2022 Ford Ranger Spied, Is Shaping Up To Be A Baby F-150

The Ford Ranger returned to the United States in 2018, but it’s little more than an Americanized version of the international pickup. As a result, the “all-new” model feels pretty dated.

That won’t be an issue much longer as spy photographers have caught the 2022 Ranger undergoing testing in Michigan.

Despite wearing heavy camouflage, there’s no hiding the fact that the Ranger will be heavily inspired by the new F-150. That’s immediately apparent as the truck has vertical headlights and C-shaped daytime running lights, just like its big brother.

Also Read: 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor To Get A 400 HP Twin-Turbo V6?

The similarities don’t end there as the 2022 Ranger appears to have an F-150 inspired grille. Details are hard to make out, but this particular prototype has a two bar grille and a prominent Ford logo hidden beneath camouflage.

The rest of the truck is pretty evolutionary, but we can expect streamlined styling and new taillights. The latter can be seen peeking out from beneath the camouflage.

We can’t see much of the interior, but big changes are expected inside. While nothing is official, the cabin should adopt higher quality materials and a more modern design. We can also expect a new SYNC 4 infotainment system to replace the current SYNC 3 system with an 8-inch display.

Little else is known about the truck at this point, but it could ride on the second-generation T6 platform which also underpins the Bronco. This shouldn’t be surprising as both the Bronco and Ranger are built at the Michigan Assembly Plant.

Engine options remain unconfirmed, but the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder will likely carryover and continue to produce 270 hp (201 kW / 274 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque.

There have also been countless rumors about a US-spec Ranger Raptor. Some suggest it will use the Bronco’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, which produces 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque, while others indicate it could have the Bronco Warthog’s rumored 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with up to 400 hp (298 kW /406 PS) and 415 lb-ft (562 Nm) of torque.

While Ford is staying tight-lipped, the company has indicated the Ranger will arrive in early 2022. That date was announced as part of Ford’s partnership with Volkswagen, which will spawn an Amarok successor based on the Ranger.