity, items including a small oven, smartphone or laptop, a rice cooker and even a 24-inch LED TV and DVD combination and many more can all be run from the bed-mounted 400W outlet.
The Cargo Box – Innovations for Load Carrying
The next-gen Ranger’s cargo box includes several new innovations that help customers customize the load area to suit their needs.
- The new drop-in bedliner incorporates functional divider locators so that owners can create their own compartments to store gear that they might otherwise have to carry in the cabin. Dividers can be custom-made from timber at home and then installed and removed as required. As a bonus, the improved and wider molded profile on the bedliner is more comfortable on your knees, is much easier to clean and also means items are less likely to slip around.
- Loading and unloading the Ranger has never been easier. At 1,233-litres, the cargo box has best-in-class volume*, meaning customers can carry more. With Ranger now 50mm wider, the cargo box can accommodate a standard European pallet between the wheel arches (up to 1,224mm) while the load box length runs from 1,544mm to 2,305mm depending on the variant. [ii]
- Select models are fitted with aluminum extrusions that double as tie-down rails that run the full length of the cargo box. There are also six fixed tie-down points in the cargo box.
Durable plastic box top and tail gate capping protects the load box edges and tailgate upper edge from damage. That means owners can load equipment into the cargo box without fear of damaging the paint on the top surface of the load box or tail gate. - Load box access caps, available to non-Wildtrak models, are removable plastic caps that cover structural attachment points for aftermarket accessories like canopies and equipment crossbars for camping and adventure gear.
- Roof top platform mounts, exclusive to the Wildtrak, allow for the easy fitment of roof accessories, like racks or a platform. Next-gen Ranger’s roof load limits are up to 350kg (static) and 85kg (dynamic).
Interior – Versatility Inside, Too
Ford designers have redesigned the interior of the next-gen Ranger to help customers keep their vehicle organized. More storage space inside and the new center console design with dedicated storage compartments means owners can keep their next-gen Ranger more organized than ever before.
- A redesign of the under-seat storage has created more room in the bins underneath the rear seats allowing for the ‘over-filling’ of the bins while still allowing the seats to be dropped in place.
- The rear seat back also folds perfectly flat, allowingyou to carry more gear inside.
Customers can also personalize their next-gen Ranger with a range of factory-backed work, urban and adventure accessories, depending on the market.