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Ford is introducing the new Ranger FX2 Package as another choice for customers who want off-road styling and capability in a two-wheel-drive offering.

"FX2 expands Ranger's options for customers who want tough, off-road style with the functionality of a locking differential but don't need four-wheel drive," said Brian Bell, Ford Ranger marketing manager. "This is another way our customers can personalize Ranger to match their lifestyle while getting a great value."

Aimed at more urban markets, the FX2 Package rides on 17- or available 18-inch off-road tires to add even tougher styling to two-wheel-drive Ranger. A front underbody guard and air dam-delete provide even more distinction, while shielding the underbody and improving approach angles.

Adding to Ford Ranger's two-wheel-drive capability, the FX2 Package includes an electronic-locking rear differential and off-road-tuned suspension for increased traction and performance off-road. Ford's off-road cluster screen adds to the FX2 experience inside, where drivers can see pitch, roll and yaw in real time.

Tough looks, not tough choices
Demand for Ranger personalization options continues to increase, with two in every three buyers opting for a Sport Appearance Package, Chrome Appearance Package or STX Appearance Package, while one in every three selects the FX4 Off-Road Package. Over half of Ranger buyers are choosing the Trailer Tow Package.

"We're seeing sales trends that tell us to grow Ranger's capability and appearance options even further," said Chad Callander, Ford Ranger consumer marketing manager. "The FX2 Package is a result of us listening to our customers and what they're demanding from their trucks."

Ranger offers a wide variety of packages and options, including the new Black Appearance Package with black accents and high-gloss black wheels, the Sport Appearance Package with Magnetic Gray-painted accents and unique wheels and the Chrome Appearance Package with chrome body accents and bright chrome wheels.

FX2 is the latest addition to Ranger's capability offerings, which include the Trailer Tow Package with a 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness and Class IV trailer hitch receiver and the FX4 Off-Road Package featuring an electronic locking rear differential and Terrain Management System with Trail Control.

It all starts with Built Ford Tough
Ford Ranger answers the call of truck customers looking for an affordable, rugged and maneuverable midsize pickup that's Built Ford Tough. Torture-tested alongside Ford F-150 trucks, Ranger quality starts with a high-strength steel frame backbone, proven Ford-built 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine and class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission. Great features like a standard 4G LTE modem with Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices and an array of available dealer-installed accessories make Ranger a perfect partner for every adventure.

"What's most important for our customers is that any personalization offering starts with Built Ford Tough DNA," said Callander. "You know Ranger is going to live up to Ford's proven truck standards, however you customize it."

The FX2 Package is available for $595 (excludes taxes) and can be ordered at US dealers now, with deliveries expected in late 2019.

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The next-generation Ford Ranger is apparently undergoing testing right now at Ford's Australian You Yangs proving grounds. Australia's WhichCar? magazine cites a source at the proving grounds for the information that engineers are testing two V6 engines: A 2.7-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged Powerstroke diesel V6. Assuming they both make it to market, the diesel is likely for other regions; every Ranger variant in Australia including the Ranger Raptor gets diesel motors with displacements from 2.0 liters to 3.2 liters. But WhichCar? believes the 2.7-liter is most likely "being developed with the North American market front of mind." There are plenty of Ranger owners here who stand by the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder in our Ranger, which puts out 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. There seem to be just as many Ranger watchers who claim they'll pull the trigger if Ford puts a more powerful V6 up front.

All through last year, the Stateside rumor was that Ford would put the 2.7-liter in a U.S.-spec Ranger Raptor. That engine in the 2019 Ford Edge ST produces 335 hp and 380 lb-ft, numbers that Car and Driver figured were good markers for a hardcore Ranger. In the Ford F-150, the 2.7-liter makes 325 hp and 400 lb-ft, numbers undoubtedly more pleasing to the pickup brigade. Either way, there would be plenty of room for the V6 to boost the figures over the current 2.3-liter and provide that grunt with less frenzy.

Even though the Ranger just got to the U.S., the current-generation truck debuted globally in 2011 and got refreshed in 2015, with the replacement expected roundabout 2021. Now we'd like to know where the 2.7-liter would slot into that lineup. Ford nixed a U.S. Ranger Raptor for this generation, but sleuthing for clues about the next generation turned up project codes that point to a second-gen off-road beast intended for North America. Different sleuthing for Bronco clues turned up evidence that the Bronco will get the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. It seems unlikely Ford would roll out a standard Ranger with the 2.7-liter around the same time the Bronco greets the world with the 2.3-liter. On top of that, reports say there'll be numerous versions of the Bronco SUV and a Bronco pickup. That means plenty of potential homes for a more powerful EcoBoost.

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Off-road accessories are the lifeblood of the booming midsize pickup truck segment. Ford, for its part, has been upping its game for the Ranger with appearance packages and dealer-installed lift kits. Now, the company has announced an ongoing partnership with ARB 4×4 Accessories to take things even further — and the first collaboration will be a winch-capable front bumper for the Ranger.

The new bumper, which can be fitted on any new Ranger model, will be made from 3/16-inch-thick welded sheet steel. It will use the Ranger’s existing chassis mounting points, and will not interfere with the Ranger’s driver assistance systems. It will be compatible with a range of Warn Industries winches and Rigid SR-Series headlight bars.

A winch is a crucial bit of equipment that can transform a truck from looking like it goes off-roading to actually being off-road capable. Adding that winch functionality should help give the Ranger a leg up in the competition with off-road stalwarts like the Jeep Gladiator, the Toyota Tacoma and the Chevy Colorado ZR2

Ford will charge an additional $1,495 for the winch-capable bumper. It will be available beginning in 2020.

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You’re likely familiar with the Ford Mustang RTR, and you might also know about the RTR-tweaked F-150. Now, RTR Vehicles is extending its presence into the midsize pickup truck realm with the 2020 Ford Ranger RTR, recently unveiled at the 2019 SEMA Show.

Whereas RTR’s Mustang can be built as a rip-snorting muscle machine, the new Ranger emphasizes aesthetic enhancements with minor performance upgrades. Immediately noticeable is RTR’s trademark LED grille that replaces the stock unit. Fender flares front and rear add a bit more width to the pickup, with the front flares also incorporating functional vents for the otherwise stock 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

An RTR graphics package adorns the rear of the truck, and it rides on 17-inch RTR wheels with meaty off-road tires. RTR-branded fender vents along with special floor liners and a serialized dash plaque complete the visual changes.

As for performance, RTR swaps out the Ranger’s suspension in favor of a Fox 2.0 coilover setup. A Ford Performance exhaust system is installed, though RTR doesn’t list any horsepower increase as a result. Optional Ranger RTR upgrades include a leather package for the interior, and a revamped RTR grille with an LED light bar.

Since returning to the U.S. market, the Ford Ranger has become a popular vehicle for tuning companies to tackle. Pretty much every custom Ranger we’ve seen offers upgraded suspension at the very least, and with a Ford Ranger Raptor available outside the U.S., we suspect Ford is watching the market for these tuned versions very closely

As for the Ranger RTR, the package is a $9,800 addition over a stock truck, and it can be dealer-installed on any Ranger model at select Ford dealers.

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Ford has issued a recall on 78,264 2019 Ford Rangers in North America. Select pickups might have incorrectly aligned connector terminals for the taillights, which might not work as a result.

During its short time in the U.S. market, the Ford Ranger mid-size pickup truck has been recalled for a variety of reasons. Previous recalls detailed possibilities of an electrical short and transmissions that could shift out of park on their own. But this most recent recall is the largest thus far and affects 72,718 trucks in the U.S. and 5,546 in Canada.

Ford says, "inline electrical connector terminals for the tail lamps may be misaligned or not properly seated." It's no mystery that a touchy connection will leave the lights flashing in and out or left completely off. If it is disconnected, the truck loses its brake, turn, rear position and reverse lights. At night in particular, this could present a safety issue. This does not affect the roof-mounted brake light, however.

Although Ford is not aware of any incidents or injuries related to the issue, it wants to bring these vehicles in for inspection at dealerships. If an issue is found, the technician will re-pin the terminal into a replacement connector. The Ford reference number for this recall is 19S43.

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The reborn Ford Ranger has so far been a huge success for the automaker. Through October, for example, US sales reached 26,211 units, representing a gain on its most direct competitors, the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. Next year is predicted to be an even better year for Ford's mid-size pickup truck. For now, it's available in the US with only one engine, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. It develops a healthy 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission is also standard, though buyers can select from either 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains.

Aside from extended and crew cab body styles, customers can choose trim levels and other features according to their liking and budget. Unfortunately, Ford has not yet announced plans for a US-spec Ranger Raptor.

For those still looking for more power, however, there are solutions and one of them comes from Roush Performance. The American tuner, no stranger to tuning Fords, has just revealed its 2019-2020 Ranger performance pack 1, which has been engineered for more power and performance throughout the RPM range. Best of all, it's an easy-to-install kit. It provides a power increase of 14 hp and 53 lb-ft over the stock offering as well as improved airflow with reduced intake restriction. The washable and reusable performance air filter does not require oiling.

The rather simple kit includes just two elements: a cold air induction kit and a performance engine calibration. Tested in both the lab and on the road, the engine modifications function best when using 93 octane gasoline. Paying more for more premium fuel has its advantages.

Roush says Ranger owners can easily install the kit at home in about an hour's time with basic tools. The price for 284 hp and 363 lb-ft? Just $935. The kit also comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile limited Roush powertrain warranty. Until Ford offers its own Ranger power upgrade or another more powerful engine option, this is probably one of the cheapest and fastest ways to make it happen.

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The 2020 Ford Ranger is here with very minor changes. The starting price goes up slightly by $110 to $24,410 before destination and other charges. The 2020 model year truck also has three new color options.

2020 Ford Ranger

The truck is still offered with one powertrain option. It’s the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The truck is still offered with one wheelbase in either extended cab/long bed or crew cab/short bed versions. Available trim levels include XL, XLT, and Lariat.

Iconic Silver, Rapid Red Metallic, and Race Red exterior colors replace the other silver and red colors that were there before.

The new Ranger is still available with the optional FX4 off-road package, FX2 two-wheel-drive package, black appearance package, and others that were available on the 2019 truck.

A fully loaded crew cab 4×4 with nearly every option can still top the $47,000 mark.

Here is a quick look at the 2020 Ford Ranger “what’s new” document. This document is provided by Ford.

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The Ford Ranger Raptor sold overseas is nearly unstoppable off-road, but its four-cylinder turbodiesel engine makes it slow in a straight line. The Blue Oval's Australian division enlisted the help of an engineering firm to stuff the Mustang's V8 between the truck's punched-out front fenders.

Australian magazine Wheels learned the mysterious engineering firm in charge of the project will receive finished trucks from the Thai factory that supplies the Asia-Pacific market. It will then yank out the four-cylinder and prepare the engine bay to receive the naturally-aspirated, 5.0-liter V8 normally found in the Mustang. The eight-cylinder makes 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque in its standard configuration, and its output shouldn't be too different when shoehorned in the Ranger. The truck will remain four-wheel drive, but transmission options haven't been revealed yet.

To add context, the standard Ranger Raptor receives a 2.0-liter turbodiesel that delivers 213 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. The F-150 Raptor downsized to a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter V6 with 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. In other words, the Aussies are secretly building Ford's most powerful truck, and they're planning to keep it for themselves.

We don't know what changes need to be made to the Ranger's engine bay in order to fit a big V8 in it. Similarly, whether the model will stand out with any visual changes is up in the air. What's certain is that it will command a not-insignificant price premium over the standard Raptor, which starts at about 85,000 Australian dollars, or approximately $60,000 U.S. It will be sold through Ford dealers, however, and it will benefit from the same warranty as the truck it's based on.

Ford hasn't commented on the report. If it's accurate, expect an official announcement in the coming months. The turbodiesel-powered Ranger Raptor isn't sold in the United States, where the F-150 reigns supreme, so don't expect to see a V8-powered model join the firm's American range. But now that we know the Mustang's V8 fits, you know exactly where to start to build a replica.

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The Ford Ranger is available exclusively with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine in the United States.

Since the company decided to eschew a V6, it’s less powerful than competitors such as the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma.

However, Ford Performance is fixing that as they’ve introduced a new performance calibration for the pickup. Created after “countless hours of dyno testing and real time ‘seat-of-the-pants’ drive-ability evaluation,” the package includes a high-flow K&N air filter as well as a Pro Cal 4 tool which is used to install the calibration via the OBD 2 port.

Once installed, the calibration enables the engine to produce an additional 45 hp (34 kW / 46 PS) and 60 lb-ft (81 Nm) of torque. This means the truck could theoretically have 315 hp (235 kW / 319 PS) and 370 lb-ft (501 Nm) of torque, however the gains come at lower revs.

Regardless, the upgrade also includes an optimized shift schedule for the ten-speed automatic transmission. Ford says it will deliver crisper and more precise shifts.

The upgrade costs $825 which isn’t bad considering it includes the Pro Cal 4 tool which normally sells for $450 by itself. The upgrade also comes with a 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty as long as it’s installed by a Ford dealer or an ASE/Red Seal certified technician.

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The next-generation Ford Ranger is already in the works and it is going to be a global player. A report from a few weeks ago unearthed preliminary information about the completely overhauled truck, including the availability of a new plug-in hybrid powertrain, and now we have early details about the Ranger Raptor, too.

Our friends from CarExpert have obtained a document, which seems to confirm the new hardcore Ranger will be powered by a V6 engine in the United States. More precisely, it should be a reworked version of Ford’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, mated to a 10-speed automatic and a permanent all-wheel-drive system with a selectable low-range mode. The peak output is expected to reach 325 horsepower (242 kilowatts) and 400 pound-feet (542 Newton-meters) of torque.
Outside North America, in Australia, Asia, and likely Europe, the new Ranger Raptor will get a choice of two diesel engines. The base one will be a new 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel with 210 hp (157 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of twist. On selected markets, a larger F-150-borrowed 3.0-liter V6 diesel should also be available with 255 hp (190 kW) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm). Both compression ignition engines will be linked to a 10-speed automatic with different AWD layouts - adaptive AWD for the 2.0 diesel and permanent AWD for the 3.0 version.

Our source also says we should expect the next-gen Ranger Raptor to move slightly upmarket with a higher-quality cabin, more technology, and a higher price. As previously reported, the non-Raptor Ranger will also receive significant upgrades, including an all-new plug-in powertrain with a 2.3-liter turbo engine supported by an electric motor for 362 hp (270 kW) and 502 lb-ft (680 Nm) of torque, as well as Ford's SYNC4 infotainment system.

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Ford answers the call of Ranger customers asking for an even more off-road-capable and agile Built Ford Tough midsize truck, revealing the new available Tremor Off-Road Package designed to help owners tackle even rougher off-road terrain without compromising Ranger's payload and tow ratings. 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor goes beyond today's already-capable FX4 Off-Road Package, making it the most off-road-capable factory-built Ranger ever offered in the U.S.

"Tremor gives Ranger customers a new level of off-road confidence and fun," said Chad Callander, Ford Ranger marketing manager. "With increased ground clearance, off-road tuned suspension and aggressive Continental General Grabber tires, Tremor elevates Ranger's off-roading capability even further while keeping the unique advantages that come with a cargo box for hauling gear anywhere."

Tremor starts with a lifted suspension, redesigned front knuckles and 32-inch Continental General Grabber™ A/TX all-terrain tires on new 17-inch Magnetic-painted wheels that combine to deliver 9.7 inches of ground clearance - 0.8 inches more than the base Ranger SuperCrew 4x4.

FOX™ 2.0 monotube dampers with remote rear reservoirs and hydraulic rebound stops are tuned for a comfortable ride on pavement while offering control over severe terrain. The shocks are specially tuned with progressive rebound end zone damping to support vehicle control where the pavement ends. Front and rear springs are tuned for greater off-road composure. A multi-leaf rear spring setup enables increased wheel travel. Anti-roll bar stiffness has been reduced to minimize disruption over rough terrain and improve comfort off-road.

Tremor boosts Ranger's off-road metrics, including a 30.9-degree approach angle, up 2.2 degrees from the base SuperCrew 4x4, a 25.5-degree departure angle, which is up 0.1 degrees and a 24.2-degree breakover angle, up 2.7 degrees.

Compared to base Ranger, front suspension travel increases to 6.5 inches. Rear suspension travel increases to 8.1 inches. Together, these improvements mean customers can confidently tackle more challenging terrain on their way to their next epic destination.

Ford Ranger Tremor includes a frame-mounted steel front bash plate and underbody skid plates, rear locking differential, Terrain Management System™ with four distinct drive modes and Trail Control™. Tremor's traction control system is recalibrated for improved acceleration and traction in gravel, so customers can punch it in a washout with gusto.

Ford Ranger Tremor comes with two new recovery hooks in the rear, in addition to the two up front. It takes a wider profile thanks to the Tremor-specific General Grabber all-terrain tires, wheels and wider wheel lip moldings. New hoop steps give Ranger Tremor additional off-road styling and functionality without sacrificing ground clearance.

Despite its improved off-road capability, Tremor maintains Ranger's utility in everyday adventures with a smooth, comfortable on-road ride, plus 1,430-pound maximum payload and available 7,500-pound maximum towing capacity, so customers can haul bikes, boats, campers and other gear on their adventures.

Customers can now also control accessories like winches, lights and air compressors thanks to Tremor's six-switch auxiliary power bank mounted to the dash with rated loads of 25 amps, 15 amps and 10 amps, plus three switches at 5 amps.

"Ranger Tremor can be your daily driver during the week then transform into your off-road adventure vehicle come Saturday morning," said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. "With its added off-road capability combined with the six-switch auxiliary bank and more than 200 Ranger-specific dealer-installed available accessories, Ranger Tremor is a very capable overlanding rig."

Tremor adds new styling features inside and out. The grille features a Magnetic-painted surround with black bars running across the middle and red nostril accents in the corners. Special badging comes on both sides of the cargo box, and an optional hood and body graphics package adds extra personalization. The stylish interior features seats with Miko suede inserts and "Tremor" stitched into the seatbacks, as well as black accents.

Ford Ranger Tremor comes with the proven 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine with 270 horsepower and best-in-class gas torque of 310 lb.-ft., paired to a class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4x4 with electronic locking rear differential.

"No matter if you're on-road or off-road, your truck needs to be tough," said Callander. "That's why toughness is engrained in Ranger's DNA throughout design, engineering and testing. Tremor gives you the added confidence to get to where you need to go because it's engineered to the same standards you expect in a Built Ford Tough truck."

The Tremor Off-Road Package is available on mid XLT and high Lariat series 2021 Ranger trucks with SuperCrew 4x4 configuration. Package pricing is $4,290 MSRP. 2021 Rangers equipped with the Tremor Off-Road Package will be built at Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, with production slated to begin in early 2021.

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While the United States is generally the truck capital of the planet, we’ve been missing out on one of the coolest pickups of the last couple years, the Ford Ranger Raptor. And the fact that it was a truck from one of our homegrown automakers added that extra bit of sting. To help make up for leaving us out of the dino party, Ford has put together a somewhat milder off-road Ranger in the form of the Tremor. Although it’s not a mini Baja machine, it still comes with some useful off-road baubles all while remaining a practical and comfortable truck with a competitive (if not cheap) price point and feature set.

The Tremor package’s big improvements come from its suspension and tires. It features a new set of springs and Fox 2.0 monotube dampers with external reservoirs at the rear. The anti-roll bars are less stiff, and hydraulic bump stops have been fitted. Add in the 32-inch General Grabber A/TX all-terrain tires, and the truck features 0.8 inch more ground clearance (9.7 total) over the standard Ranger. The approach, breakover and departure angles are also all improved, with totals of 30.9 degrees for approach (+2.2 degrees), 24.2 for breakover (+2.7 degrees), and 25.5 for departure (+0.1 degree).
There are some other extra Tremor goodies with the red-accented grille, wider fender flares, tube-steel side steps, additional skid plates, and a set of six built-in auxiliary switches for lights, winches and other accessories. And a set of flashy stripes is part of an optional graphics package for $750. The interior is treated to an upholstery combination of black leather and faux suede. The Tremor package also includes some bits from the FX4 package, notably the electronic rear differential locker, Trail Control (the low-speed off-roading version of cruise control), and Terrain Management with different traction control settings for different conditions.

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We were able to try out this suite of off-road upgrades at Holly Oaks off-road park around an hour north of Detroit. And, at least as far as this relative amateur off-roader can tell, it was an adept dirt muncher on the slow trails. Well, snow muncher in the case of our day at the park. The suspension was quite impressive, keeping the body under control and not kicking or bouncing us around the cabin. The rear locker and traction settings were helpful for climbing the slippery hills around the park, and we avoided any scraping while cresting or coming off the different table tops and dips. We probably didn’t get the best idea of the grip afforded by the tires, though, because of all the snow. And besides the upgrades, the Ranger’s naturally small size and great outward visibility made it much easier to snake it up some of the tighter and tree-lined routes.

Back on pavement, what really impresses is that none of the changes to improve the off-road capability harms on-road livability. In fact, that new suspension set up offers a significantly improved ride over the stiff and bumpy FX4. It’s not quite soft, but it’s far more composed, staying steady over bumps and filtering out small imperfections. Also surprising are the tires. Despite the knobby design, they’re very quiet, as is the truck in general, with only some light wind noise. That’s supported by the engine that’s quite smooth and only makes a muted grumble at high rpm.

Speaking of the engine, it’s still a highlight of the Ranger, even though it hasn’t been touched on the Tremor. It makes 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and, if anything, it almost feels underrated. The turbo spools quickly, and the boost comes on smoothly. And if you still feel it needs a little more power, Ford Performance, as well as a variety of other aftermarket companies, sell engine computer calibrations to get more out of the four-cylinder.

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Really, there are only a couple of downsides to the Tremor. While the tires and suspension are great for off-road use and for ride quality, they do hamper handling. There’s not much grip compared with other Ranger models, so you’ll want to dial back your speed a bit more in the corners. There’s also more body roll, and steering is a little vague. These side effects are to be expected with the squishy, knobby tread and softer anti-roll bars. The 10-speed automatic transmission also can be lazy on downshifts, and sometimes hunts around, though it’s otherwise unobtrusive and not something specific to the Tremor. Finally, the brake pedal was oddly soft and lacking in feeling, which was frustrating on pavement, but also off-road where you may want some extra precision with braking. This may be a case with just this one test example, since we don’t remember the brakes being like this on other Rangers, and the brakes should theoretically be the same as other Rangers.

On its own, the Ranger Tremor makes a good case for itself, but it’s certainly not the only small off-road-oriented pickup truck on the market. Its two key competitors are the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and the Chevy Colorado ZR2. Pricewise, the Ranger Tremor significantly undercuts the two with a base price of $41,900. That's despite coming standard with a crew cab (even the Chevy's extended cab is nearly $900 more expensive) and an automatic transmission (to get that in the Tacoma, you're looking at nearly $48,000). True, the Colorado has a few noteworthy off-roading upgrades Ford doesn't offer (locking diffs and spool-valve shocks), but it's basically a wash with the pricey Toyota. Away from the trail, the Ranger also has the best towing and payload capacity, making it arguably the best all-rounder.

The Ranger Tremor may not be the over-the-top Raptor enthusiasts hoped for, but it’s a compelling and competitive off-roader in its own right. It still provides loads of handy off-road equipment without compromising comfort or hauling ability of the standard Ranger. It even does so for a good price.

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The Ford Ranger Raptor, no matter how much Americans want it, isn't happening on US shores. The little brother of the F-150 Raptor has become a staple offering of the Blue Oval in other parts of the world except for North America and now, Ford Australia has officially teased a sort of an upgrade to the diesel-powered truck called the Ranger Raptor X.

It's a salty reminder of the Ranger Raptor's current forbidden status, but we're happy to report that Americans who want a smaller, off-road-ready truck aren't exactly missing out.

For starters, the Ranger Raptor X is mostly an appearance package based on the information released by Ford Australia. To give the midsize pickup an upgraded look, it gets a pair of extended leg sports bar and a set of blacked-out 17-inch alloys wrapped in 33-inch BG Goodrich All-Terrain tires. Inside, red stitches have been added to amplify the truck's sporty appeal.

Meanwhile, the Ranger Raptor X gets red front tow hooks that complement the bevy of decals that the truck comes with. The racing stripes are similar to the color theme of the 2021 Ranger Tremor that was introduced last year for the US.

The Ranger Tremor is practically the Ranger Raptor for the US market. Enjoying the benefits of the off-road package that it comes with, the Tremor carries enough toys for a standard off-road enthusiast as we've discovered in our First Drive Review. Then again, if you're looking for the hefty 369 pound-feet (500 Newton-meters) torque output offered by the Ranger Raptor, the Ranger Tremor's a tad short in that regard.

According to Ford Australia, the 2021 Ranger Raptor X is scheduled to arrive in July 2021.

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We knew Ford was bringing back the Splash name—we just knew it. Thanks to trademark filings that were spotted back in June, it seemed inevitable that Ford would announce the moniker's nostalgic return. Today, that's been confirmed with this exceptionally vibrant orange truck that wears gloss black accents and vinyl graphics. So far, so good.

Let's be clear that this is solely an appearance package. And sure, we kinda wish Ford would've brought back the stepside bed that helped identify Ranger Splash pickups from yesteryear. Who doesn't? The show truck displayed here previews just one of the colorful options that'll be available with other, "one-time-only" Splash Limited Edition hues set to roll out in the coming months.

Outside, you'll notice the sleek black grille with body-color accent brackets. From there, a nifty black graphic runs along the Ranger Splash's cab and onto each bedside, crossing the wheel well and running below taillight-level at the corners. Directly above, equally orange FX4 decals can be spotted on this truck with a brow atop the tailgate.

Seeing as this specific pickup is a Lariat FX4 model, it wears BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, and those are wrapped around Splash-exclusive 18-inch wheels. The black bumpers front and back tie everything together, and even the amber fender marker lights look at home because the whole truck is painted that same color. Wild!

It's worth noting that the Splash appearance package can also be added to two-wheel-drive FX2 Rangers.

The energetic hue doesn't disappear altogether on the inside as there's orange stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and gear shifter. Everything else is standard black, as you'd expect, though the contrasting colors play well off each other. As fun as an all-orange interior sounds, it might not be great for resale value when this '90s resurgence dies down a few years from now.

Ford will charge customers $1,495 for the Splash package on 2022 Ranger crew cab models in XLT or Lariat trims. Expect deliveries to start near the end of the year.

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The Ford Ranger might still be relatively fresh in the U.S., but this truck is showing its age in other markets. If you live in Europe, Ford is already getting a replacement Ranger ready and is showing it off ahead of its official debut—or, rather, nearly showing it off. In the video, the company teases a fully camouflaged Ranger ripping over various terrains.

While we still don’t know a lot about the next-generation European Ford Ranger, or how it will change when it makes its North American debut. We do know that the next-gen Ranger will share its bones with Ford’s new Bronco. That means that this new Ranger will surely see some serious off-road packages down the line. It also could mean that the manual transmission will see space on the options list.

It’s also safe to assume that Ford will use the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine in the new Ranger, though we don’t know what other engines will be available in the portfolio, or what other powertrains the Ranger could see in Europe.

Fortunately, we won’t have to wonder for long. The teaser video shows that Ford plans to debut the new Ranger later this year.

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With the new Ford Maverick hitting the market recently, it's easy to forget that the latest Ford Ranger is only about two years old. The mid-size pickup hit the US in 2019, returning to the segment after an eight-year hiatus. Some people, though, are already looking ahead to the next generation, which reports suggest will go on sale in the States sometime in 2023.

According to the Ranger6G.com forum, a Ford insider tells the website that the new Ranger will debut globally in 2023, launching first in markets like Australia and Thailand before making its way to the US in the same year. Internally, the company calls the new truck the P703, with the P703N designation being used specifically for the US.

The report goes on to say that Ford penned the final design for this next-gen Ranger in 2019, just as the current model debuted, and production will begin on May 1, 2023, at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant. From there, the pickup will head to dealerships as early as July 3, 2023, with a planned eight-year life span.

It's still too early to tell if these reports are completely true, but the timeline makes sense. Not to mention we've already seen the new Ranger testing in multiple locations around the world. A plug-in prototype was spotted in southern Europe – which we know could have as much as 362 horsepower (266 kilowatts) – and spy photographers captured a left-hand-drive Ranger Raptor testing near Ford headquarters in Dearborn.

Ford is investing more than $1 billion into the production of the new Ranger, which the company will export to over 100 global markets. The new truck is part of a partnership with Volkswagen, which will get its own new Amarok out of the deal. Both trucks should debut early in 2023.

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