Zac Quinn 
The next-generation Ford Ranger has been in the works for some time now, and it seems like it’s time to start the countdown. Ford Europe just released a promo video of a 2023 Ford Ranger prototype getting ready for its big debut, having some fun in mud, dirt, and snow.
Within the video’s description, Ford stated that the reveal will be later this year, with the official launch happening in 2022, but this seems to be for the global-spec model (being tested in Australia). The video showcases both the extended and the crew cab options, with a bit of production-spec headlights poking out from the camo, but we don’t get much information besides that.
Keeping Up With Competition
The next-generation Ranger will share a platform with the Ford Bronco, which presents some exciting possibilities regarding the vehicle’s powertrain it its capacity for off-road hardware. In addition, America is finally expected to get the next-generation Ranger Raptor, which could receive the same 2.7L EcoBoost V6 found within the Bronco. This is probably why we’re not getting a Bronco pickup truck as a result.
We have covered that the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor was spotted earlier this year in Colorado, and it would make sense now more than ever for Ford to add the model to the US lineup. With the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and the Jeep Gladiator Mojave at the top of mid-size truck market, the introduction of the Ranger Raptor would give Ford a shot at the middleweight title in the midsize off-road truck championship.
2023 Ford Ranger Details
The American-spec 2023 Ford Ranger is set to be built alongside the Ford Bronco at the Michigan Assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan. Joining the truck family will eventually be the Volkswagen Amarok, as part of a joint partnership between Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen AG. The Amarok is also going to be based on the new Ford Ranger’s architecture, and is expected to debut by 2022.
The next-generation Ford Ranger is expected to start with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine standard, while the Ranger Raptor has been rumored to carry either a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 as seen with the Ford F-150, or a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 as seen with the Ford Explorer ST. A hybrid system has also been rumored.
The new Ranger is likely to meet the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon in 2023, as the American midsize truck market goes through a freshening up. The new Colorado and Canyon will also feature a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but it will be of a 2.7L displacement.
Stay tuned to MC&T for more next-generation Ford Ranger news as it happens.
