FORD UNVEILS RANGER ‘PLATINUM’

Ford have announced a new variant for the 2023 Ranger lineup, defined by its own styling touches and focussed on luxury features – the Ranger Platinum.

Available exclusively as a dual cab ute and with a 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6, ten-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, the Ranger Platinum is essentially an Everest Platinum with a tray, as it shares many features with that premium SUV.

Expanding the Ranger in this direction is largely the result of a better-than-expected take-up for the ‘Premium Pack’ option on the Ranger Wildtrak. While the Ranger Platinum’s styling takes elements from the Everest Platinum, some of the upcoming model’s standard features are lifted directly from the Premium Pack.

“We listened hard to our customers throughout the design and development of the Next-Generation Ranger, and in doing so we reinvented the Pick-Up Truck segment,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia.

“We’ve seen growth in high-end variants in this segment over recent years, so we challenged ourselves to create a vehicle that provides all of our customer’s wants and needs.

“Ranger Platinum gives customers the chance to have their cake and eat it too; they get the Next-Gen Ranger’s inherent capability with a serious dose of class and sophistication.”

Platinum Outside

Externally, the Ranger Platinum is defined by features that include bold ‘PLATINUM’ chrome bonnet badging and a bumper design that differs from other Ranger variants, but is almost identical to the Everest Platinum.

Unique 20-inch alloy wheels combine machined faces with ebony accents, while door, grille, bumper and side trims are finished in Silk Chrome; a softer, satin-like alternative to bright chrome.

Other external features include large and functional roof racks, Matrix LED headlights, LED DRLs and LED tail lights, a damped tailgate and the Flexible Rack System (FRS) that combines folding roof racks and a patent-pending sliding load rack that’ allows the sailplane-style sports bar to be set in one of five different positions, making carrying work items (ladders, piping, timber, etc.) as easy as recreational equipment, with the ability to return to “normal” appearance. When in use, the FRS has an 80kg travelling load capacity (250kg static).

Available paint colours include Absolute Black, Arctic White, Sedona Orange, Aluminium, Meteor Grey and Equinox Bronze; the latter shade previously limited to the Everest SUV. As standard, the roof is finished in black regardless of paint choice, but this can be changed to body colour as a no-cost option.

“From the new hero paint colour to the design of the 20-inch alloys and the premium Silk Chrome trims, we wanted Ranger Platinum to look like a luxury vehicle,” said Max Tran, chief designer, Ford Ranger.

Platinum Inside

The interior of the Ranger Platinum includes quilted leather accents on seats that, for the front row, are heated, ventilated and offer 10-way power adjustment. There’s also a memory function for the driver’s seat.

Ahead of the heated steering wheel, the driver is faced with a 12.4-inch instrument cluster (previously a Ranger Raptor exclusive) that’s configurable, while the Everest-inspired dashboard features a closed shelf and upper glovebox.

Decorative finishes include Platinum branding on the front seats, dash and front/rear premium floormats.

The centre console screen is a 12.0-inch multifunction unit, while a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system is standard, as is wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

“From the high-quality, leather accented seats to the Everest-inspired dashboard, the Ranger Platinum oozes refinement,” said Nick Eterovic, chief interior designer, Ford Ranger.

Platinum Practicality

While it’s aimed at the top end of the market, the Ranger Platinum won’t be left wanting when it comes to capability, according to Ford.

Along with the aforementioned FRS, there’s also a powered roller shutter for the tub, an auxiliary switch bank to allow for winches, spotlights, etc. to be added, all-season tyres and permanent four-wheel drive.

The 3.0 turbo diesel V6 produces 184kW and 600Nm – unaltered from its application to other Ranger variants with this engine – but it should be noted that it’s the only powerplant available for the model. Same goes for the ten-speed auto transmission.

Selectable drive modes (presumably) include Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts and Sand, while rough terrain can be tackled with more confidence thanks to the Off-Road Screens function that’s fitted as standard. Once activated, this shows a view of the trail ahead on the 12.0-inch screen, along with additional information, like vehicle pitch and roll.

While the Ranger Platinum’s towing capacity isn’t listed in the material provided, it’s presumably the same 3500kg maximum (braked) as other variants. Similarly, payload capacity is not listed, but it’s likely to be 997kg - the same as the Ranger Wildtrak.