First Batch of Next-Generation Ford Ranger Pickups Ships to Customers

The next-generation Ford Ranger won’t launch in America until 2023, but it’s already headed to customers overseas.

The all-new, international version of the next-generation Ford Ranger was revealed a few months ago, followed by the all-new Ranger Raptor, but both aren’t arriving in the U.S. until sometime next year. However, the Ranger is a global phenomenon, as most are well aware, and it isn’t just built at the Michigan assembly plant either – the mid-size pickup is also produced at Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) for that market and 100 others across the globe. Now, that same plant has finished its first batch of next-generation Ford Ranger pickups, which are on their way to customers and dealer lots now.

Ford invested a total of $900 million in the FTM plant to retool it for next-gen Ranger production, a worthwhile endeavor given the pickup’s global appeal. Americans eager to get their hands on the brand new Ranger won’t likely be pleased to know that the rest of the world is already able to buy one while we’re forced to wait for at least a few more months, but we must also consider the fact that the Ranger simply sells like hotcakes in other parts of the world, which is likely what prompted this move.

Regardless, the next-gen global Ranger is a bit different than the one that will hit our shores eventually, though the two will obviously look essentially the same. Developed with considerable input from customers, the new pickup features a boxier design than its predecessor with Ford’s signature C-clamp matrix LED headlights, but from there, Thai customers get just two engine options – Ford’s 2.0-liter single turbo or bi-turbo diesels, paired with either a six- or ten-speed automatic transmission, neither of which will likely be offered in the U.S.

In Thailand and other global markets, the new Ranger Sport is available in five exterior hues including Aluminium Metallic, Meteor Grey, Absolute Black, Arctic White, and Sedona Orange, with prices starting at 929,000 THB ($26,780 USD). The more rugged and capable Ranger Wildtrak can be had in six colors – Aluminium Metallic, Meteor Grey, Absolute Black, Snowflake White Pearl, Luxe Yellow, and Sedona Orange, with a starting price of 999,000 THB ($28,797 USD).

Photos: Ford

Join the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forums now!

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.