While the mid-sized truck market took a turn downward a few years ago with the deletion of nearly every model made in the US, other markets continued to love and admire these trucks that were built to fill the area below what full-sized truck occupied. Over the years, one of the most popular trucks offered in the markets around the world has been the Ford Ranger. While popular here in the US for its time on the market, this truck found even more success out on the roads in Australia, South Africa, South America and in other areas.
Why is it important that the Ford Ranger has been successful around the world? Because this mid-sized truck has continued to be popular and enjoyed by many in different markets, Ford has continued to develop and create the varieties we would expect to find from this truck and make it better. This allows us to know that when the Ford Ranger does make its way back to the US it’s not going to be one that’s offered as just one model and has to grow from there, it’s ready to show up with several variations and be the truck that you’ll want to drive once it arrives.
Proof in the Spy Shots
Recently spy shots were captured that showed a vehicle that appears to be the Ford Ranger testing in the southwest. This truck was equipped with the off-road qualities you would expect to have in an off-roader that might become the smaller version of the Ford F-150 Raptor. Right now, there is a Ranger variant that’s sold in Australia with the off-road prowess and parts needed which is called the Wildtrak which might become the off-road model that’s offered in the US starting in the 2019 model year.
If this truck makes its way to the US in its current configuration the Wildtrak would be powered by a 3.2-liter diesel engine, which is the same one that’s found in the Transit van. This truck shows up with at least 9.3 inches of ground clearance to put it in the same range as the Wrangler Unlimited and it can roll through water at over 42 inches. This truck is also offered in the Land Down Under with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assists to give the driver enhanced technology desired in an excellent truck.
Is This One Coming
While we don’t know whether or not the Ford Ranger will be offered with the complete lineup as soon as it arrives on the market or if it will bring us just a few to start with. Right now we see the Ford Ranger could have a complete lineup and has at least one answer for every single version from the GM pair. With the Wildtrak testing in the southwest, this version of the Ranger could become the FX4 trim that we want to have for off-road driving once this pickup truck is brought back to the US.
There’s no question that the Ford Ranger is on its way and many of us that love the mid-sized truck segment are thankful because it’s felt like there was something missing without the Ford name in the mix. As of the 2019 model year, this segment of the market will once again feel more complete.
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