2022 Ford Ranger v 2021 Ranger v F-150: Styling face-off

The next-generation 2022 Ford Ranger takes its design cues from not just the F-150, but also the outgoing model that has graced thousands of Australian driveways since 2011.

Not entirely new, the Ranger sits on a ‘third-generation’ version of the current T6 platform, dubbed ‘T6.2’. The big differences between it and the old Ranger include; a new turbocharged V6 diesel, numerous chassis adjustments, greater functionality and a complete redesign inside and out – with a large portrait-orientated 12-inch touchscreen dominating the look of the cabin.

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You can read more about the 2022 Ranger in our in depth story here, or find out all the details surrounding its expanded engine line-up here.

For now though, we're looking at how the new 2022 Ranger stacks up against the outgoing 2021 model – along with how it compares to its larger, recently revised, F-150 sibling that has inspired the latest 'family look' across the brand’s ute line-up – including the not-for-Australia Maverick.

The biggest change between the 2022 Ranger and the current model is up front, with the outgoing sharp and narrow headlights replaced by a set of much-larger units with Ford's signature C-shaped LED daytime running lamps closely linked to the F-150's.

A bulkier mesh-design rectangular grille holds a large Ford badge that separates a bar running across the width of the Ranger, replacing the smaller hexagonal grille with body-coloured inserts on the old model.

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Note: This F-150 image has been flipped

The H-shaped lower fascia is also new, and unlike the smoother designs seen in both the old Ranger and the F-150. However, like the F-150, the new Ranger picks up a pair of dual recovery hooks in the front bumper, accompanied by a small bash plate as well as a radar for active safety equipment.

The fog light housing is also connected to the fascia in the Wildtrak, although it maintains a similar design theme to the outgoing Ranger – with a separate configuration for lower-grade XL/XLS/XLT/Sport variants.

The side of the new Ranger features a deeper character line running through both doors, in addition to a straighter belt-line above the carryover door handles.

There is also a redesigned pair of door mirrors with slimmer LED indicators, as well as an elongated fender vent, similar in design to the F-150.

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Ford says nearly every part of the new Ranger is completely new, and claims the existing glass and steel for components such as the exterior doors would not fit – despite the side windows and door frames being seemingly all-but-identical to the old Ranger.

Differences at the rear of the new Ranger are just as large as the front, with a pair of new red halogen or Ranger-first clear LED tail-lights (similar to the Isuzu D-Max), along with stamped Ranger badging in place of stickers – a clear nod to the F-150 and smaller Maverick.

The sloping and contoured design of the tailgate is also inspired by the larger F-150, instead of the largely flat shape of the tailgate on the current 2021 Ranger.

Additionally, a step wedge has been fitted on the side of the rear bumper – a new addition to the Ford pick-up range – to help owners in stepping up to reach into the tub.

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The interior of the new Ranger is where the F-150 inspiration really starts to appear, marking a drastic step up over the previous model.

A more spacious design, the next-gen Ranger cabin is also more premium and sports a host of new technology.

An 8-inch digital instrument cluster will be standard across the range, with a 10.1-inch Sync 4 touchscreen available on entry-level grades with a larger 12-inch unit (as seen above) on higher variants. This portrait-orientated unit is similar to the version found in the full-electric F-150 Lightning, albeit with a bunch of chunky physical controls below to keep drivers happy.

The air vents take inspiration from the design of the front grille, with the dashboard also featuring additional storage space above the glovebox and below the climate/multimedia controls.

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A stubby electronic gear lever is also similar to the latest F-150, although it doesn’t feature the nifty ability to fold away with the flick of a button. The addition of an electronic parking brake has also assisted in modernising the interior design of the Ranger, while also improving practicality.

Perhaps the biggest F-150 inspiration, though, is the Ranger’s new interior door handles.

Rather than the traditional levers found on most vehicles today, the 1970s-style door levers in the Ranger are mounted within the fixed door pull, just like the Blue Oval’s flagship pick-up truck.

Although evolutionary on the mechanical side, the 2022 T6.2 Ranger is drastically separate to its T6 predecessor in the design stakes, with clear influence from the larger F-150.

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