2022 Ford Ranger arrives in Thailand, coming to PH next?
Next-gen Ford Ranger revealed at 2022 Bangkok International Motor Show
Four months after its world premiere, the all-new 2022 Ford Ranger has arrived at the Southeast Asian market. It features a bold new look that aligns with Ford's latest global truck design language and gets a host of high-tech safety and in-car entertainment systems.
On the outside, the T7 Ranger now measures 5370 mm long, 1918 mm wide, and 1884 mm high. It also gets a wheelbase of 3270 mm. Compared to the outgoing T6 Ranger, the all-new model is 16mm longer, 58 mm wider, and 63 mm taller. In addition, the wheelbase has been extended by 50mm.
Ford achieved the longer wheelbase on a minimal length increase by moving the front wheels forward. This gives the all-new Ranger a better approach and departure angle for improved off-road capability. Furthermore, the wider track allowed engineers to place the rear suspension dampers outboard on the frame rails. This translates to more space on the pick-up bed for cargo, and a better overall ride.
Step inside and you'll be greeted with a black and gray cabin for regular Ranger variants, while orange contrast stitching is added for the Wildtrak. There's a combination of leather and synthetic leather upholstery for select models, and for the first time, second-row air conditioning is offered as standard equipment.
The dashboard's main features are dominated by screens - an 8-inch multi-information display for the driver, and a 10.1 or 12-inch tablet-like touchscreen head unit for in-car entertainment purposes. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and also runs the latest Bluetooth and voice command system called SYNC4A.
When it comes to engine options, there are two choices announced for the Thai-spec Ranger. First is the 2.0-liter EcoBlue four-cylinder single turbo-diesel with 170 PS at 3500 rpm and 405 Nm of torque at 1750-2250 rpm. The engine is paired to either a 6-speed automatic transmission with Select-Shift or 6-speed manual transmission.
On the other hand, the range-topping Wildtrak comes with the 2.0-liter EcoBlue Bi-Turbo. It produces 210 PS at 3750 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 1750-2000 rpm. There's no manual transmission option for the Bi-Turbo, as it's only offered with a 10-speed automatic transmission with an electronic shifter.
Ford gave the all-new Ranger a plethora of safety features. ABS and EBD come standard, and so is ESP and traction control. There's also hill-start assist and rollover risk reduction for standard Ranger models. All 4x4 variants get Ford's Terrain Management system that changes the Ranger's characteristics depending on driving modes.
Intelligent driving systems have also been fitted on the Ranger Wildtrak, as it comes with driver aids like Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning, Reverse Brake Assist, Evasive Steer Assist, Blind Spot Information, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-And-Go.
Now that we have the ASEAN market Ford Ranger in Thailand, it might only be a matter of time before the seventh-generation pick-up makes its way to the Philippines. We're keeping fingers crossed we don't have to wait long.
