The variant list of the Ford Ranger is pretty hard to keep track of given that there are loads of them around. Locally, there are seven to choose from, but if you see the list from other countries, it’s practically bewildering.
Not only do you have to deal with the names of the variants, these trim levels can also be paired with a whole host of body styles. There’s cab and chassis in single or dual cab forms, extended cab, dual cab, and more.
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Now, there’s yet another new trim level joining the fray, at least in certain markets. Dubbed the Ford Ranger Black, it’s already available in Australia and New Zealand. But now it seems it’s extending its reach to other parts of the world. The next country? Brazil.
With a model name like that, it wouldn’t come as no surprise that it’s another black edition model. By now, you probably know the drill. There’s blacked out grille, blacked out wheels, and other exterior bits and trimmed painted the same way.
Other additions to the Ranger Black? There’s a steel sports bar on the bed, all-terrain tires, and a metal sports bar on the bed. But the main highlight here is the inclusion of a 12V socket on the bed wall and the cargo management system.
So, where does this model slot in the Ranger’s extensive trim level lineup? It’s actually close to the base XL variant. It’s just above the base but below the XLS model. Mind you, it’s not bare in there as it comes with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and FordPass Connect, to name a few.
For the Australian version, at least, it packs a 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine. Yes, the same engine from the Wildtrak 4x4. It makes 210hp and 500Nm of torque, so it’s more than enough to motivate this pickup. Also, those all-terrain tires aren’t just for show as it comes standard with four-wheel drive and a rear locking differential. Strong numbers for a kitted-up base model.
With the Ranger Black being offered in more countries, what are the odds of it coming to the Philippines? Well, that will largely depend on other Southeast Asian markets. At the moment, it isn’t sold in Thailand, ironic given that the Australian Ranger comes from there. The local-spec Ranger is also sourced from Thailand. That aside, it’s within the realm of possibility as Ford’s pickup remains a hugely popular model here.
