Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has announced that the Ford Ranger facelift will be launched in Malaysia at the end of this month. The re-facelifted T6 (the first facelift was in 2015) line-up will consist of the Ranger XL, XLT, Wildtrak and Ranger Raptor. There will also be a new XLT+ variant.

The Malaysian range will start from a 2.2L XL Manual in single-cab guise, followed by the 2.2L XL Manual and Automatic in double-cab form. Powered by the proven 2.2L TDCi VGT engine with 160 PS and 385 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,600 rpm. Next up are the 2.2L XLT Manual and Auto, which are better equipped 4×4 High Riders also powered by the TDCi, again paired with a six-speed MT82 manual or 6R80 automatic transmissions.

The new engine range starts from the new 2.0L XLT+ Automatic 4×4 High Rider, which is the only non Wildtrak/Raptor variant to get the new 2.0 litre direct-injected EcoBlue engine. The Panther mill is available in two output states of tune – here, in 2.0L Si-Turbo single turbo form, it pushes out 180 PS and 420 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm, mated to a 10R80 10-speed automatic gearbox with SelectShift manual override.


Moving on, we have the auto-only Wildtrak, and there are two options here – a 2.0L Wildtrak 4×2 with 2.0L Si-Turbo engine, or the top of the range 2.0L Wildtrak 4×4 with the headline-grabbing EcoBlue Bi-Turbo unit. Here, the new motor’s tune pushes out 213 PS and 500 Nm of torque (1,750 to 2,000 rpm), also paired with the same 10-speed auto. Unlike on the Everest facelift, the 180 hp version Ranger variant is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. In total, there are eight variants with two engines (and three outputs), before including the Ranger Raptor. The 3.2L model with the Duratorq five-cylinder engine is no more.

Powertrains aside, the Ranger facelift brings forward collision warning (audible warning, pre-charges the brakes and prepares brake assist), autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, semi-automatic parallel parking and the Easy Lift Tailgate. The catch is that to get all these driver assistance kit, you’ll have to go for the top 2.0L Wildtrak 4×4. Easy Lift Tailgate is however available from the XLT+.

Other highlighted equipment include SYNC 3 with an eight-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, voice control, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is available from the XLT+ onwards. XLTs get the 4.2-inch screen with SYNC 1. Automatic HID projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights are available from the XLT+, while Wildtraks add on LED front foglamps. Also new and Wildtrak-only is a 230V AC power outlet in the cabin. A cargo LED lamp is standard across the range.


As you would have guessed by now, the 2.0L XLT+ variant is where it really starts in terms of new kit, and besides the above, it also gets goodies such as 18-inch rims (an inch up from XLT), dual four-inch screens in the meter cluster, dual-zone automatic air-con, leather seats, keyless entry with push-start and Ford MyKey.

Besides the Wildtrak-specific styling, the trim level adds on puddle lamps, front parking sensors, a 12V socket in the cargo bed, eight-way powered driver’s seat, “Wildtrak Premium Leather” seats and a cooled console. Wildtraks also get side and curtain airbags to make it six in total (two airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC are standard across the range) and a tailgate lock. As mentioned above, the top 2.0L Wildtrak 4×4 gets the Bi-Turbo engine and a suite of driver assist tech.

For colours, the XLs can be had in Cool White, Meteor Grey and Aluminium Metallic. The latter is also on the XLT colour list, along with Lightning Blue, Frozen White, Magnetic and Absolute Black. The Wildtraks can be had in the latter three colours, plus the signature Saber (orange).


As for the Ranger Raptor, just a confirmation that it’s coming to Malaysia. The Ranger Raptor is made in Thailand along with the rest of the T6 range. It’s powered by the 213 PS/500 Nm 2.0L EcoBlue Bi-Turbo engine and 10-speed auto as per the top Wildtrak, but the Raptor gets twin-piston front calipers that are 9.5 mm larger, clamping on to 332 mm ventilated discs. It sits on 17-inch model-specific alloys and 285/70 BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres, bolted on to Fox Racing Shox dampers.

Styling-wise, the Raptor pack includes the new frame-mounted front bumper and a dedicated blacked-out grille with large Ford lettering (Ranger owners, meet the real thing). Also on are wide fender flares and a rear bumper with an integrated tow bar and two recovery hooks rated at 3.8 tonnes. Inside, the Raptor’s sports seats get blue stitching, leather accents and a Raptor logo. There’s also a sportier-looking steering wheel and magnesium shift paddles.

No prices yet, but the 2.0L Bi-Turbo Wildtrak and Raptor won’t come cheap when they’re offering so much. The latter should be over RM 200k, in line with pricing in Thailand and Australia.