2016 Ford Ranger price, diesel, specs & review: Is Ford Motors bringing back Ranger and Bronco in the US market?

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Dec 09, 2015 05:30 AM EST

It seems like it is all systems go for Ford Motors' multi-year plan of investing on its U.S. plants, which could pave the way for the renovation of its facilities and, more importantly, securing about 8,500 jobs. According to the tentative agreement, which was already approved by the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Ford, more than 50 percent of the $9 billion proposed investment money will be allocated to the automotive company's Michigan plants.

And, the local market can now expect the resurrection of two of the more popular vehicles from Ford, the Ford Ranger mid-size pickup and Ford Bronco SUV. This move could fill the void which will be created by the company's plan to end the production of Focus and C-Max at the Michigan Assembly by 2018, the Detroit Free Press wrote.

The Ford Ranger model was taken out of the U.S. market by the company due to its poor performance in market sales and the popularity of the F150, which offers bigger space at almost the same fuel ratings—same goes for the Ford Bronco. But, while the Ranger has went on to its production overseas, the Ford SUV was phased out altogether back in 1996, to give way to its big brother, the Ford Expedition, wrote The Examiner.

Meanwhile, the Ranger has found new markets abroad, particularly in Australia where the pick-up has been widely-received. The Ranger accounted for 40 percent of the sales of Ford in the Australian market with more than 16,000 units sold in 2015, reports Gazette Dubai. This, and the fact that there seems to be a renewed interest for smaller-sized truck with the sales of the Chevy Colorado reaching 70,000 units this year, could be the very reason why Ford could be launching the Ranger in the U.S. soon.

According to reports, the Ford Ranger could make its way to the assembly line by 2018, while the Bronco could start production two years after in 2020.

Meanwhile, the 2016 Ford Ranger is now a new exterior look with a redesign on its front end, particularly the more muscular hood and trapezoidal grille. The exterior looks tougher, while the inside was also redesigned to be more sleek and modern, notes NetCarShow.

As for its specs, the new Ranger will be powered by 3.2-liter Duratorq five-cylinder TDCi diesel engine or a 2.2-liter Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi diesel engine, both of which are promising an improved fuel economy. The pick-up truck will come in 11 trims like the entry-level Ford Ranger XL single cab chassis 2.2L MT with a price of $27,390; the 4×2 models, which provide four XL Single Cabs, two XL Double Cabs, an XL Super Cab, an XLT Super Cab and an XLT Double Cab.

For the 4×4 variants, the XL Single cab 2.2L MT will be $38,790, while the most premium model, the Wildtrack Double Cab with 3.2L engine will be at $60,090. DailySunKnoxville reported.

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