The Ford Ranger returned to the United States in 2018, but it’s little more than an Americanized version of the international pickup. As a result, the “all-new” model feels pretty dated. That won’t be an issue much longer as spy photographers have caught the 2022 Ranger undergoing testing in Michigan. Despite wearing heavy camouflage, there’s no hiding the fact that the Ranger will be heavily inspired by the new F-150. That’s immediately apparent as the truck has vertical headlights and C-shaped daytime running lights, just like its big brother.

The similarities don’t end there as the 2022 Ranger appears to have an F-150 inspired grille. Details are hard to make out, but this particular prototype has a two bar grille and a prominent Ford logo hidden beneath camouflage. The rest of the truck is pretty evolutionary, but we can expect streamlined styling and new taillights. The latter can be seen peeking out from beneath the camouflage.

 

We can’t see much of the interior, but big changes are expected inside. While nothing is official, the cabin should adopt higher quality materials and a more modern design. We can also expect a new SYNC 4 infotainment system to replace the current SYNC 3 system with an 8-inch display. Little else is known about the truck at this point, but it could ride on the second-generation T6 platform which also underpins the Bronco. This shouldn’t be surprising as both the Bronco and Ranger are built at the Michigan Assembly Plant.

Engine options remain unconfirmed, but the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder will likely carryover and continue to produce 270 hp and 420 Nm of torque. There have also been countless rumors about a US-spec Ranger Raptor.  Some suggest it will use the Bronco’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, which produces 310 hp and 542 Nm of torque, while others indicate it could have the Bronco Warthog’s rumored 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with up to 400 hp and 562 Nm of torque.

While Ford is staying tight-lipped, the company has indicated the Ranger will arrive in early 2022. That date was announced as part of Ford’s partnership with Volkswagen, which will spawn an Amarok successor based on the Ranger.