Unveiled at the North American International Show in Detroit back in January, the Ranger, which returns to its home market after eight years, will come powered by a version of the 2.3 EcoBoost petrol engine, confirmed to produce 200kW/420Nm.
More powerful than the 195kW/380Nm 4.0-litre V6 powering the dated Nissan Frontier (Navara), but outclassed by the Toyota Tacoma’s 3.5-litre V6 (207kW/359N) and the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Sierra’s 3.6-litre V6 (230kW/373Nm), the blown-four comes connected to a 10-speed automatic gearbox co-developed with General Motors and used in the Ranger Raptor, with the Blue Oval claiming a payload of 843kg and towing capacity of 3.4 tons with the optional Tow Package.
Priced in the States from $25 395 (R378 988) for the entry-level XL to $33 305 (R497 035) for the top-spec Lariat with a choice of Super and SuperCrew Cab body styles, the EcoBoost Ranger will not be offered in South Africa as the updated global model will touch down early next year.
