The Ford Ranger will finally return to the United
States next year but the company has just unveiled a facelifted version
of the truck for Australia. The updated model
has been equipped with a revised grille that looks virtually identical to one
used on the North American variant.
The Ranger XLT and Wildtrak receive new HID
headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, while the Wildtrak will
also be offered with a new Sabre orange paint job. Last but not least, all Rangers
will now be equipped with an “easy-lift tailgate” which requires 70% less force
to raise.
Ford declined to release interior photos but the
company says the truck “now sports a black theme” in the cabin. That’s pretty
vague but drivers will also find silver contrast stitching and shadow chrome
accents.
On the technology front, a passive entry and start
system is now standard on the Ranger XLT and Wildtrak. The truck can also be
equipped with a new traffic sign recognition system as well as an autonomous
emergency braking system which can detect pedestrians and vehicles.
Under the hood, three different diesel engines will
be available. The entry-level unit is a 2.2-liter that produces 158 hp and 385 Nm of torque. Customers can also order a
3.2-liter diesel engine which develops 197 hp and 470 Nm of torque.
The big news for 2019 is a new 2.0-liter BiTurbo
diesel engine which produces 210 hp and 500 Nm of
torque. The engine is connected to a ten-speed automatic transmission and it
will be offered on the XLT and Wildtrak. If the engine sounds familiar, it
should as it debuted on the Ranger Raptor earlier this year.
Lastly, engineers upgraded the suspension to improve
ride quality and steering precision while also decreasing body roll. Ford
didn’t elaborate but the company said the changes don’t have any impact on the
truck’s class-leading towing and payload capabilities.
