First look at the new Ford Ranger and Everest in South Africa – Photos and Engine specs

Ford South Africa yesterday gave the local media a preview of the next-gen Ranger and Everest prototypes while these vehicles are in the country for testing.

The bakkie and SUV are already attractive in photos, but they strike a whole different pose when standing next to them in person.

The new C-clamp LED headlights are certainly a highlight of the exterior design, and the overhauled interiors are leagues ahead of that of their predecessors.

Ford said it paid close attention to customer feedback during the development of these new vehicles, and the automaker even went as far as to change certain elements of the assembly line to improve build quality – particularly on the Ranger.

Unfortunately, as the next-gen cars are still a few months away from being officially launched, the Ford team was not able to provide many market-specific details.

We still have a while to wait before the South African pricing is announced, and the company said the Everest will be sold in several new trim lines, but did not confirm whether the local range will assume the “Sport, Titanium, and Platinum” badges like other markets.

The Ranger, on the other hand, will be sold in XL, XLT, and Wildtrak specification grades locally.

Engine specifications

A variety of motors will be available in both the next-gen Ford Ranger and Ford Everest in South Africa, comprising 2.0-litre, single-turbo and bi-turbo diesel engines; as well as a 3.0-litre, V6, turbo-diesel unit.

The respective outputs for these powertrains are as follows:

2.0-litre, single turbo – 110kW/350Nm or 125kW/405Nm
2.0-litre, bi-turbo – 155kW/500Nm
3.0-litre, V6, turbo – 184kW/600Nm

Transmission options then include a new five-speed and six-speed manual, as well as a six-speed automatic for the single-turbo models, and a revised 10-speed automatic for the V6 and bi-turbo variants.

In addition, both vehicles are offered with one of two four-wheel-drive systems, with an electronic rear differential lock fitted across the ranges.

“The base four-wheel drive is a ‘part-time’ system with a two-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case offering 2H, 4H, and 4L as modes of operation,” said Ford.

“Next-gen Ranger is also available with an on-demand four-wheel-drive system (2H, 4A, 4H, and 4L) which allows Ranger to be driven in four-wheel drive on high-traction surfaces via its 4A (automatic) mode.”

The highly anticipated Ranger Raptor will boast the advanced four-wheel-drive system, 2.5-inch Fox shocks, and a 3.0-litre, twin-turbo petrol motor – but this particular drivetrains’ specifications must still be confirmed.

Capacities

The new Ranger was built with utility in mind and offers six pre-wired switches along with a loadbox power connector as standard.

Furthermore, the models with roof rails fitted can support 85kg while on the move and 350kg when standing still.

Depending on the trim, maximum payload capacity is pegged at 925kg to 1,191kg, whereas maximum braked towing capacity for both body styles is rated at 3,500kg. The outgoing Everest could only tow up to 3,100kg.

The approach angle for the Ranger now also measures 30 degrees – up from 28.5 – and the exit angle 23 degrees – up from 21.

Maximum water wading depth measures 800mm at 7km/h, and up to six drive modes offer extensive customisation over driving characteristics.