A New Chapter for Ford’s Pickup Lineup
Ford has built the Ranger into one of the UK’s most recognisable pickups, balancing rugged reliability with modern refinement. Now, the lineup gains a dramatic new addition in the form of the Ranger MS-RT, a model that blends motorsport-inspired styling with the practicality of a commercial vehicle. Developed as part of Ford’s collaboration with MS-RT, the new variant is aimed at drivers who want a pickup with a bold road presence without losing the core usability that has made the Ranger a success.
Motorsport-Inspired Styling
The exterior of the Ranger MS-RT is where the transformation is most apparent. The vehicle sits lower than the standard Ranger, with a widened track that gives it a more aggressive stance. The front design features a reworked bumper with an integrated splitter, a honeycomb grille, and sculpted air intakes that draw clear inspiration from performance cars.
Along the sides, flared arches house 21-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, the largest ever fitted to a factory Ranger. These are paired with low-profile tyres that add to the road-focused look. Side skirts continue the sporty theme, while the rear is dominated by a roof spoiler and a distinctive ducktail tailgate spoiler. The aerodynamic features may be more about appearance than outright performance, but together they create one of the most striking designs in the pickup segment.
Exclusive paint finishes, gloss black detailing on the mirrors and handles, and subtle MS-RT badging complete the look. The result is a pickup that distances itself from utilitarian expectations, positioning itself instead as a lifestyle vehicle with genuine motorsport character.
A Cabin Designed with Detail
Inside the Ranger MS-RT, the motorsport influence continues. The seats are upholstered in a combination of eco-leather and suede, with blue contrast stitching and embossed MS-RT logos. The steering wheel is reshaped and finished with a motorsport-style marker at the 12 o’clock position, while further branding across the dashboard ensures the cabin feels distinct from other Ranger models.
Practicality and technology remain central to the design. A 12-inch central touchscreen houses Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment system, offering seamless connectivity, navigation, and control over vehicle settings. Dual-zone climate control, advanced driver assistance systems, and parking technologies ensure that, despite its performance styling, the Ranger MS-RT is still a comfortable and highly functional vehicle for everyday use.
Power and Performance
The Ranger MS-RT is powered by Ford’s 3.0-litre EcoBlue V6 diesel engine, producing around 237 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. Power is delivered through a 10-speed automatic gearbox to a permanent four-wheel drive system, giving the truck both strength and stability.
Performance figures underline its balance between style and substance. Acceleration from 0–62 mph takes under nine seconds, while top speed sits at just over 110 mph. These numbers will not challenge sports cars, but for a pickup designed with practicality in mind, they represent impressive capability. The lowered suspension and wider track improve stability and cornering, creating a more agile driving experience than the standard Ranger, though the firmer ride will be noticeable on uneven roads.
Practicality Remains Intact
Despite the aggressive styling and road-focused adjustments, the Ranger MS-RT retains the functionality expected from the Ranger range. Towing capacity remains at 3,500 kilograms, and payload capability is close to one tonne. This means the MS-RT is not simply a visual upgrade; it remains a working vehicle capable of handling demanding tasks. For businesses or individuals who rely on towing equipment, transporting goods, or simply requiring a versatile vehicle, these capabilities ensure the MS-RT is more than just a statement piece.
A Distinctive Option in the Pickup Market
The introduction of the Ranger MS-RT provides a new option in the pickup market. While the Ranger Raptor has carved out a niche as an off-road performance truck, the MS-RT takes the opposite approach by focusing on road presence and style. It appeals to drivers who value the practicality of a pickup but also want a vehicle that reflects individuality and a more dynamic personality.
The bold design may divide opinion, and the firmer suspension may not suit every driver, but the MS-RT is unapologetic in its character. It is designed to stand out, to look different, and to bring an element of motorsport styling into a segment often dominated by rugged functionality.
Conclusion
The Ford Ranger MS-RT represents a significant evolution for Ford’s pickup range. It demonstrates that utility and style no longer need to exist separately, offering a model that can tow and haul with ease while also delivering a striking on-road presence. By combining motorsport-inspired design with proven diesel power and full commercial capability, the MS-RT positions itself as one of the most distinctive pickups available in the UK.
For drivers who want their vehicle to make as much of a statement parked outside the office as it does on a work site, the Ranger MS-RT sets a new benchmark. It is not just another variant of the Ranger, it is a reimagining of what a pickup can be.
