Ford unveils facelifted 2016 Ranger with new tech and engines
Ford has officially revealed the updated 2016 Ranger pickup, introducing revised styling, new safety features, improved engines and expanded technology ahead of its third-quarter launch.
Ford has taken the covers off the 2016 Ranger, confirming a mid-cycle update that brings new styling, revised engines and additional driver assistance features. The facelifted pickup will reach showrooms from the third quarter of 2015, with production set for Argentina, Thailand and South Africa.
Design and technology upgrades
The 2016 Ranger introduces a new front-end design, with a bolder grille and reshaped headlights aimed at giving the pickup a more assertive look. Inside, the dashboard has been reworked to house an 8-inch touchscreen running Ford’s SYNC 2 infotainment system, bringing the Ranger in line with Ford’s latest passenger cars.Safety and convenience features have been expanded, with the addition of lane keeping aid, lane keeping alert, adaptive cruise control, front and rear park assist, hill descent control and emergency brake assistance. Adaptive load control and forward alert further broaden the Ranger’s technology offering, targeting both private and commercial buyers.
Engine range and efficiency gains
Ford has updated its diesel engine lineup for the new Ranger. The 3.2-litre five-cylinder Duratorq TDCi receives a revised exhaust gas recirculation system, which Ford claims cuts fuel consumption by up to 18 percent, while maintaining outputs of 200 hp and 470 Nm of torque. The 2.2-litre four-cylinder Duratorq TDCi is also revised, now producing 160 hp and 385 Nm, with a high-efficiency 130 hp variant available in selected markets. Ford states that this lower-powered version delivers a 22 percent improvement in fuel economy.A 2.5-litre Duratec petrol engine remains available, producing 166 hp and 225 Nm. All engines can be paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The Ranger’s maximum towing capacity stays at 3,500 kg, with suspension tweaks and more precise steering promised to improve handling.
Production and market availability
Ford will produce the updated Ranger in Argentina, Thailand and South Africa, supplying a range of global markets. The breadth of engine options and new technology features are intended to keep the Ranger competitive against rivals in the midsize pickup segment. Sales are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2015.
For more on Ford’s latest global launches, see the 2016 Ford Taurus revealed ahead of Shanghai debutand the 2016 Ford Focus RS debuts at Geneva with AWD and 2.3-litre turbo.
