Ford has revealed the Ranger MS-RT Champion Edition at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, introducing a more distinctive version of its road-focused performance ute for the European market with styling inspired by its motorsport heritage. As teased last week, the new model builds on the existing Ranger MS-RT, which is a sportier version of Ford’s popular ute developed in collaboration with M-Sport Road Technology (MS-RT).

If you’re unfamiliar, MS-RT is a British company responsible for running Ford’s World Rally Championship program. Unlike the Ranger Raptor, which is designed for high-speed off-road driving, the MS-RT focuses on handling and performance and features aggressive styling with lowered suspension and larger wheels.

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The new Champion Edition revealed in Paris takes that formula further with new ‘Agate Black’ paintwork featuring gold racing stripes across the bonnet, front bumper and tailgate. There are also 21-inch gold diamond-cut alloy wheels inspired by the Mustang GTD supercar, widened wheel arches, unique bumpers and a twin rear spoiler reportedly based on performance Fords such as the Sierra RS500.

Underneath, the Champion Edition retains the regular MS-RT’s suspension modifications, including a 40mm reduction in ride height, firmer front dampers and retuned rear suspension compared to the standard Ranger to improve handling on sealed roads.

There are no additional engine upgrades, with European buyers offered either the same 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 or 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol plug-in hybrid drivetrains as the Australian-spec Ranger. Despite its sporty appearance, the Champion Edition retains the 3500kg braked towing capacity and 1000kg payload of standard Ranger models.

Inside, the special edition features heavily bolstered sports seats with gold contrast stitching, unique floor mats and a heated sports steering wheel with a motorsport-inspired centre marker.

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Like our Ranger PHEV, all European-spec Rangers are built in South Africa and the MS-RT Champion Edition will be hand finished in the UK, with European deliveries scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2027.

Australian availability remains unconfirmed, with Ford yet to introduce the regular Ranger MS-RT locally, but we aren’t holding our breath for a local release. For now, the Raptor remains the flagship performance Ranger in Australian showrooms.