Next-gen Ford Ranger highlights versatile cargo bed

The Blue Oval marque is showcasing its next-generation Ford Ranger’s versatility from various standpoints — starting from wider cargo box that transform the space into a total cargo management makerspace.

In a statement the Blue Oval brand said that customers of the latest version of the Ranger can rely on the functional, convenient, and durable pick-up truck that the Ranger is known for.

“Customer-centered design led to innovative features throughout the truck, while a relentless testing and engineering program ensured every facet of the Ranger’s versatility was truly Built Ford Tough,” Ford said.

Global Trucks Enterprise Product Line Management director Gary Boes said that the intent upon creating the Ranger was more than just creating a good truck. “We wanted to deliver an exceptional one that people would want to own – one that customers around the world could trust to tackle anything,” he was quoted as saying.

According to Ford, the next-gen Ranger offers an array of organization and storage solutions.

Ford noted that owners can create segmented do-it-yourself DIY storage spaces big and small by sliding pieces of wood into slots molded into the bedliner, “or even get creative and build things like a bike rack.”

“There are tie-downs mounted in the bed, while the new rear load box access step is the result of interviews with pickup owners, learning how they used their trucks and what they wanted from their next one,” Ford claimed.

The Ford Ranger also has added six structural attachment points in the protective load box capping, for canopy, cross bars, or tent attachments.

Meanwhile, Ford’s cargo box has been developed many innovative ways to help them access and use the space more effectively.

• The rear load box access step makes climbing up into the cargo box much easier
• The easy-lift tailgate, which can be raised and lowered with one hand, doubles as a mobile workbench. It features two clamp pockets concealed by spring-loaded caps in the tail gate to help secure timber or other project materials and a built-in ruler with 10mm increments (on models not fitted with a drop-in bedliner).
• Bed mounted 400-watts and 12V sockets can be used to plug appliances like small oven, smartphone or laptop charger, a rice cooker and even a 24-inch LED TV and DVD combination and many more directly can all be run from the bed-mounted 400W outlet.

Further, the next-gen Ranger’s cargo box includes several new innovations that help customers customize the load area to suit their needs. These are:

• The new drop-in bedliner incorporates functional divider locatorsso that owners can create their own compartments. Dividers can be custom-made from timber at home and then installed and removed as required. As a bonus, the improved and wider molded profile on the bedliner is more comfortable on your knees, is much easier to clean and also means items are less likely to slip around.
• Cargo box with a capacity to haul 1,233-liters
• Select models are fitted with aluminum extrusions that double as tie-down rails that run the full length of the cargo box. There are also six fixed tie-down points in the cargo box.
• Durable plastic box top and tail gate capping that protects the load box edges and tailgate upper edge from damage.
• Load box access caps, available to non-Wildtrak models, are removable plastic caps that cover structural attachment points for aftermarket accessories
• Roof top platform mounts, exclusive to the Wildtrak, allow for the easy fitment of roof accessories, like racks or a platform.

But its versatility is not limited on the exterior, but on the inside as well as the next-gen Ranger is equipped with more storage space inside and the new center console design with dedicated storage compartments.

Moreover, the vehicle has under seat bins, and rear seat back that perfectly folds flat to give more room for cargo.

Photos from Ford

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