Ford Australia is busy working on an update for the Ford Ranger and Everest, which is expected to launch locally in 2018. CarAdvice can reveal these exclusive images of the 2018 Ford Ranger XLT, Ranger Wildtrak and Everest undergoing testing in Victoria, showing a host of technology changes expected to place the Ranger ahead of the dual-cab ute pack in Australia.

The first Ranger program is for US-market vehicles. These versions of the Ford Ranger sit on a modified version of the T6 Ranger platform that includes rear disc brakes, the possibility of coil-sprung suspension with a Watt’s linkage and a number of new engines.


A second Ranger program is for the Asia Pacific region. This program maintains the same T6 platform currently used on Ranger and includes a new front-end design, along with extra safety features and technology.

The vehicles will update the PXII Ranger, which was launched locally in 2015. This update will retain the same suspension and chassis setup as the current Ranger with changes limited to features, safety and front-end design.


If you look closely, it’s easy to see the types of changes Ford is expected to make to Ranger. If these images are anything to go by, dual-cab ute manufacturers should be worried. We see things like:
  •          A new radar/LIDAR module on the lower third of the front-end
  •          An additional camera can be seen attached to the rear-view mirror, 
  •          Keyless entry (evident by the lock buttons visible on all doors)
  •          LED daytime running lights
  •          A corner-mounted sonar sensor on the front bumper
  •          A new front-end design with a grille inspired by the Ford F-150
  •          Relocation of aerial from front of the cabin to the rear

In terms of engines, it’s not clear whether Ford will bother making any changes, given this is more of a facelift and equipment update, rather than a new model. Ford is likely to wait until the new Ranger platform is readied before it engineers new drivetrain options.


Ford may decide to make refinements to the current offering to improve fuel economy and power. One of the vehicles had ‘dyno done’ written on the windscreen indicating a tune or calibration may have taken place. The inclusion of AEB would make the Ford Ranger the only dual-cab utility in Australia to offer this technology. Even more impressive would be the inclusion of pedestrian and animal detection.

Ford hasn’t confirmed its plans for the local Ranger yet, but we expect these changes to launch locally next year, with a new local Ranger due by 2020.

Cr : Caradvice