2018 Ford Ranger spied on test in Australia

Ford working on a second facelift for the Ford Ranger.

Ford introduced the current Ford Ranger in 2010 and gave it a facelift in 2015. The company is now working on another update for the mid-size pickup to maintain freshness until the next-gen model arrives. Test mules of the new Ford Ranger were recently spied while undergoing road testing in Australia, courtesy CarAdvice.

The Australian publication says that the Ford Ranger test mules spotted testing were in the XLT and Wildtrak grades. The second facelift would bring a new front-end, and one of the spy shots does show a split grille masking the radiator and a revised lower grille with curvier outer-ends. Another visual change is the aerial moving to the rear of the cabin.

Along with a revised face, the new Ranger will offer more safety with features like LED DRLs and autonomous emergency braking. Ford is testing the model fitted with a new radar module as well as a camera attached to the rear-view mirror. A possibility is that the latter is for pedestrian and animal detection systems working in conjunction with AEB. Changes to the powertrain, if planned, are unknown.

Besides this Ranger for the global markets, the Blue Oval is working on another version of the Ford Ranger which will mark the nameplate's return in the USA in 2019. The all-new North American Ford Ranger will ride on a revised version of the global Ford Ranger's T6 platform and likely sell in Crew Cab and Super Cab body styles, in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive drivetrain layouts.

Also See: 2018 Ford Endeavour/2018 Ford Everest (facelift) spied testing for the first time

The company may offer the Ranger stateside with EcoBoost four- and six-cylinder engines, including a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 mill. Additionally, a diesel engine option could help the pickup compete even more strongly with the Chevrolet Colorado.

[Source: CarAdvice]