Ford Pro has unveiled a hotter variant of the new Ranger in Europe, dubbed the MS-RT trim, which introduces visual and chassis enhancements to the popular midsize pickup. The new Ranger MS-RT boasts an aggressive body kit, 21-inch wheels, and an upgraded suspension setup, while retaining the 3.0-liter V6 diesel powertrain without any changes. Ford describes the Ranger MS-RT as “the ultimate street truck,” and it certainly lives up to the title with its striking design changes. The standout feature is the widened front and rear fenders, adding 82 mm to each side, enhancing the Ranger’s muscular stance. Additionally, the fenders feature additional vents, complementing the deeper side skirts.

The profile is enhanced by new 21-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile on-road tires (275/45R21), adding to the Ranger’s athletic appearance. Up front, a honeycomb grille complements the sportier bumper intakes situated above the splitter. At the rear, a ducktail spoiler adorns the tailgate, accompanied by a cab spoiler and a diffuser. Although these features may seem purely cosmetic, the automaker states that the combination of spoilers contributes to overall aerodynamic balance, improving high-speed stability. Besides the new shoes which are “the largest wheels ever to be offered on a Ford Ranger”, the MS-RT benefits from a revised chassis setup. The tracks have been widened by 40 mm (1.6 inches) on each side, while the suspension is lowered by 40 mm (1.6 inches). Ford says that adding firmer dampers at the front and retuning the rear suspension gave the Ranger MS-RT “greater handling precision and stability through corners”.

 

Under the hood lies the familiar 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel producing 237 hp and 600 Nm of torque, just like in the Wildtrack and Platinum trims. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic with the help of a full-time four-wheel-drive system. As with the rest of the Ranger family, the MS-RT can carry up to 1,000 kg of cargo and comes with up to 3,500 kg braked towing capacity.

The interior benefits from a pair of heavily bolstered seats upholstered in eco-leather and suede. The MS-RT emblems and the blue stitching pattern create a sporty atmosphere alongside the revised steering wheel. Standard equipment is generous, including the 12-inch infotainment display, dual-zone climate control, parking sensors, rear-view camera, and plenty of ADAS like the Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control. The new version of the pickup was developed by MS-RT, an offshoot of Ford’s longtime rally partner M-Sport. The goal was to deliver motorsport-inspired looks and enhanced driving experience, without sacrificing the cargo-carrying capabilities of the truck. The final assembly and finishing takes place at a dedicated new facility at the Ford Dagenham Estate in the UK.

The MS-RT trim is available alongside the rugged Tremor and Wildtrack X models, and the extreme Raptor which sits at the top of the range. The “street truck” is already available to order across Europe, with the first deliveries expected in mid-2024. Ford Pro also unveiled the MS-RT version of the E-Transit Custom van, featuring similar upgrades and even more power.