Next-Gen Ranger delivers the versatility customers need in every truck

Customer-centric design led to innovative features throughout the truck, while a relentless testing and engineering programme ensured every facet of the Ranger’s versatility was truly Built Ford Tough.

Versatility re-defined

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, sliding cleats that can be adjusted into nine positions to help secure odd-shaped cargo, while external tie-down rails make securing bulky loads easier. And the new rear load box access step is the result of more than 5000 interviews with pickup owners, learning how they used their trucks and what they wanted from their next one.

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. There’s room under the bonnet for a second battery, and the vehicle has been pre-wired with auxiliary switches, making it easier to install accessories like driving lights, a winch and more.

The ever-versatile cargo hold

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.

Easy lift tailgate

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.

Let’s think inside the box

The next-gen Ranger’s cargo box includes several new innovations that help customers customise 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 moulded 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 1,233ls, the cargo box is one of the most voluminous in the segment*, meaning customers can carry more.

With the 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.

An internal rail with spring-loaded, adjustable cleats on either side of the cargo box allows customers to configure their cleats and tie-downs to suit every load. Cleats slide and lock into nine locations along the rail. There are also six fixed tie-down points in the cargo box.

Open and shut case

The available powered roller shutter allows customers to open and close the box cover using their key fob or from a switch inside the cargo box or from the instrument panel.

Special accessories channels run down the sides of the roller shutter allowing customers to easily fit accessory mounts for things like bikes, snowboards/skis, kayaks or camping gear.

The powered roller shutter boasts features including an ice breaker and anti-pinch, which automatically stops the shutter when it detects an obstruction.

Ford tough interior

Ford designers have redesigned the interior of the next-gen Ranger to help customers keep their vehicles organised. More storage space inside and the new centre console design with dedicated storage compartments means owners can keep their next-gen Ranger more organised than ever before. The rear seatback also folds perfectly flat, allowing you to carry more gear inside.

For customers who want the ability to operate electrical accessories easily from the inside of the cabin, the new Ranger offers a pre-wired auxiliary switch bank. This allows customers to safely and easily add accessories such as light bars, work lights, warning beacons, loudspeakers and other electrical equipment to their vehicle.

The Next-Gen Ford Ranger. Built Ford Tough and certainly a ‘bakkie’ to look out for.