Ford continues to expand the popular new Ranger pickup lineup, adding the high-performance MS-RT model to the range, with style and suspension upgrades to ensure it’s the “ultimate street truck.”
The Ranger MS-RT was jointly designed and engineered with Ford’s global team and the specialists at MS-RT — an offshoot of Ford’s rally partner M-Sport — working to deliver a combination of motorsport-inspired styling with an enhanced driving experience without sacrificing payload or practicality.
Separating the Ranger MS-RT from the rest of the lineup are several visual changes, some inspired by extreme Ranger racing trucks that compete in Asia. The front fascia receives a honeycomb grille between the C-clamp headlights, with a revised bumper and integrated splitter.
Sculpted side skirts visually lower the truck, while the rear gains an updated bumper with an integrated diffuser. The pickup also features a cab spoiler, complemented by a ducktail spoiler on the tailgate. Ford insists that the spoilers assist with overall aerodynamic balance and enhance high-speed stability.
The Ford Ranger MS-RT rides on diamond-cut 21-inch alloy wheels — the largest wheels ever offered on a Ford Ranger — shod with low-profile 275/45 R21 tyres. They sit under flared wheel arches that extend 41mm wider on each side, with a matching increased track, adding stability and grip.
Unique suspension, with firmer dampers at the front, a retuned rear suspension set-up and an overall 40mm height reduction, gives the pickup a more sporting stance and improved cornering ability.
From launch, the Ranger MS-RT will be available in a range of colours, including Conquer Grey, with Agate Black painted mirror caps and door handles on all.
Inside, the Ranger MS-RT will feature new seating with more supportive bolsters, with non-animal eco-leather and suede trim presented with a distinctive MS-RT pattern and blue stitching. Drivers will also find a heated, sculpted sports steering wheel with a blue 12 o’clock marker and MS-RT branded inlay, as well as MS-RT logos dotted around the cabin.
MS-RT Power
A 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine will power the Ranger MS-RT, giving out 240hp and 600Nm of torque — the same as the Wildtrak V6 and Platinum models. It will also use the same 10-speed automatic transmission full-time four-wheel drive system found in other models in the Ranger lineup.
MS-RT Payload
The Ranger MS-RT maintains the same one-tonne payload limit as the regular Ranger models, ensuring it remains suitable for commercial users. The towing capacity also remains at 3.5 tonnes, matching the rest of the range.
Ford Ranger MS-RT Price and Availability
The 3.0-litre V6 Ranger is built at Ford’s Silverton plant in South Africa, with fully-assembled models arriving in the UK before being sent to MS-RT’s facility in Dagenham, where the pickups will undergo final assembly and finishing.
Customers can now order Ranger MS-RT from Ford dealers, with deliveries expected in September 2024.
At the time of writing, Ford hasn’t provided price details, but don’t expect any change from £50,000 plus VAT.
“We’re delighted to add MS-RT models to our Ford Pro portfolio, offering an exciting, halo option from the dealership for customers who need a commercial vehicle but also want to make a statement about their business,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro Europe. “More customers are wanting a work vehicle for the week but something that supports their lifestyle at the weekend. These new MS-RT vehicles are the perfect answer.”
