Ford Ranger wait times: delays continue for Wildtrak and Raptor as new Platinum ‘sells out’

Dylan Campbell

Contributor

New luxe-spec Ford Ranger Platinum joins long list of delayed dual-cabs

Delays of up to “two and a half years” continue to afflict Ford’s supply-stricken Ranger ute – including at least a “12-month” wait for the new luxe-spec Platinum.

Four-cylinder models continue to be in reasonable supply while Ford was still struggling to deliver enough V6s, a Chasing Cars investigation found.

Ford Ranger Sport V6 2023 driving front 3 — Demand and a restriction on supply of the Ford Ranger continues to result in long wait times

To find out the most accurate wait times, we’ve contacted a multitude of dealers across the country and Ford Australia’s official headquarters.

Some Ford dealers reported a surge in demand as the 22/23 financial year drew to a close, off the back of the federal government’s announcement that it would axe the $150,000 instant asset write-off.

“Every phone call we get, they want to buy by June 30,” one dealer told Chasing Cars.

Four-cylinder Rangers remained the most in-supply, with dealers quoting as little as “a month” for some stock. “In the grand scheme of things, three to six months is not too bad,” said a salesperson about current wait times.

Ford Ranger Sport 2.0L 2022 badge — If you want a new Ranger anytime soon, it might be worth checking out the four-cylinder options

The dealers contacted by Chasing Cars recommended getting in touch despite the much-reported delays as occasionally customers cancel orders, putting up for grabs their spot in the ‘queue’.

Like many other new cars – such as the Toyota RAV4 midsize SUV and Isuzu MU-X 4WD wagon – there’s a long wait to get some Ford Ranger variants.

The global auto manufacturing landscape is still recovering from COVID-19 lockdowns and related setbacks, such as component shortages, port congestion and shipping delays – and even the flow-on effect of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ford Ranger Platinum 2023 equinox bronze rear end — New orders of the Ranger Platinum could arrive as late as Q4 next year

Up to 12 months for new Ranger Platinum

It’s only just hit the deck, yet the wait for a new Ford Ranger V6 Platinum was “at least 12 months”, with dealers reporting the allocation for this year had “sold out”, while Ford Australian told Chasing Cars new orders would be expected to arrive around Q3 to Q4 2024

In regards to its quoted wait times, a Ford Australia spokesperson did note however that the situation was ever changing.

“Our wait times are indicative only, and we continue to update our dealers as the stock situation develops. We recommend customers contact their local Ford dealer for updated information on current availability,” he said.

Ford Ranger Platinum 2023 interior — The Platinum boasts a pretty swish interior for a ute

Modelled off its Everest 4WD wagon platform-mate, the $76,990 (before on-road costs) Ranger Platinum gets 20-inch wheels, Matrix headlights, Bang & Olufsen sound system, a unique front grille and a premium interior with partial-leather seats and cross-quilted patterning. There’s a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats, in addition to existing heating.

For $700 the Ranger Platinum can also be had in Equinox Bronze, a colour previously reserved only for Everest.

XLT and Sport V6 easier to get than Wildtrak

Ford Australia told Chasing Cars that new orders of the popular Wildtrak V6 would likely be delivered in Q2 of 2024, but dealers suggested that buyers could have more luck with other V6-powered grades.

2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X grass track — Wait times for the four-cylinder only Ranger Wildtrak X are relatively short

The turnaround time for the Sport V6 was more like six months. “September or October at the earliest or early next year at the latest,” was one tip-off.

One dealer reported a two-month wait on an XLT V6, showing that calling around can pay dividends. Chasing Cars was told wait times for the new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel Wildtrak X special edition were also short.

Up to 2.5 years for a Ranger Raptor

Despite its $86,790 price-tag before on-road costs – making it more than twice the price of the cheapest Ranger variant – the queue for Ford’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 Ranger Raptor remains around the block, with the local Blue Oval office estimating that new orders would arrive in Q2 2024.

When it comes to demand, the Raptor is in a league of its own

However, dealers on the ground have suggested this might be optimistic with one salesperson putting it frankly: “we’ve never seen a response like it”.

“To be completely transparent, it’s at least two and a half years,” one source added. “If any dealer tells you otherwise they’re probably pulling your leg.”

Another dealer said the wait is at least two years.

Some customers had resorted to purchasing a Wildtrak V6 and ordering a Ranger Raptor at the same time, “so they had something to look forward to” remarked a salesperson contacted by Chasing Cars.