At the 2017 Detroit Auto Show this week, Ford officially confirmed that the Ford Ranger pickup would again live on in the North American market for the first time since 2011, shortly before the Ford Bronco SUV nameplate is revived after an even longer (24-year) absence.
In making the announcement, Ford wasn’t forthcoming with any details of the new vehicles, not bothering to bring any concepts. However, Road & Track had the chance to speak to Ford President of the Americas Joe Hinrichs about the upcoming Ford Bronco, learning that the new SUV will be built on the same platform as the future North American Ranger as we’d anticipated. Hinrichs wouldn’t say whether the new utility vehicle would be available as a two-door, four-door, or both.
Alas, the publication managed to get some additional info from an anonymous Reddit user claiming to be a designer at Ford Motor Company. Unable to verify the Redditer’s identity, we can’t necessarily vouch for its accuracy, but what he said certainly sounds plausible.
According to this insider, the next North American Ford Ranger will be structurally-identical to the current T6 – i.e., it will utilize the same platform – and will only be offered here as a four-door Super Cab. New front and rear exterior styling, a fresh interior, and new powertrain options will be made available for the market.
A year later, when the new Ford Bronco comes along, it will reportedly be offered exclusively as a four-door SUV – essentially the T6-based Everest (a.k.a. “Endeavour” in India) model with a different moniker. Again, new exterior styling, a new interior, and North American-market-specific powertrain options will be added. Both it and the Ranger will be comfortable on the road and capable on the trail, according to Hinrichs, suggesting that the new Ford Bronco 4×4 – with its solid rear axle and body-on-frame construction – will be a natural competitor for the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, according to Road & Track.
Stay tuned to Ford Authority as we try in the coming weeks to uncover more about the forthcoming North American Ford Ranger pickup and Ford Bronco SUV.
Comments
If the New Bronco is a 4 door I will put my order in for a two door Rubicon.
Yes it is 4 door.
I’m disappointed. I think Ford could have taken the F150 frame or the frame they are using and make a nice 2 door BOF suv. But no. They made a 4 door BOF crossover. Highly disappointed.
This is so old it should be removed.