2024 Ford Ranger MS-RT “street truck” unveiled

A collaboration between Ford and MS-RT – an offshoot of Ford’s rally partner, M-Sport – has spawned the 2024 Ford Ranger MS-RT, a motorsport-inspired version of Ford’s best-selling ute. However, at this stage, the vehicle is destined for European driveways only.

The Ranger MS-RT is both wider and lower than the standard Ranger – a height reduction of 40mm and width increase of 82mm gives the vehicle a noticeable street presence. Those flared wheel arches house diamond-cut 21-inch wheels inside low‑profile 275/45 R21 tyres. In addition, revised suspension and a track-width increase of 40mm each side should improve on-road handling.

The visual impact of the lower, wider stance is enhanced by sculpted side skirts and a distinctive bumper with an integrated diffuser at the rear. Up front, the Ranger wears a honeycomb grille with an integrated splitter.

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Bred for tarmac and not dirt, the Ranger MS-RT is powered by the 3.0-litre V6 engine and 10-speed auto as found in local variants – albeit with slightly less power (177kW versus 184kW). However, its max torque of 600Nm remains the same.

“If Ranger Raptor is the ultimate off-road truck, then the Ranger MS-RT is the ultimate street truck,” said Hans Schep, general manager at Ford Pro Europe. “It’s a departure from what we usually see in this segment in Europe, but with more car-like driving dynamics and the towing and carrying capacity unchanged, we believe it will offer a compelling new option for pickup customers.”

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Much like the rest of the Ranger line-up, the Ranger MS-RT gets a 12-inch touchscreen; dual-zone electronic temperature control; front and rear parking aids; a rear view camera; Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control; and an Intelligent Speed Limiter. It maintains its 3500kg towing capacity.

The Rangers are, at this stage, only bound for Ford Pro dealers across Europe, with all models to “undergo final assembly and finishing at a dedicated new facility located on the Ford Dagenham Estate in the UK”.

Customer deliveries are expected to commence throughout Europe in mid-2024, but no details have been announced for an Australian release.