(By Tom Lohnes) – With the new Maverick on the way, the next-gen Ford Ranger development hasn’t had the spotlight. Well, some interesting stuff is happening with the new US-market Ranger, and it involves Volkswagen.
As you probably know by now, Ford is working with Volkswagen in developing a new midsize pickup truck. With the current-gen Ranger being extremely dated compared to its rivals, the new truck should either be a 2022 or 2023 model year. Recently, Volkswagen announced an electric pickup, and with their awfully failed “Voltswagen” joke behind them, this seems serious. Under the hood of the new Ranger could be a number of options, between the aforementioned EV model, a carryover 2.3-liter I-4, and maybe even a VW VR6 on the options list. The obvious transmission for the internal-combustion engine task would be the 10-speed auto Ford manages to shove in absolutely everything. For the VW truck, I think it actually has a chance of being sold in America, because it will be made here compared to the current Amarok pickup being produced in Germany.
So, would you buy a next-gen Ranger or it’s VW brother? If it has the tech we come to expect in modern trucks, and maybe even a hopped-up Raptor version, it’ll be a strong seller.
Most likely be a all Ford design effort with VW sharing the cost.
VW is not known for it’s pickups.
VW + tech= wiring.
wiring + VW= headaches for owners.
Ford truck with a different grill and a vw badge, is the safe and logical route.
I would not buy It if VW has anything to do with the wiring/tech/design of this truck. We have a 2020 Ranger. It might be outdated to those “DRIVERS”
that need nanny to keep the vehicle in it’s lane and stop before rear ending someone.
It is a truck K.I.S.S. (KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID)
IT IS A TRUCK NOR A CELL PHONE, Adding tech that not be supported, updated, patched after 2-3 years, isn’t going to age will in any of the new vehicles. All OEM’s have stated they have no plans to support/patch/update the infotanment “tech” Making new vehicle a headache as 4 y/o or older used vehicles.
Again
K.I.S.S.
V W makes and sells great trucks all over the world. Just not North America.
vr6 pickup would kick ass
The Ford/GM 10 speed transmission is awesome!