So Ford finally released the details on the return of the Ranger to the US. A lot of details are still not released like price and tow rating. It seems to be pretty much what was expected, a tweaked version of the global model. I was surprised with there only being a single engine choice, although the diesel rumors are still alive.

Thoughts?

 

Well, the 2.3 Ecoboost is the only engine announced "so far".

 

Appears to be a decent SUV.

 

Don't recall where I was reading that the XL model of the new Ranger will come with a 6 speed auto while the XLT and Lariat comes with the 10 speed. The article also commented that the tow rating for the 10 speed was 5700'lbs. The 2.3 is supposed to come with 300HP and 350lbs torque. Like always, until it hits the streets, nobody knows for sure. My preference would be an XLT. The Lariat looks like too much plastic. I guess my old school is showing, I like the chrome on the XLT. While it appears to be like the current global version, it can't be. It might share the same body parts but everything from there will be different. The chassis assembly won't pass any safety regs here. It's my understanding the chassis for the States will be a ladder type with reinforcing. The global platform has not been to the States due to the safety requirements that would have made Ford make huge changes to the rig. The current global has no crumple zones, etc.