The Ford Ranger has not been sold in the U.S. since 2011, and that likely won’t change any time soon. Unfortunately, that might make the following information all the more painful to process.
Ford has revealed the facelifted 2015 Ranger ahead of its debut at the 36th Bangkok Motor Show, and we happen to think the truck looks pretty good. And it’s a shame.
With modern styling and tech options like the voice-controlled ‘Sync 2’ infotainment system, this Ranger could prove a stout competitor to the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon if brought here. It will be manufactured in Thailand, South Africa, and Argentina, and will eventually arrive in 180 markets besides the U.S.
Power comes from an updated 3.2-liter diesel five-cylinder that makes 200 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque, channeled through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. There will also be a 2.2-liter diesel mill that makes 160 hp/284 lb-ft, and a high-efficiency version with 130 hp. A 2.5-liter gasoline engine will be available as well, which produces 166 hp and 166 lb-ft.
Tech-wise, the Ranger could stand up to the Colorado/Canyon quite well. The Sync 2 infotainment allows drivers to communicate with the truck via natural voice commands like “temperature 20 degrees,” “play AC/DC,” or “I’m hungry.” If they’re not the chatty type, drivers can adjust the vehicle’s settings with the 8-inch touchscreen.
The Ranger also boasts a load of modern safety features, including Lane Keep Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control, a Driver Impairment Monitor, and a Bluetooth-paired Emergency Assistance function that automatically alerts authorities in the event of a collision.
Sadly, as we reported last year, the current Ranger is simply too big for Ford America’s liking. The brand’s marketing director for trucks, Dave Scott, noted that a U.S. market model should be roughly the same size as the 200-inch Ranger from 2011. The current overseas model is about a foot longer.
It also must be built in the States to avoid the ‘chicken tax,’ which institutes a 25-percent tariff on certain foreign products.
So while the new Ranger may be good, anticipating its arrival on our shores would be a fruitless endeavor. The new model goes on sale in the third quarter of 2015.
