Ford working on plug-in Ranger

Monday, 25 May 2020

Watch the 2019 Ford Ranger in action

Ford is hard at work on the next generation of Ranger and it looks like there will be a plug-in version coming alongside the standard diesel models.

According to CarExpert, the next Ranger will debut in 2022 (along with the new Everest SUV, which rides on the same platform as the Ranger). Both models will get a hybrid powertrain reportedly not yet seen in any Ford vehicle.

The new PHEV system will comprise a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine connected to a ten-speed automatic and an electric motor. Combined output is pegged at 270kW/680Nm and will reportedly be different to the existing 3.0-litre and 2.5-litre hybrid systems currently in play.

The 2.0-litre biturbo in the FX4 and Raptor will form the base engine in the next generation of Ranger. No more 3.2-litre inline-five here.

If that powertrain sounds familiar, you're not alone in that thinking. If the Aussie report is accurate, Ford may be repurposing its 2.3-litre engine seen in the Focus ST and Mustang EcoBoost to accept electric assistance.

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This could potentially find its way into the next generation of Mustang, which has been tipped to get an electrified version.

Aside from the hybrid powertrain, Ford will apparently drop the 3.2-litre five-cylinder in favour of the biturbo 2.0-litre diesel producing 157kW of power and 500Nm of torque. A mid-spec model will use a 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 offering 186kW and 600Nm.

That V6 is expected to make its way into the next Raptor, which will also get the latest generation of Fox Racing shock absorbers, similar to what holds up the 2020 F-150 Raptor.

This includes a new ‘jump mode’, which uses an internal ride-height sensor to variably adjust suspension damping depending on the road conditions. The system should end up offering a more rigid ride with added flexibility when driving over rocks or doing jumps.

Additionally, the Ranger and Everest will get a nice shot in the arm regarding interior technology. Both models are expected to get the Sync4 infotainment system, which uses a new, vertical 12.8-inch screen and a smaller 10.25-inch driver's display behind the wheel. Similar to the Ford Mach-E electric SUV, the Ranger and Everest are also expected to get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The next-gen Ranger will face stiff competition in the form of Toyota's Hilux, which is due to get a new version around the same time as Ford's offering.