Ford Ranger 2023: what’s with the petrol V6 we don’t get in Australia?

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Though Ford’s T6.2 Ranger has been on sale in Australia for almost one year now, Ford has only just introduced it to the North American market. 

As is the case with most vehicles that are sold globally, the North American Ranger is a bit different to the one sold in Australia, with the engine options being the most significant. 

As standard, the American Ranger is powered by a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that makes 201kW and 410Nm (or 270hp and 310lb-ft in their speak).   

If this engine sounds familiar, it’s because it’s similar to what currently powers the EcoBoost Mustangs in Australia. This format is carried over from the older generation range, as offered in US market XL, XLT and Lariat trim levels. 

Alongside this engine, a 2.7-litre turbo-petrol V6 is optional, which pumps out a healthy 234kW and 542Nm (315hp/400lb-ft). 

Like Australia, all Rangers sold in the US exclusively use Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.

While some might be quick to dismiss this petrol V6 in the face of the Ranger Raptor’s 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6, it’s worth noting that the Raptor is also available in America, meaning this 2.7-litre engine can be had in lower-grade Ranger variants.  

With this in mind, it’s a far more fair comparison to put it up against the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 that can be had with the standard Ranger in Australia. This engine produces 184kW and 600Nm. 

On paper, it’s quite an even face-off with the American V6 getting an extra 50kW of power, whilst the Australian V6 trumps in torque with an extra 58Nm available. 

Alongside driving dynamics, these differences also affect towing, with the American Ranger getting a braked capacity of 3401kg, whereas the Australian Ranger is rated to 3500kg. The same goes for payload, where the American Ranger can haul up to 818kg, the Australian variant bests it with 951kg.