Ford Ranger adds new variants, adaptive cruise now standard on XLT

The top-selling Ford Ranger ute is getting some running changes for the latter half of 2021, with new variants, enhanced assistance technologies and more powertrain choice for existing models coming in July.

Headlining the changes is the introduction of the new Ranger 4×2 XL Sport and Ranger 4×4 XL Heavy Duty Special Edition, two different takes on the affordable truck formula. More details on both below.

Additionally, the popular XLT grade picks up adaptive cruise control as standard equipment – including 4×2 and 4×4, as well as Super Cab, Double Cab and Cab Chassis versions.

Rounding out the changes is the availability of Ford’s 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel and 10-speed automatic transmission as an option for Ranger XL 4×4 Super Cab Chassis, XL 4×4 Double Cab Chassis and 4×4 XL Double Pick Up variants.

“Our 4×4 XL customers will have even more choice with the inclusion of our premium Bi-Turbo powertrain, while adding Adaptive Cruise Control as standard to XLT, a decision based on customer feedback and Ford Australia’s desire to continually improve our product,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand.

Ranger 4×2 XL Sport

Based on the Ranger 4×2 XL Double Cab, the XL Sport brings styling cues from the XLS Sport and adds “more than $4500” of extra value.

Scheduled to arrive in limited numbers from “late June”, the Ford Ranger 4×2 XL Sport will be priced from $43,790 plus on-road costs, fitted with the 118kW/385Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel and six-speed auto transmission as standard.

Model-specific highlights include:

• Black 16-inch alloy wheels
• Black sports bar
• Black bedliner
• Black side steps
• Black grille
• Black rear bumper
• Unique “SPORT” decal on tailgate

Buyers will be able to choose from several exterior colours, including Arctic White, True Red, Shadow Black, Meteor Grey, and Aluminium metallic. The latter three being cost-option prestige paints.

Ranger 4×4 XL Heavy Duty Special Edition

Ford Australia is also extending the run of its XL Heavy Duty special “in response to feedback from customers”.

Essentially an extended run for the XL 4×4 Special Edition released last year, the Heavy Duty Special Edition fits a range of “popular accessories” claimed to enhance off-road capability, character and value.

Pricing for this model starts at $52,790 plus on-road costs, powered by the 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel and six-speed auto as standard.

Highlights include:

• Genuine Ford steel bull bar, crash-tested for compatibility with AEB
• LED light bar (bull bar also features mounting points for driving lights and UHF antennas)
• Genuine Ford fixed-head snorkel
• Black-painted 17 x 7.5-inch steel wheels with Continental CrossContact All-Terrain tyres
• Heavy Duty suspension system with bespoke ABS and ESC tune
• Solid wheel nuts
• Black side steps
• Rear-view camera kit

Ford Australia hasn’t detailed any pricing changes for the XLT series with the standard fitment of adaptive cruise control, nor pricing for the new 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo 4×4 XL variants.

Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest.

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