• Ford Ranger is getting a new generation and development is underway.
  • Ford Australia is currently leading the project despite high labor costs.
  • The midsize truck is expected to receive a higher dose of electrification.

Pickups and LCVs usually have lengthy product cycles, but that doesn’t mean that the design and engineering teams are taking time off between generational changes. Ford has confirmed that development of the next-gen Ranger is already underway in Australia, although the model is not expected to debut before the end of the decade.

The Ford Ranger is one of the most popular midsize pickups in the world alongside the rival Toyota Hilux, so it doesn’t take us by surprise that the Blue Oval is actively considering a successor. The current generation has been around since late 2021, and received a series of updates in late 2025 keeping it fresh against the fierce competition in the midsize pickup segment.

More: Ford Made A Fire-Fighting Ranger Super Duty That Runs Its Pumps On Sunshine

While sales of the Ranger are strong, Ford Australia president and CEO, Fadi Mawal, spoke to local media Drive about the next iteration. Mawal revealed that a team of around 1,500 engineers are currently working on the project. Some of them are probably the same people that engineered the current Ranger, and led the development of the previous T6 generation that debuted in late 2010.

Ford Ranger Super Duty

The Australian CEO confirmed plans to continue leading the Ranger and Everest projects in the future, adding that his “world-class” team is known for delivering “best-in-class products”. However, not everything is set in stone, with Mawal stating that engineers will keep working on the new truck “until someone says otherwise”.

More: Ford’s 6X6 Ranger Super Duty Is Bidding To Arm The British Army

This statement points out to earlier comments by Ford CEO, Jim Farley. During a crucial visit Down Under earlier this year, Farley said that Australia is “among the most expensive places to have engineers on the planet”, raising concerns about the cost competitiveness compared to low-cost regions in Asia. Mawal confirmed that talks between the automaker and the Australian government are ongoing, with the goal of securing the future of the engineering hub in the country.

What to Expect From The Next Ranger?

While Ford is keeping its cards closed on future products, we can assume that the bodywork of the next midsize truck will be completely redesigned. We also expect an overhauled interior with more emphasis on physical controls, alongside improved comfort and refinement compared to its predecessors.

Ford Ranger Platinum

It remains to be seen whether the ladder frame chassis will be a clean-sheet design or a development of the current architecture, which is also used by the Ford Bronco.

More: Ford Turns The Ranger Super Duty Into A $65K Premium Workhorse

The next Ford Ranger is expected to receive a stronger dose of electrification, helping it cope with tightening emission regulations in certain regions. The existing powertrain lineup comprises diesel, gasoline, and plug-in hybrid options, but misses out on a mild-hybrid diesel like the Toyota Hilux, or a self-charging hybrid. A fully electric variant could be considered for the future, but it probably won’t be a priority.

Judging from the success of the performance-focused Ranger Raptor and the highly-capable Ranger Super Duty workhorse, Ford will most likely continue a similar strategy with the next generation of the truck.

Since development is already underway, the first mules and camouflaged prototypes of the new Ranger could make their first appearance over the next couple of years, and we wouldn’t be surprised if they get spotted on Australian soil.

Ford Ranger Raptor Desert Pack