US version of new Ford Ranger unveiled with higher-output Raptor hero

The US version of the new-generation 2024 Ford Ranger ute has been revealed 18 months after the rest of the world – and close to a year after it went on sale in Australia.

Built by Ford on the outskirts of Detroit, the North American-market Ranger is closely related to the Australian version, with the same design, interior, technology, underpinnings and key features.

And unlike the old model, the US and Australian versions appear to share all of their sheet metal – with only mild differences in the lights and smaller details.

But rather than Australia's range of turbo-diesel four-cylinder and V6 engines in standard versions, the US model is fuelled by petrol only, with turbocharged four- or six-cylinder engines.

The Ranger Raptor will be offered in the US for the first time, with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 shared with global versions – but with a higher power rating than Australian examples.

The Ford Ranger nameplate returned to the US in 2018, with an upgraded version of the model on sale in Australia and global markets since 2011.

Although it looked similar to the overseas version, the US Ranger sat on a stronger frame, wore some unique panels (bonnet, front bumper and tailgate), and was powered exclusively by a 2.3-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine.

Now the new model brings the global and US versions into line – though there are some key differences, including a different engine line-up.

All North American models are dual cabs with five-foot (1524mm) trays – matching dual-cab Australian variants – but spy photos have shown a long-wheelbase, dual-cab version with a longer tray is in development.

Exterior differences include a sliding opening in the rear window, simpler graphics for the halogen tail-lights on cheaper models, side marker reflectors on the front wheel arches, some unique colours and alloy wheel designs, and different badges and decals.

The exhaust pipe on US models exits under the rear-right corner of the tray – but the in-built steps for easier access to the tray on Australian models haven't been deleted, and are still available on some variants in the US.

US models also get a 400-watt power output in the tray – which is not available in Australia, where it would produce 150 watts (at 230 volts) – plus a ruler on the tailgate, shared with Rangers sold in the rest of the world.

The four US model grades (XL, XLT, Lariat and Raptor) mix and match features and styling cues from Australian-market versions.

For example, the silver Ranger Lariat pictured wears the silver-accented front end, and two-tone alloy wheels from Australia's Ranger Sport.

But it fits all-terrain tyres from the Wildtrak, gloss black wheel-arch flares from the Platinum, and matrix LED headlights from high-grade Ranger models in Australia.

Standard in US models is a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine developing 201kW and 420Nm, carried over from the old model – matched with a re-tuned 10-speed automatic transmission, and rear- or four-wheel drive.

This engine is available in Australia in the new Ford Ranger's twin under the skin, the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok ute – with outputs of 222kW and 452Nm – as well as the Ford Mustang sports car and Focus ST hot hatch.

Optional is a 2.7-litre single-turbo petrol V6 from the US-built Bronco SUV – built in the same factory on related underpinnings – with 235kW and 542Nm. This isn't available in the Ranger or Everest anywhere else in the world.

The US Ranger Raptor uses the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 as it does overseas, but outputs are quoted as 302kW and 583Nm – 10kW more than Australian versions (292kW/583Nm).

It is likely this higher power output is due to the SAE power testing standard used in the US, which differs from the standards used in Australia – rather than a more powerful engine tune specific to North America.

The North American-market Raptor appears to be otherwise unchanged from overseas versions, with a strengthened frame, Fox adaptive shock absorbers, Watts-linkage coil-spring rear suspension, multi-mode sports exhaust, and 17-inch alloy wheels with optional beadlock capabilities.

There are also 33-inch BFGoodrich KO3 off-road tyres (vs the KO2 tyres on Australian models), locking front and rear differentials, a rally-derived anti-lag turbocharger system, additional underbody protection, and comprehensive interior and exterior design changes.

Ford US quotes a payload capacity of up to 818kg of payload – compared to up to 1014kg in Australian dual-cab pick-up variants – and maximum braked towing capacities of 3401kg in standard models (vs 3500kg in Australia).

Meanwhile, the US-market Ranger Raptor claims payload and towing maximums of 640kg and 2499kg respectively – compared to 655kg and 2500kg in Australia.

The Australian-market Ford Ranger's key tech features carry over to the US, including 8.0- or 12.4-inch digital instrument clusters, 10.1- or 12-inch portrait touchscreens, a 360-degree camera, over-the-air downloadable software updates, and exterior LED zone lighting.

There is a full suite of advanced safety technology, including adaptive cruise control, automatic parking and blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage – but US versions have only six airbags, with no front-centre to prevent the heads of front occupants clashing in severe side impacts.

Orders for the 2024 Ford Ranger in the US are due to open later this month.

The first showroom arrivals for 2.3-litre four-cylinder models and the 3.0-litre Raptor are due in the "late summer" (July or August) – a year behind first Australian deliveries – and the 2.7-litre V6 in "late fall" (October or November).