2023 Ford Ranger and Everest lose equipment as semiconductor chip shortage bites

Ford Australia has deleted anti-theft technology from the Ranger and Everest due to the semiconductor chip shortage.

In response to continued supply challenges facing the automotive industry, the model-year 2023.5 Ford Ranger and 2023.5 Ford Everest – set to commence production this month – will lose "the interior motion and vehicle inclination sensors of the alarm system."

As such, the affected Ranger and Everest variants will no longer detect motion inside or if the vehicle is lifted while it's locked; however, a basic perimeter alarm remains to detect unauthorised door or bonnet access.

In addition, the heating function for the exterior side mirrors has also been deleted for the latest model year.

"The continued semiconductor chip shortage is an ever-changing situation, and our dealers will be reaching out to customers appropriately as we finalise production specification for 2023.5MY Ranger and Everest," said a spokesperson for Ford Australia.

A dealer bulletin outlining the deleted features – seen by Wheels – was distributed in recent months, when Ford Australia announced pricing and specifications for the updated Ranger and Everest.

The largest revisions have been applied to the mid-spec XLT and Sport variants, which gain an integrated trailer brake controller as standard.

A luxury-focused Platinum variant will arrive in May, featuring chrome exterior trims, quilted leather-accented upholstery, a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and Ford's new flexible rack system.

In addition, the optional touring pack will include the cargo management system and overhead auxiliary switch bank previously exclusive to the Wildtrak and Raptor.

Other changes include; a 20-inch alloy wheel option for the Wildtrak, the addition of a rear-view camera kit for XL cab-chassis variants, and an optional powered roll-top tonneau cover and plastic drop-in bedliner for the Raptor.

As for the Everest, it has gained a more-affordable, rear-wheel-drive Sport variant with the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, while the Platinum gains steel underbody protection and a black-painted roof

Meanwhile, the optional touring pack – available on Trend 4WD and Sport 4WD – now includes black stand-off roof rails, a 360-degree camera system, zone lighting, a tow bar and an integrated trailer brake controller.

Ford Australia has yet to confirm if the local Everest lineup will gain a more-rugged Wildtrak variant, following its debut for the New Zealand market in January.