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A Ford executive has revealed a new infotainment system is coming to the Ranger, which could be part of sweeping changes due for the ute's next update.
The Ford Ranger ute is in line for a new infotainment system, ditching the existing Sync4 unit for Google-based software that could come at the same time as a range-wide facelift from as early as next year.
Called Ford Digital Experience, the system is already available on the Expedition and Explorer SUVs, with it soon to come to the Ranger, as well as the Bronco and F-150, according to the brand’s EV Digital and Design Chief Doug Field.
“Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we’ll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one,” Field said according to Ford Authority.
“For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we’ve launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150.”
Ford's Bluecruise semi-autonomous driving software is also in line for the new Ranger, which will enable hands-free driving in certain situations thanks to the latest adaptive cruise control and lane-centring safety systems.
The Ford Digital Experience promises to be faster and more responsive than the existing Sync4 software, and also features access to Google Play to download more applications.
Google Maps and voice-activated Google Assistant is also baked in, while support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring remain.
The current Ranger infotainment system is outputted to a 10.1-inch portrait screen in lower grades, while more expensive variants feature a 12-inch unit, though it is unconfirmed whether the physical touchscreens will change with the introduction of Ford Digital Experience.
What is also unclear however, is exactly when this new software will arrive for the aforementioned models, but the current Ranger has been in circulation since 2022, meaning a facelift is due around 2026 or 2027 that would be a prime opportunity to update its infotainment system alongside wider changes.
Despite speculation that the Ranger Super Duty due in 2026 – with a new bumper, front fenders, and bonnet to accommodate its wider track – would preview a facelifted Ranger, Ford Australia has confirmed this is not the case.
The Super Duty also features larger side mirrors to better position it as a towing and heavy load vehicle, but the cabin remains the same as the current Ranger save for a new mounting point for accessories.
The facelifted Ranger, which would debut the updated infotainment software, could break cover in the latter half of next year and arrive in 2027 to keep momentum of Ford Australia's top-seller moving amidst increased competition from the Kia Tasman, new utes from China (such as the JAC T9 and MG U9), and likely a new-generation Toyota HiLux due around the same time.
Other reported changes across the Ranger line-up for the update include the discontinuation of the 2.0-litre bi-turbo-diesel engine due to to tightening emissions regulations, and the fact it does not meet stricter Euro 6 requirements – despite currently emitting less and delivering more power than the single-turbo version.
Ford however, is likely to invest heavily in the single-turbo-diesel engine to clean up its act as it also powers the Transit Custom and Tourneo people mover in Europe, where incoming Euro 7 rules will necessitate improvements to keep those important models alive.
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
