Ford is preparing a new, more affordable midsize ute for international markets, with the potential to slot below the Ranger as a cheaper alternative in Australia.

The new pick-up was confirmed by Ford CEO Jim Farley during the company’s third-quarter earnings call, with a 2027 launch planned. The move is part of Ford’s push to attract new customers and compete with increasingly popular Chinese ute brands.

“Alongside strengthening our best franchises, we’re opening new paths to grow at more affordable price points next year. We’ll be launching our pickup for international markets.

“We expect the base material cost for this truck to be 20 per cent lower than today’s Ranger, just as the Maverick has done in the US. This truck is designed to bring new customers into the Ford truck line-up internationally at a cost structure that allows us to compete, in this case with China,” Farley said.

The lower production costs should give Ford scope to position the new model below the Ranger, although its eventual pricing and market positioning are yet to be revealed.

An Australian launch is far from certain. Ford Australia has yet to comment on whether the new ute will be offered locally, and there has been no confirmation of a right-hand drive version.

The pickup is a separate model from the Maverick sold in North America and the upcoming all-electric Fathom ute. It will add another model to Ford’s global ute line-up rather than replace the Ranger.

Ford has yet to reveal the new ute’s name, platform, powertrain or manufacturing location. But if it does make it to Australia as a more affordable alternative to the Ranger, would you consider one?

FAQs

When will the new Ford ute launch?

Ford plans to launch the new midsize ute in international markets in 2027.

Will the new Ford ute come to Australia?

An Australian launch has not been confirmed, but Ford’s international-market plans leave the door open.

Will it be cheaper than the Ranger?

Ford expects its base material costs to be 20 per cent lower than the current Ranger, suggesting it could be positioned as a more affordable alternative.

Is it the electric Ford Fathom?

No. The new midsize pickup is a separate model from the upcoming all-electric Fathom ute.

Will it be available in right-hand drive?

Ford has yet to confirm a right-hand drive version or an Australian export program.

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