Ford updates the Ranger and Raptor Range

Ford upgrades Safety and Technology on Ranger Models

2018 Ford Ranger Raptor 12Now standard on Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor: Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection; additional upgrades across the line-up

  • The Ford Ranger now has Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection as standard on every model, from entry-level Ranger XL cab-chassis through to the Ford Performance Ranger Raptor
  • In addition to a five-star ANCAP rating, Driver Assist Technology now standard on every Ford Ranger includes AEB with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Aid with Driver Alert System, Traffic Sign Recognition and Auto High Beami
  • Ford Ranger XL and XLS also benefit from an acoustic windscreen for enhanced cabin refinement, while XL Cab-Chassis variants now feature a provision allowing an optional rear view camera to be fitted and integrated into the SYNC display
  • Ford Service Benefits extends to Ranger, with a price cap of $299 for the first four years/60,000km, a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, Ford Loan Car Program and Auto Club Membership available to eligible customers and participating dealers.

The Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor now brings Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection as standard across the range, to offer its most comprehensive Driver Assist Technologyi suite to date. After introducing AEB as standard on the popular Ranger Wildtrak in late 2018, the technology has been added range-wide as part of a feature update for Ranger models.

“Ranger has a tradition of leading technology, which includes being the first pick-up to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating, and in 2018 we added more powertrain choices and significant Driver Assist Technology coupled with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty,” said Ford Australia and New Zealand President and CEO, Kay Hart. “Now, AEB with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Aid, Traffic Sign Recognition and Automatic High Beam is standard on every Ranger, from the entry-level Ranger XL cab-chassis all the way through to the Ford Performance Ranger Raptor.”

The new technology suite comes with a host of smart updates for Ranger and Ranger Raptor, which sees a high level of equipment that spans the complete line-up, including cab-chassis models, building on the Ranger’s five-star ANCAP rating.

“The standard inclusion of AEB on the Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor is great news for ute buyers and other road users,” said ANCAP Chief Executive, James Goodwin. “As one of Australia’s top sellers, having this important safety technology fitted across the Ranger line-up will have a big impact.”

Building on the significant changes introduced to Ranger in late 2018, which included an advanced Bi-Turbo, 10-speed powertrain option and new features such as Semi-Auto Active Park Assisti, HID headlamps, Smart Keyless Entry and Tailgate with Lift Assistance, the Ranger line-up has never offered such a comprehensive array of technology, driver assist and convenience features.

Ranger’s highly-competitive capabilities remain unchanged, including a maximum 1476kgii payload, 3500kg towing capabilityiii and class-leading 800mmiv water wading.

Ranger and Ranger Raptor: The Standard in Driver Assist Technology

The Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor’s standard Driver Assist Technologyi suite is the most comprehensive ever offered. Every model in the Ranger line-up now comes with the following technology as standard equipment:

  • Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detectioni (new to XL/XLS/XLT/Ranger Raptor)
  • Lane Keeping Aid with Driver Alert Systemi (new to XL/XLS/XLT)
  • Traffic Sign Recognition (new to XL/XLS/XLT)
  • Automatic High Beam (new to XL/XLS/XLT)
  • Rear View Camera (Pick-up models)
  • Rear Parking Sensors (Pick-up models)
  • Cruise Control with adjustable speed limiter
  • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) incorporating ABS, Load Adaptive Control, Roll Over Mitigation, Traction Control and Trailer Sway Controli
  • Emergency Assistancei
  • Hill Descent Controli
  • Hill Launch Assisti

In addition, further improving the entry-level Ranger XL and XLS models is an acoustic windscreen. Previously exclusive to the Ranger XLT, Wildtrak and Ford Performance Ranger Raptor, the acoustic windscreen adds a layer of sound dampening material within the windscreen material, which reduces noise intrusion for greater levels of comfort and refinement.

Ranger smart options: More practical, greater affordability

The Ranger line-up also benefits from refined options and accessories choices for Australian customers. The new Genuine Ford Accessory Rear-view Camera Kit can be fully integrated into the SYNC system on cab chassis models, and features a rugged, heavy-duty housing and includes brackets and wiring to ensure easy fitment to a wide variety of tray types.

Additional Driver Assist Technology is available as part of a lower cost Tech Pack for the Ranger XLT, and includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Semi-Auto Active Park Assisti for $800 (previously $1700). Leather upholstery for the Ranger XLT Double Cab is now $1500, previously $1650v.

Adding further cost of ownership advantages for Ranger owners is an expansion of the Ford Service Benefits program. For the first four years/60,000km (whichever comes first), eligible customers will be able to service their Ranger for a maximum recommended price of $299 (incl. GST) per A or B logbook service for eligible customers at participating dealerships.

The further demonstrates the strength of Ford Service Benefits, including the added value of a Service Loan Car, Auto Club membership (including Roadside Assistance), Sat-nav updates, Vehicle Report Card, and the peace of mind of experienced Factory Trained Technicians when customers service at participating Dealers.

Ford Performance Ranger Raptor: 

The Ford Performance Ranger Raptor now has Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detectioni as standard, in addition to Driver Assist Technology that already is included in this ground-breaking model.

Ranger Raptor now has power adjustable front seating as standard, with eight-way power adjustment on both the driver and front-passenger seats. The Ranger Raptor’s unique front seats have been specifically designed and engineered for Ranger Raptor, with additional bolstering and design to match its Ford Performance steering wheel and unique gauge cluster enjoyed by Ranger Raptor customers.

The updated Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor goes on sale in Australian Ford dealerships from June 2019.

About Rob Fraser 310 Articles
Rob first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, many years ago. He has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then.Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive.