2021 Ford Ranger Sport and Heavy Duty special editions revealed

The Blue Oval’s tradie chariot has been one of the most popular vehicles in the country the past decade and it is getting a big send-off.

The current Ford Ranger is nearing the end of its life, with a new version expected next year.

In the meantime Ford has revealed two new special editions and added a bunch of new features to existing versions to keep the popular ute fresh in the face of newer competition.

Ford’s new Ranger 4x2 XL Sport looks the part. Picture: Supplied.

First dual-cab off the rank is the new XL Sport version, which is based on the entry-level two-wheel drive XL dual-cab ute and is priced from $43,790 (before on-road costs), which is a few thousand more than the regular XL variant.

The Sport version beefs up the XL’s street appeal with lots of black exterior highlights including a sports bar, bedliner, side steps, front grille, rear bumper and a “sport” tailgate decal. The makeover is completed by 16-inch black alloy wheels.

The XL Heavy Duty is aimed at those that want to get into the rough stuff. Picture: Supplied.

It comes equipped with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel making 118kW and 385Nm paired to a six-speed automatic.

The other new special edition is dubbed the “Heavy Duty” and is based on the four-wheel drive XL dual-cab variant.

The Heavy Duty comes with a bull bar fitted with an LED light bar.

Ford has boosted the Ranger’s off-road prowess by adding nine accessories including a steel bull bar, LED light bar, snorkel, all-terrain tyres and upgraded suspension.

Other touch-ups include a rear-view camera, black side steps and solid wheel nuts to boost the vehicle’s practicality and toughen up its looks.

Prices for the Heavy Duty start at $52,790 and it’s equipped with a 3.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine making 147kW/470Nm paired to a six-speed auto.

Ford has also boosted equipment on all the XLT model grades by adding radar cruise control as standard.

The XL Sport gets a black sports bar and bedliner as standard.

Select four-wheel drive XL models are now available with the twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel engine that makes 157kW/500Nm and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine had previously been reserved for higher grade Rangers.

The special editions and improved existing examples will land in showrooms from July.

The new Ford Ranger — due to be revealed later this year before going on sale in 2022 — will also form the base for the next-generation Volkswagen Amarok after the two companies joined forces to build commercial vehicles.