2019 Ford Ranger previewed via North American model

Ford has unveiled the North American Ranger which will join its full-sized F-150 sibling when it goes on sale there later this year.

Essentially an Americanised version of our Ranger, the Michigan-built Ranger previews what our updated Thai-built model will look like, ahead of its expected Australian on-sale date of around September 2018.

Key styling difference for the updated model include a front fascia dominated by a blacked-out grille, ‘power domes’ on the bonnet, stamped Ranger logo on the tailgate and fresh alloy wheels.

There’s also a sliding rear window a la Nissan Navara, while the steel bumper has an integrated trailer hitch receiver.

Inside, drivers will notice the familiar 8.0-inch touchscreen with Sync 3 along with a dual LCD instruments for the XLT/Wildtrak.

On the safety front, AEB will be standard, while lane assist and blind-spot monitoring will be offered on higher XLT and Lariat grades, with the latter also getting pedestrian protection and adaptive cruise control.