The 2019 Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor will have Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection as standard across the range, to offer its most comprehensive Driver Assist Technology suite to date.

After introducing AEB as standard on the popular Ranger Wildtrak in late 2018, the technology has been added range-wide as part of a feature update for Ranger models.

“Ranger has a tradition of leading technology, which includes being the first pick-up to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating, and in 2018 we added more powertrain choices and significant Driver Assist Technology coupled with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty,” said Ford Australia and New Zealand President and CEO, Kay Hart.

“Now, AEB with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Aid, Traffic Sign Recognition and Automatic High Beam is standard on every Ranger, from the entry-level Ranger XL cab-chassis all the way through to the Ford Performance Ranger Raptor.”

Every model in the Ranger line-up now comes with the following technology as standard equipment:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection (new to XL/XLS/XLT/Ranger Raptor)
• Lane Keeping Aid with Driver Alert System (new to XL/XLS/XLT)
• Traffic Sign Recognition (new to XL/XLS/XLT)
• Automatic High Beam (new to XL/XLS/XLT)
• Rear View Camera (Pick-up models)
• Rear Parking Sensors (Pick-up models)
• Cruise Control with adjustable speed limiter
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) incorporating ABS, Load Adaptive Control, Roll Over Mitigation, Traction Control and Trailer Sway Control
• Emergency Assistance
• Hill Descent Control
• Hill Launch Assist

In addition, further improving the entry-level Ranger XL and XLS models is an acoustic windscreen. Previously exclusive to the Ranger XLT, Wildtrak and Ford Performance Ranger Raptor, the acoustic windscreen adds a layer of sound dampening material within the windscreen material, which reduces noise intrusion for greater levels of comfort and refinement.

Adding further cost of ownership advantages for Ranger owners is an expansion of the Ford Service Benefits program. For the first four years/60,000km (whichever comes first), eligible customers will be able to service their Ranger for a maximum recommended price of $299 (incl. GST) per A or B logbook service for eligible customers at participating dealerships.

The inclusion of these features should be welcomed by prospective buyers because the inclusion of AEB may well help prevent an accident, or at least reduce the impact speed, which will likely reduce damage caused and therefore repair costs. If you’re a fleet buyer or small business, this will matter!

Insurers (including us) will also be closely monitoring the impacts of emerging technologies like this. If it is found to reduce the incidence of an accident or severity, you might well find that vehicles with this technology will rate for a lower premium in the future.

There are a lot of terms in here, and a lot of technology covered, which isn’t necessarily easy to understand. We’ve reached out to Ford to better understand how the technology works in detail. Watch out for an article explaining these things soon!

Aiden