Ford has just globally debuted the new 2021 Ford Ranger facelift alongside the Everest facelift in Thailand. However, we’ll be focusing more on the Ranger in this article. It’s the American brand’s latest update on the rival of the all-conquering Toyota Hilux.

Speaking of pick-ups, the new Nissan Navara facelift also globally debuted today. Coincidence?

The new Ranger features a new sporty design that reflects the unique character of its owners under the ‘Live the Ranger Life’ concept. The Ranger facelift features a new front grille with a trapezoidal design, black alloy wheels, and black trim pieces.

The front grille's design kinda resembles the kitted out European and South African-spec Ranger Thunder.

The new Ranger facelift is shown in 4 variants for its Thai market launch. These variants are the Ranger Wildtrak, Ranger XL Street, Ranger XL+ Sport, and the Ranger XLT 2.2L.

Let’s start with what’s on the Ranger Wildtrak. The Wildtrak is powered by the same 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine that is used in the outgoing pre-facelift Ranger Wildtrak as well as the Ranger Raptor. This is mated to a 10-speed automatic.

Performance output remains the same at 213 PS and 500 Nm.

The Ranger Wildtrak also retains the same ADAS features as the outgoing pre-facelift Wildtrak including AEB and LDA.

However, the Ranger Wildtrak facelift has an added party trick in the back, a power roller shutter that covers the pick-up’s bed. It’s a neat accessory for this urban-styled pick-up truck.

But if you think the Ranger Wildtrak is a bit too wild for you, maybe the Ranger XL Street might be your cup of tea. The appropriately-named variant of the Ranger definitely looks ready to be the ultimate street racer with its racing stripes that is inspired by the Ford Thailand Racing team.

The Ranger XL Street is available as an open-cab and is powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that delivers 160 PS and 385 Nm. This is then mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

There are 4 colours available for the Ranger XL Street which are Lightning Blue, Aluminium Metallic, Arctic White, and Absolute Black.

Next, we come to the Ranger XL+ Sport and the Ranger XLT 2.2L. Both are powered by the same turbodiesel engine as the Ranger XL Street but come with a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

As you can see from the photos, the XL+ Sport is the chunkier version of the XL Street without the racing stripes of course. But apart from the new black grille and trims, both the XL+ and XLT variants look similar to their pre-facelift variations.

The XLT 2.2L, however, gains a few additional safety features such as ESP, traction control, hill launch assist (HLA), and rollover mitigation (ROM).

No prices have been announced for the new Ranger facelift. Also absent is the Ranger Raptor facelift but that is expected to be announced at a later date.

Back in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) gave the Ranger XLT Plus a mild refresh back in September. We would probably be getting the Ranger Wildtrak facelift in Malaysia in 2021 but it’s uncertain whether the power roller shutter will be brought over as well.

Launch photos credit: Autofun Thailand