The Ford Ranger (Specs | News) has won the “Best 4x4 and Pickup” according to the Women’s World Car of the Year.

Women’s World Car of the Year is voted for by a jury comprising 63 women motoring journalists from 45 countries across five continents who make up the automotive industry’s only all-female jury.

The Ford Ranger was assessed for its safety, driving, comfort, technology, design, efficiency, environmental impact, and value for money. The judges were impressed by the pickup truck's wide range of abilities, stating: “This is a reliable, stylish, and charismatic pick-up. It moves with ease over any terrain. It’s as efficient as an off-roader, but more practical thanks to its cargo box.”

Also Read: FULL REVIEW: 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak - Where tech and tough combine

Feedback from over 5,000 customers

Ford considered customer input in designing the next-generation Ranger as it has many practical and futuristic features that its customer base wants in their pickup truck. It was engineered from rear-wold customer feedback, with the brand conducting over 5,000 interviews across multiple countries.

The pickup truck also underwent several million kilometers worth of testing across ten countries to ensure that it meets or exceeds customer standards for capability, quality, reliability, and durability.

“Having worked on the new Ranger right from the beginning, I know how much customer feedback was poured into the truck to ensure it was fit for work, family, and play. And, as a mother, I can fully appreciate the truck’s practicality and versatility. Thank you to the Women’s World Car of the Year jury for this award, which recognizes Ranger’s global appeal and ultimate capability.” said Natasha Milner, platform program manager of Ranger and Everest.

Next-gen looks and tech

The next-generation Ford Ranger sports a new bold and confident style as it carries a boxier front with its unique grille and C-clamp LED headlights that make it look similar to its bigger brother, the Ford F-150 (Specs | News). The pickup truck also carries other functional exterior features, such as its rear box side steps. All in all, the new look of the Ranger gives the pickup truck that “Built Ford Tough” look. 

The new Ranger aims for Macho on the outside but is tech-packed on the inside. Its cabin is completely redesigned with more comfort, technology, and functionality with the Ranger-first 8” digital instrument cluster, 10” or best-in-class 12” portrait touchscreen, 360-degree camera, and SYNC ® 4A with Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability.

Aside from this, the pickup truck also has an upgraded chassis and suspension over its predecessor, giving a 50 mm track wid increase for better handling and stability. 

The next-generation Ford Ranger is also safe as it has a suite of advanced driver-assist technologies that include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, and Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and Braking, and comes with standard 6 or 7 (for Wildtrak) airbags.

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