Ford will introduce an American-inspired luxury-grade ute next year with the May 2023 release of the Ranger Platinum, a V6 diesel-only specification that will slot between the Wildtrak and Raptor in the Ranger lineup in Australia.
Priced at $76,990 before on-road costs, the new Ranger Platinum will represent a $5800 upgrade over the rugged-looking Wildtrak V6 model (review) that was bumped up to $71,190 in a recent round of price increases for the Ford ute.
The Ranger Platinum picks up detailing from the top-spec Everest SUV outside
Production of Australia-bound Ranger Platinum examples will start in Thailand in April 2023, a month ahead of deliveries. The first allocation will be managed by way of an online reservation system on Ford’s build and price website.
Justifying the upgrade to the Platinum will be a host of premium features that Ford will fit as standard – the sole options will be paint-related.
Growing customer demand for a luxury-grade dual cab
Ford Australia chief executive Andrew Birkic said that the decision to release a Ranger Platinum was a response to customer requests for a more plush ute, and the notable “growth in high-end variants in this segment over recent years.”
Demand is growing for luxe-grade utes, Ford says
The model is targeted at ute buyers who are after “premium luxury for the family and the flexibility of a work truck for their business,” according to Ford’s T6.2 platform chief engineer Ian Foston.
A similar role is likely to be played by the petrol-powered F-150 in Australia, which Ford will add to its local lineup next year to sit above the Ranger.
V6 diesel standard, petrol V6 from Raptor unavailable
The Ranger Platinum proposition starts with the standard fitment of Ford’s 3.0-litre single-turbo diesel V6 engine. The bent-six makes 184kW of power (246 horsepower) and 600Nm of torque.
Unlike on the Ranger XLT, Sport and Wildtrak grades, there’s no option to sub out the V6 for a cheaper four-cylinder diesel engine with the Platinum.
The diesel V6 is the sole powertrain for the Platinum – the petrol V6 remains a Raptor exclusive
This version of the Ranger is V6 diesel only: customers hoping for a luxe-grade petrol V6 will still have to opt for a Raptor.
As a result of the standard fitment of the V6, the Ranger Platinum comes standard with Ford’s ten-speed torque converter automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, with a ‘four-auto’ drive mode that triggers 4WD traction when necessary. Towing remains rated at 3500kg.
Everest-inspired details, plus flexible rack system
The Ranger Platinum wears standard 20-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights and a variant-specific grille. It also picks up Ford’s new flexible rack system revealed as an accessory for other Ranger models earlier this month – plus a power roller tub shutter.
The bonnet is stamped with ‘Platinum’ lettering, exterior trims are finished in silk chrome, and the ute will be available in Ford’s new equinox bronze colour – three details carried across from the related, top-end Everest Platinum large SUV ($77,690). The coil-sprung Everest wagon is just $700 dearer than the leaf-sprung ute.
Quilted black leather features throughout, the front passengers get heating and cooling
Inside, buyers are greeted by quilted leather upholstery on the seats – which have heating and cooling functions up front, along with memory for the driver – plus the fitment of the Raptor’s 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a heated steering wheel.
The stereo is upgraded to the B&O system found on the Raptor, while the Platinum borrows the Wildtrak’s 12.0-inch vertical touchscreen.
Platinum badgework features prominently, inside and out
The dashboard structure is borrowed from the Everest rather than lesser Rangers. The premium-grade ute picks up its SUV-shaped sibling’s closed-in shelving and separate upper glove box.
Around back, the Ranger Platinum’s tailgate is damped by way of a gas strut, and up top, the roof is painted in black by default – though buyers can tick a no-cost option for a body-coloured topper.
Ford Ranger 4×4 double-cab pick-up 2023: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- XL 2.0L single-turbo: $50,180
- XL 2.0L bi-turbo: $53,680
- XLS 2.0L bi-turbo: $54,730
- XLT 2.0L bi-turbo: $61,990
- XLT 3.0L V6: $65,190
- Sport 2.0L bi-turbo: $64,490
- Sport 3.0L V6: $67,690
- Wildtrak 2.0L bi-turbo: $67,990
- Wildtrak 3.0L V6: $71,190
- Platinum 3.0L V6: $76,990 (new grade)
- Raptor 3.0L petrol V6: $86,790