Based on the T6.2 platform of the sixth-generation Bronco, the Ranger prepares to enter the 2024.5 model year in Australia. The most significant change over 2024 is the introduction of something called Pro Trailer Backup Assist, a system that allows the driver to steer the trailer while reversing.
In Australia, the system premiered last year in the F-150 pickup truck. Pro Trailer Backup Assist is standard on the Wildtrak trim level, as well as the luxury-oriented Platinum and the no-nonsense Raptor. PTBA is activated by pressing the trailer icon on the center console-mounted drive mode selector. The trailer is steered with the outer ring.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist is available on the 2024.5 Ford Everest as well, a three-row sport utility vehicle that – unfortunately – isn't meant for the US market. You can think of the Everest as the Ranger's SUV-bodied sibling. The reason why Ford can't make a case for it stateside is rather simple, that reason being the commercially successful Bronco.
Scheduled to commence production in March 2024, the updated Ranger also sweetens the deal with something called Flexible Rack System. Optional on the Wildtrak and Sport, the FRS replaces the Sailplane/Sports Bar and Box Rails/Load Box Access Points on the Wildtrak and Sport grades.
Another 2024.5 model year update comes in the form of heavy-duty suspension for the Ranger XL. In addition to slightly thicker springs for the rear axle, Ford also mentions revised tuning for the front and rear dampers. One step above the XL, the XLS now comes with the Tech Pack and Towing Pack as standard. Package contents include an integrated trailer brake controller, a tow bar and tongue, SYNC 4A infotainment with voice-activated controls, Connected Navigation Services, DAB+, and dual-zone climate control.
Photo: Ford
The switch from 2024 to 2024.5 also sees Ford Australia discontinuing a few variants of the midsizer, beginning with the Wildtrak X special edition. Other variants that haven't made the cut for model year 2024.5 include the XL Bi-Turbo Dual Cab Chassis 4X2, XLS Bi-Turbo Dual Cab Pickup 4X2, and XL Bi-Turbo Super Cab Pickup 4X2.
If the Bi-Turbo designation seems a bit odd, that's because said engine isn't available in the United States market. The 2.0-liter I4 bi-turbo diesel is joined by a single-turbo version, with both of them being advertised under the EcoBlue moniker. Said powerplants are joined by a 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6, namely the Lion engine that used to be advertised as the Power Stroke in North America.
The 3.0-liter Power Stroke was discontinued from the North American F-150 due to poor demand, which is hardly surprising. Turning our attention back to the Aussie Ranger, the crème de la crème is – of course – the off-road-oriented Raptor grade.
Similar to the US version, the Ranger Raptor for Australia relies on the 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6. The European Union and Thailand also get a force-fed diesel, namely the bi-turbocharged EcoBlue rather than the single-turbo Power Stroke.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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