Hello friends, If you’ve been eagerly waiting for the next-generation Ford Ranger, we might have some not-so-great news. The highly anticipated update to Ford’s popular mid-size pickup could face delays, all thanks to a shift in plans for its big brother—the legendary F-150. Let’s dive into what’s happening and what it means for truck lovers worldwide.
F-150 Delay Sparks Questions About the Ranger’s Future
Ford has reportedly informed suppliers in the United States that the next-generation F-150, originally set for a 2027 launch, will now be pushed back to 2028. This delay extends the life cycle of the current model to seven years instead of the usual five or six. While Ford has not officially confirmed the change, reports suggest that this delay will have a ripple effect on the development of other models, including the Ranger and Everest SUV.
The reason? Ford had been planning to build both the F-150 and the Ranger on a shared modular platform. This would have streamlined production, cut costs, and allowed both models to benefit from the same advancements in technology and efficiency. But with the F-150 now staying on the market longer, the Ranger’s timeline might shift as well.
What This Means for the Next-Gen Ranger
The current-generation Ford Ranger has undergone several updates since its debut on the T6 platform in 2011. However, Ford has been working on a completely new version that was expected to debut by the end of the decade. With the F-150 delay, it’s now unclear whether the Ranger will also face a later-than-planned release.
Initial reports suggested that the current Ranger would continue production until at least 2029 or 2030, with North America following a few years later. Now, with the F-150 extending its lifecycle, we might see the Ranger’s next generation pushed even further into the 2030s.
Impact on the Everest SUV and Global Markets
For those in markets like Australia and New Zealand, where the Ford Everest SUV is a popular choice, this delay could also affect its future updates. The Everest shares its platform with the Ranger, meaning any changes to the Ranger’s timeline will likely impact the SUV as well.
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Ford’s Changing Strategy
Ford had initially planned to streamline its lineup by reducing the number of platforms to just five, including one dedicated to trucks. This strategy would have made production more efficient and cost-effective. However, with changing market demands, Ford has begun diversifying again. The company has introduced a new low-cost electric vehicle platform to compete with Tesla and is also expanding its focus on hybrid and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs).
One key reason for this shift is the financial strain Ford has faced with its EV division. The company reported a loss of $5.1 billion in 2024 from its ‘Model e’ electric vehicle division, which includes the F-150 Lightning. Slower-than-expected sales of the electric truck led to reduced production, signaling a shift towards more hybrid and EREV models to meet growing consumer demand.
The Super Duty Ranger
While we wait for the next-gen Ranger, Ford isn’t leaving its mid-size truck fans empty-handed. The company has plans to introduce a Super Duty version of the Ranger, offering increased payload and towing capacity. This move is likely aimed at keeping the Ranger competitive until the all-new model is ready to hit the roads.
Global Trade and Regulations
Beyond production and platform strategy, other factors influencing Ford’s truck lineup include trade policies, US import tariffs, and differing global regulations on internal combustion engines. As governments worldwide push for cleaner transportation options, Ford must balance consumer demand for traditional trucks with evolving regulations and market trends.
The Importance of the F-150 for Ford
The F-150 isn’t just another truck—it’s Ford’s biggest money-maker. In 2024, the F-Series was the best-selling vehicle range in the US for the 48th consecutive year, with a staggering 765,649 units sold. Even with EV challenges, the F-150 Lightning still managed to sell 33,510 units. Given its importance, Ford is treading carefully to ensure its next-gen version is a success. But this also means that models like the Ranger may need to wait their turn.
What’s Next?
For now, the Ranger remains a strong contender in the mid-size pickup segment, with ongoing updates and new variants keeping it fresh. However, if you were looking forward to a completely new Ranger before the decade’s end, you might need to wait a little longer.
Ford enthusiasts, what do you think about this delay? Would you wait for the next-gen Ranger, or are you happy with the current model? Let’s hear your thoughts.