Pickups and light commercial vehicles typically remain on sale for many years, but development work continues between generations. Ford has confirmed that work on the next Ranger is already underway in Australia, although the new model is not expected to arrive before the end of the decade.
The Ranger ranks among the world’s most popular midsize pickups, alongside the competing Toyota Hilux, making Ford’s interest in a successor unsurprising. The current generation launched in late 2021 and received a series of updates in late 2025 to help it remain competitive in the fiercely contested segment.
With Ranger sales remaining strong, Ford Australia president and CEO Fadi Mawal discussed the next-generation model with local outlet Drive. He said approximately 1,500 engineers are currently assigned to the project. Some may also have worked on the current Ranger and the preceding T6 generation, which debuted in late 2010.
Mawal confirmed that Australia intends to continue leading development of the Ranger and Everest, praising his “world-class” team for delivering “best-in-class products.” However, the plans are not yet guaranteed, with the CEO saying engineers will continue working on the new truck “until someone says otherwise.”
The comments echo earlier remarks from Ford CEO Jim Farley. During a key visit to Australia earlier this year, Farley described the country as “among the most expensive places to have engineers on the planet,” highlighting concerns over competitiveness against lower-cost locations in Asia. Mawal said Ford remains in discussions with the Australian government to help secure the country’s engineering hub.
What the Next Ranger Could Bring
Although Ford is not revealing details about future products, the next midsize pickup is expected to feature completely redesigned bodywork. The cabin could also receive a major overhaul, with greater emphasis on physical controls as well as improvements in comfort and refinement over the current model and its predecessors.
It is not yet clear whether the ladder-frame chassis will be developed from a clean sheet or evolve from the existing architecture, which is also used by the Ford Bronco.
The next Ranger is expected to bring a greater level of electrification to meet stricter emissions rules in some markets. The current range includes diesel, gasoline, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, but does not offer a mild-hybrid diesel like the Toyota Hilux or a self-charging hybrid. Ford could eventually consider a fully electric version, although it is unlikely to be a priority.
Given the success of the performance-oriented Ranger Raptor and the highly capable Ranger Super Duty workhorse, Ford will likely maintain a similar model strategy for the next generation.
With development already in progress, initial test mules and camouflaged prototypes could appear within the next couple of years. Australia would be a likely place to spot them.
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