Running changes to Ford’s popular Australian-developed Ranger ute now sees autonomous emergency braking (AEB) fitted standard across the expansive 29-variant range, from the XL single cab chassis at $28,340 (plus on-road costs) to the high-performance flagship Raptor dual cab pick-up priced from $75,990.

This means every Ranger not only now qualifies for a maximum five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) but is fitted with advanced driver-assist features that are not often found to this extent among light-commercial vehicles.

In addition to the AEB system, which is clever enough to detect pedestrians as well as other vehicles, the on-board technology includes a lane keeping aid with driver alert system, traffic sign recognition and automatic high beam. None of these features were previously available on XL, XLS and XLT variants, while AEB was also missing from Raptor before now.

At the lower end of the range, XL and XLS models benefit further with a new ‘acoustic’ windscreen that adds a layer of sound dampening material for reduced cabin noise and therefore improved levels of overall comfort and refinement, while XL cab chassis variants are set up to allow an optional rear-view camera to be fitted and fully integrated into the Sync infotainment system display.

This is particularly important for trade vehicles that have specialist configurations at the rear end, with Ford saying that the camera kit includes rugged heavy-duty housing, brackets and wiring to ensure easy fitment to a wide variety of tray types.

Pick-up models already have a rear-view camera and rear parking sensors as standard, while the entire range also features various other electronic handling devices such as dynamic stability control (incorporating ABS, load adaptive control and rollover mitigation), traction control, trailer sway control, hill descent control and hill start assist.

Ranger XLT buyers can also add additional advanced technology with a more affordable Tech Pack, which costs $800 (down from $1,700) and includes adaptive cruise control and semi-automatic active park assist which makes light work of parking the big ute in tight spaces.

A variety of other details changes have been applied, such as eight-way power adjustment for both front seats on the Raptor fitted standard, and leather upholstery on the XLT dual cab now at a reduced optional price of $1,500 (down from $1,650).

Ford’s Service Benefits program also now extends to the ‘19.75MY’ Ranger, capping scheduled servicing at $299 for the first four years (or 60,000km) and, depending on the dealer and customer eligibility, including a loan car program, auto club membership, roadside assistance, sat-nav updates and other attractions. All models are covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.