The wraps have come off the latest Ford Ranger MS-RT, a sporty ‘street truck’ version of Parkers’ reigning Best Pickup. Its racing-inspired styling is complemented by a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine with 237hp.
It’s the result of collaboration between Ford Pro Europe and MS-RT, a company related to the M-Sport organisation that handles Ford’s World Rally Championship campaign, and its design apes that of racing Rangers. Yet, despite the changes, the Ranger MS-RT retains the regular models’ 1,000kg payload and 3,500kg towing capacity.
Ford Pro Europe general manager, Hans Schep, said: ‘If Ranger Raptor is the ultimate off-road truck, then the Ranger MS-RT is the ultimate street truck. It’s a departure from what we usually see in this segment in Europe, but with more car-like driving dynamics and the towing and carrying capacity unchanged, we believe it will offer a compelling new option for pickup customers.’
What’s different about the Ford Ranger MS-RT?
You can’t miss the Ranger MS-RT’s sporty styling upgrades that are modelled on the Rangers run by Ford Thailand Racing in the Thailand Super Pickup Series. There’s a much more assertive look to the front end, as well as a honeycomb mesh grille and deep bumper with integrated splitter at the lower edge.
Stretched wheelarches and more prominent side skirts lead to a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. The tailgate is topped by a distinctive ‘duck tail’ spoiler, and there’s another spoiler on the rear edge of the cab roof. According to Ford, the spoilers were developed using computer simulations to enhance the truck’s aerodynamic balance and high-speed stability.
Unique, diamond-cut 21-inch alloy wheels sit at each corner, wrapped in low-profile 275/45 R21 tyres. They’re the largest wheels ever offered on the Ranger. The extended wheelarches add a whopping 82mm to the standard Ranger’s width, and the track has been increased by 40mm on each side to fill them out.
From September 2024, a retuned suspension set-up will be offered. It lowers the Ranger MS-RT by 40mm compared to a standard model and includes firmer front dampers and optimised rear suspension. Ford claims it offers ‘the ideal level of handling and comfort.’
Inside, you’ll find new sports seats upholstered in animal product-free Eco-Leather and suede, with an MS-RT stitching pattern. There’s also a heated sports steering wheel with 12 o’clock marker. Assorted MS-RT badges and black door handles and mirror caps finish things off.
What versions of the Ford Ranger MS-RT are available?
The Ranger MS-RT comes in a single spec. It features the four-door, five-seat Crew Cab and it’s powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine that produces 237hp and 600Nm of torque. The engine’s hooked up to a 10-speed automatic gearbox and full-time four-wheel-drive.
Standard equipment includes Ford’s latest Sync 4A infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, rear view camera and adaptive cruise control.
Is the Ford Ranger MS-RT a work truck?
Despite its racing-inspired styling and road-biased suspension set-up, the Ranger MS-RT remains as good a working vehicle as any other Ranger. According to Ford, the 1,000kg payload and 3,500kg towing capacity remain intact.
When can I buy a Ford Ranger MS-RT?
The Ranger MS-RT is available to order now from all Ford Pro dealers; deliveries are expected to start in mid-2024. If you want the fancier suspension set-up, though, you’ll have to wait until September 2024. Ford hasn’t announced prices yet but expect to pay a hefty premium over the regular Ranger models. Ford has also unveiled the latest Transit Custom MS-RT.
