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The next-generation Ford Ranger ute is entering Australian showrooms soon, so we now have a very good idea of what to expect from the ‘T6.2’ before order books open in the second quarter ahead of deliveries beginning mid-year.
Yes, pricing is still a mystery, but Ford Australia has confirmed plenty of other key details, including the engines, transmissions, drivelines, body-styles and features coming to new the Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton rival.
The big news, of course, is the availability of a new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, dubbed Power Stroke, which is mated to a permanent all-wheel-drive system. The flagship’s outputs haven’t been released yet, but around 190kW of power and 600Nm of torque are expected.
The Power Stroke is a big upgrade over the ‘T6’ Ranger’s 157kW/500Nm 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder engine (EcoBlue), which carries over to the T6.2, albeit with some tweaks that are set to affect its outputs.
Speaking of the EcoBlue, a single-turbo version of it is also part of the T6.2 range, replacing the entry-level 118kW/385Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine from the T6. And yes, the 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five-cylinder unit has been axed, too.
For reference, 4x2 (rear-wheel drive) and 4x4 (part-time four-wheel drive) versions of the two EcoBlue engines are expected, with the single-turbo getting a new five-speed manual or a six-speed torque-converter automatic.
The twin-turbo gets a new six-speed manual and a familiar but reworked 10-speed torque-converter automatic the two transmission options. The latter is mated to the Power Stroke, by the way.
As before, the T6.2 Ranger offers various combinations of Single Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab configurations with cab-chassis or pick-up body-styles, with availability depending on the grade.
While we’re on the topic, five grades are on offer from launch, from the entry-level XL to the mid-range XLS, XLT and Sport, and the flagship Wildtrak.
And before you ask, the performance-focused Ranger Raptor will return in T6.2 form later in 2022, with its reveal set for February. You can read about it’s got in store in the related story link above.
Now, let’s get stuck into the features each grade offers and which powertrains and body configurations they are available with.
Available with either EcoBlue engine, the XL workhorse is expected to be offered in all three configurations and both body-styles.
Standard equipment includes a black grille, halogen DRLs, a front tow hook and 16-inch steel wheels, while pick-ups also get LED tail-lights, a rear box step, a power outlet in the tub, and a tailgate-integrated 1m ruler.
Inside, a 10.1-inch touchscreen Sync4 multimedia system, a full digital instrument cluster, manual air-conditioning, USB-A and -C ports, and Ebony cloth upholstery feature.
Note the safety package (including advanced driver-assist systems) for all five grades is yet to be announced alongside fuel consumption, towing and payload details.
And six paintwork options are available range-wide: Absolute Black, Aluminium, Artic White, Blue Lightning, Meteor Grey and Sedona Orange.
Like the XL, the XLS is offered with both EcoBlue engines, but it could be only available as a Double Cab pick-up – if the T6 version is anything to go by.
Over the XL, standard equipment in the XLS includes front halogen foglights, Dark Sparkle Silver 16-inch alloy wheels and unique Ebony cloth upholstery.
The XLT is expected to get the twin-turbo EcoBlue and the Power Stroke, although it might not be offered with the latter from launch. Super Cab and Double Cab configurations are likely alongside both body-styles.
Above the XLS, the XLT adds LED headlights (including DRLs), a central chrome grille bar, Dark Sparkle Silver 17-inch alloy wheels, a sports bar, a wireless smartphone charger, dual-zone climate control, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, bespoke Ebony cloth upholstery, ‘hex pattern’ door trims and Satin Aluminium-accented air vents.
As with the XLT, the Sport is likely to be offered with the twin-turbo EcoBlue and the Power Stroke, but the latter might be a late starter. If history repeats itself, a Double Cab pick-up will be the exclusive option here.
In addition to the XLT, the Sport gets a front matte-silver bumper insert, a black central grille bar, two front tow hooks and matte-silver 18-inch alloy wheels with Asphalt Black accents.
Inside, there’s Ebony leather upholstery, embossed ‘Sport’ logos on front seat backrests, gloss-black air vents with Satin Aluminium accents, and an ‘aero grain texture’ finish for the upper dashboard and storage areas.
The Wildtrak comes with the twin-turbo EcoBlue as standard and the Power Stroke as an option. Don’t expect it to be available as anything but a Double Cab pick-up.
To stand out from the Sport, the Wildtrak ups the ante with a specific grille with a mesh insert, Boulder Grey 18-inch alloy wheels, a different sports bar, a roller tonneau cover, a 12.0-inch touchscreen Sync4 multimedia system, embroidered ‘Wildtrak’ logos on front seat backrests, Cyber Orange stitching, Satin Aluminium trim and Boulder Grey accents.
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