The Ford Ranger MS-RT is for everyone who wants a cool and unique V6-powered pickup truck
Oh, look, another variant! Yes, folks, the Ford Ranger MS-RT is the newest variant of the brand’s pickup lineup, but sadly, there’s a bit of a rub. That is, though it’s just made its debut in the ASEAN region, we’re not yet sure if it will make its way to the Philippines and add to the already, err, extensive number of Ranger choices we already have locally. But for those who might be curious, here’s what we could get or what we could miss out on, depending on what the folks at the Blue Oval decide on doing.
Ford Ranger MS-RT gets the “modded” look straight out of factory
Photo: Ford
“Modded”, you say? Cool and unique, you said? Yes, those are some of the things we believe aptly describe the Ranger MS-RT. But, why?
First of all, it comes with a body. No, not one that you’d find on an off-roading rig, but more for a truck that just wants to look, well, good. From the grill, the front and rear bumpers, the addition of chins and side skirts, and even an aero piece (a spoiler, if you will) on the tailgate, the MS-RT has them all.
Adding to the cool factor is the fact that it comes with a big set of 21″ alloys wrapped in what can only be low-profile tires. Overall, it also sits about 40mm lower compared to the other Rangers in the lineup. Again, “modded”. I don’t think there should even be an argument about this assessment because those who dress and not bang up their trucks are quite few and far between, but those who do belong in this niche will be pretty happy with this variant.
Photo: Ford
The inside of the MS-RT does get some changes and additions, too.
It comes with a lot of textured interior pieces on the dashboard and door sidings, which at first glance resemble carbon fiber (however, another look will quickly disprove this “illusion”). Shod mainly in black, the Ranger MS-RT features a hand-crafted Eco-Leather and suede interior with exclusive sports seat bolsters with blue contrast stitching, a new and sporty (and heated) steering wheel, intelligent adaptive cruise control, dual-zone electronic auto temperature control, a 12″ touchscreen infotainment system equipped with Ford Sync 4A, Active Park Assist, and Ford’s Level 2 Rear View Camera.
Photo: Ford
Perhaps the biggest and most interesting thing about this truck is its engine.
Powering the Ranger MS-RT is not a simple BiTurbo mill but a 237 HP, 500 Nm, 3.0-liter Powerstroke V6 turbodiesel Powerstroke V6 turbodiesel motor. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, this pickup is no less versatile whether you’re on paved roads or on the loose stuff. But really, would anyone want to take this trailing? No judgment for those who do want to, of course.
It’s the first time that the Ranger MS-RT has made its way to the ASEAN region, and all this time, it’s been mainly for a different continent altogether but this does bring a little glimmer of hope who want to own and use their Ranger pickups in a rather different way.
News about it reaching the PH is virtually non-existent, but we wouldn’t count the possibility out just yet. After all, Ford PH did just introduce a V6-powered Ranger at PIMS earlier this year, so who knows? Maybe a clamor exists for another “different” Ranger to join the PH ranks, right?
Photo: Ford
Photo: Ford
