Ford introduces luxurious Ranger Platinum model

By Callum Hunter, carsales.com.au

The humble work ute has ditched its hi-viz for a black tie with the introduction of the new Ford Ranger Platinum model.

Due to join the latest-generation Ford Ranger line-up in Australian showrooms before the middle of 2023, the Ranger Platinum brings a sense of luxury and style to the popular dual-cab ute segment not yet seen.

It will slot into the Ranger line-up between the established adventure focused Wildtrak and the high-performance Raptor variants with a unique position that is aimed to attract urban warriors rather than off-road enthusiasts.

Priced from $76,990 plus on-road roads, the Ranger Platinum follows in the wheeltracks of its Everest SUV sibling by dialling the opulence factor up to 11 with unique 20-inch alloy wheels, bespoke two-tone grille, silver ‘Platinum’ bonnet lettering, silk chrome exterior trim and Matrix LED headlights.

The tub has a damped tailgate and is fitted with a power roller shutter along with Ford’s innovative Flexible Rack System, which has cross members integrated into the roof rails and a sliding sail plane with a pop-up roof rack that allows owners to carry long items (up to 80kg) such as ladders, timber or sporting equipment like kayaks and surf skis.

Inside the cabin, occupants are cosseted in quilted and perforated leather upholstery with 10-way power adjustable front seats that are heated and ventilated and premium floor mats. There’s also a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.4-inch infotainment interface, a heated steering wheel, a smattering of ‘Platinum’ logos, an auxiliary switch bank and a B&O premium sound system.

“We’ve seen growth in high-end variants in this segment over recent years, so we challenged ourselves to create a vehicle that provides all of our customer’s wants and needs,” Ford Australia president and CEO Andrew Birkic said.

“Ranger Platinum gives customers the chance to have their cake and eat it too; they get the next-gen Ranger’s inherent capability with a serious dose of class and sophistication.”

Unlike the rest of the mid- to high-end Ranger variants which are offered with the choice of four-cylinder or six-cylinder power, the Platinum will be exclusively powered by the 184kW/600Nm ‘Lion’ 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, mirroring the corresponding Everest Platinum.

All of the usual Ranger paint choices are available, as well as the Everest’s ‘Equinox Bronze’, which is being offered exclusively on the Platinum to underline its position as the most elegant and lavish Ranger variant.

A black roof is fitted as standard on the flagship model, although customers can have it finished in the same colour as the body as a no-cost option – one of just two optional extras available, the other being prestige paint (+$700).

Ford Ranger chief engineer Ian Foston said the Ranger Platinum was aimed at “owners who need a work truck that combines both premium luxury for the family, and the flexibility of a work truck for their business”.

“We’ve really focused on creating a premium exterior and gold-class interior experience with Ranger Platinum,” he said.

The emergence of the Platinum is a strategic defence from Ford in the lead-up to the launch of the closely-related Volkswagen Amarok line-up, which will be in Australia with a pair of flagships – the off-road oriented PanAmericana (based on Wildtrak) and the road-biased Aventura (Platinum).

How much does the 2023 Ford Ranger cost?

• XL 4x2 Single CC 2.0L SiT – $36,180
• XL 4x2 Super CC 2.0L SiT – $38,430
• XL 4x2 Double CC 2.0L SiT – $40,680
• XL 4x2 Double PU 2.0L SiT – $42,580
• XLS 4x2 Double PU 2.0L BiT – $47,130
• XL 4x2 Single CC 2.0L BiT – $47,280
• XL 4x4 Double CC 2.0L SiT – $48,280
• XL 4x2 Super CC 2.0L BiT – $49,780
• XL 4x4 Double PU 2.0L SiT – $50,180
• XL 4x4 Super PU 2.0L BiT – $51,680
• XL 4x4 Double CC 2.0L BiT – $51,780
• XL 4x4 Double PU 2.0L BiT – $53,680
• XLS 4x4 Double PU 2.0L BiT – $54,730
• XLT 4x2 Double PU 2.0L BiT – $54,790
• XLT 4x4 Super PU 2.0L BiT – $59,990
• XLT 4x4 Double PU 2.0L BiT – $61,990
• XLT 4x4 Double CC 3.0L V6 – $63,290
• XLT 4x4 Double PU 3.0L V6 – $65,190
• Sport 4x4 Double PU 2.0L BiT – $64,490
• Sport 4x4 Double PU 3.0L V6 – $67,690
• Wildtrak 4x4 Double PU 2.0L BiT – $67,990
• Wildtrak 4x4 Double PU 3.0L V6 – $71,190
• Platinum 4x4 Double U 3.0L V6 – $76,990
• Raptor 4x4 Double PU 3.0L V6 EcoBoost – $86,790

*All prices exclude on-road costs

Disclaimer: Images supplied by Ford Australia.

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