More good news for Ford’s global Ranger keeps pouring in. The all-new midsize pickup recently earned a 5-star crash rating from the European New Car Assessment Program, making it the first pickup truck to earn such marks.

The Ranger, which was designed and engineered primarily by Ford’s Australian operations, managed to earn an 89 percent overall score in the NCAP crash testing. According to the agency, that’s the highest score it’s ever recorded for a pickup truck.

The Euro NCAP test involves tests that simulate an adult and child occupant in a crash, a struck pedestrian, and also survey’s the vehicles safety systems. The Ranger scored a 96 percent for adults and 86 percent for small children. It also scored an 81 percent for pedestrian safety – allegedly the highest-ever score recorded by Euro NCAP for any vehicle — and earned high marks for standard electronic stability control and seatbelt reminder systems, along with a battery of airbags (including front, side impact, side curtain, and a knee airbag for the driver).

Though this particular test sample was a crew-cab, Ford also offers the new Ranger in both regular and extended cab forms. Powertrains vary from market to market, but available engine offerings include a 163-hp 2.5-liter gasoline I-4, a 148-hp turbo-diesel I-4, and a 197-hp turbo-diesel I-5.

The Ranger is presently on sale in several markets around the world, and is expected to launch in Europe next month. Sadly, Ford’s latest and greatest small pickup has little chance of being sold in the U.S., largely for fear of stepping on the F-150’s toes.

 

Source: Motor Trend