What's New in the Mid-2024 Ford Ranger & Everest Updates?
Posted in Vehicle Reviews
What's New in the Mid-2024 Ford Ranger & Everest Updates?
The award-winning Ford Ranger and Everest will both gain new tech to make towing easier for Australian families in 2024.
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ debuts on both Ranger and Everest to make the challenge of reversing a trailer easier than ever
- Flexible Rack System now available on Ranger Sport and Wildtrak
- Additional standard features on Everest and Ranger variants, replacing previous additional optional extras
Pro Trailer Backup Assist
End the stress and frustration of reversing a trailer with Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ (1). Arriving as standard on selected models of Ranger and optional on Everest in 2024, Pro Trailer Backup Assist (1) operates in a similar way to the system that debuted locally in F-150 in 2023, allowing you to ‘steer the trailer’, making reversing more intuitive than traditional methods.
“Because reversing a trailer requires you to turn the steering wheel left to make the trailer go to the right, it can be difficult to get your head around, even if you’ve done it loads of times,” said Zack McIntyre, advanced driver assist systems engineer, Ford.
“With Pro-Trailer Back Up Assist, you can 'steer’ your trailer down a boat ramp quickly and easily or position your camper perfectly every time.”
Pro-Trailer Backup Assist™ will be standard on Ranger Wildtrak, Platinum and Raptor vehicles, and available as part of the optional Touring Pack on 4X4 XLT and Sport pick-up variants. For Everest, it will be available as a part of the Touring Pack on 4WD Trend and 4WD Sport vehicles, replacing the Zone Lighting and black Stand-Off Roof Rails features, which are standard from MY24.5. On the Platinum series, an optional Pro Towing Pack, including both Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ and the contents of the Towing Pack, will be available replacing the standard Towing Pack option.
Check out this video from Ford USA detailing how Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ works in practice:
Next-level towing
Ranger and Everest are already set up well for towing, brimming with tow-friendly features, and while features like the reversing camera with hitch view (1), trailer light check (2) help owners connect and check their trailers, and systems like blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage (3) and an integrated brake controller (4) help improve safety on the road, Pro Trailer Backup Assist (1) helps owners easily and intuitively reverse their trailer once they reach their destination.
“The driver ‘steers’ the trailer via the outer ring of the drive mode controller on the centre console,” said McIntyre.
“As the driver turns the dial, the steering wheel, which the driver doesn’t need to touch during the manoeuvre, turns to direct the trailer where it needs to go.”
To activate the system, the driver presses the trailer icon on the drive mode selector dial and then uses the outer ring to steer the trailer. A special sticker placed on the drawbar helps the system keep track of the trailer angle when it’s being reversed.
Enhanced Work Features
In addition to the inclusion of Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Ford Australia is announcing enhancements to key Ranger variants.
From 2024, Ranger XL will now come standard with heavy-duty suspension, which consists of thicker rear springs and new front and rear dampers with a revised tune for those who regularly carry a significant load in the rear tray.
“We know many of our customers choose to option the heavy-duty suspension on XL variants, so we made the decision to make it a standard feature for those who use their Ranger for hard work,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand.
Upgrades to the Ranger XLS make it perfect for customers looking for a workhorse with plenty of creature comforts. Both the Tech and Towing Packs which had been cost options on the XLS will now be standard features on MY24.5 models. This adds a tow bar and tongue, trailer light check (5), integrated trailer brake controller and extended blind-spot monitoring (6) with trailer coverage, body colour door handles, keyless entry with push-button start, dual-zone climate control, rear seat air vents and upgraded SYNC® 4A (7) with Voice-Activated Controls, Built-In Satellite Navigation with one year of Connected Navigation Services, and Digital Audio (DAB+).
“We’re pleased to be able to make these important features standard on Ranger XLS,” said Birkic. “It now makes XLS a stand-out variant for those who want to get the most out of their vehicle for work, family and play.”
Flexible Rack System available on more models
Debuting as a standard feature on the Ford Ranger Platinum, and Wildtrak X special edition, the innovative Flexible Rack System will be available on more models for MY24.5.
Bringing new levels of versatility, the Ford Ranger Sport and Wildtrak can now both be optioned with the Flexible Rack system. When selected, this will replace the Sports Bar and Load Box Access Points, or Sailplane and Box Rails that are standard on the Sport and Wildtrak series respectively.
If you're looking to upgrade to the latest Ranger or Everest model, get in touch with the team at Motorama Ford to book a test drive today.
Disclaimers:
- Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.
- Trailer Light Check requires a Factory Fit Tow Bar to be fitted and can be used via SYNC, or via FordPass app as a Connected Service. Where used via the app as a Connected Service, eligible vehicles receive 1 year of service from the Ford Express New Vehicle Warranty start date after which time, the Connected Service may cease to be available, or may be subject to a subscription fee. Users must have created a FordPass App account (terms apply) and have fully activated the vehicle’s FordPass Connect modem to use this feature via the app.
- Trailer Coverage system supports conventional trailer dimensions: up to 2.4m wide (measured at trailer front) and up to 10m long from the rear of your vehicle. Drivers will need to create a profile of their trailers in SYNC® to support this system.
- When using the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, drivers must set the gain on the Brake Controller unit.
- Trailer Light Check requires a Genuine Ford Tow Bar to be fitted and can be used via SYNC, or via FordPass app as a Connected Service. Where used via the app as a Connected Service, eligible vehicles receive 1 year of service from the Ford Express New Vehicle Warranty start date after which time, the Connected Service may cease to be available, or may be subject to a subscription fee. Users must have created a FordPass App account (terms apply) and have fully activated the vehicle’s FordPass Connect modem to use this feature via the app.
- Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for more information. Trailer Coverage system (requires a genuine factory fit tow bar) supports conventional trailer dimensions: up to 2.4m wide (measured at trailer front) and up to 10m long from the rear of your vehicle. Drivers will need to create a profile of their trailers in SYNC to support this system.
- Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones. Eligible vehicles receive Connected Navigation Services for 1 year from the Ford Express New Vehicle Warranty start date, after which time the Connected Navigation Services may cease to be available, or may be subject to a subscription fee. To use Connected Navigation Services, users must have created a FordPass App account (terms apply), have fully activated the vehicle’s FordPass Connect modem and have SYNC Location set to ‘on’.
