2025 Ford Ranger MS-RT arrives in SE Asia, will PH get it?

Remember when Ford unleashed the 2024 Ranger MS-RT earlier this year? Unlike your typical Ranger, this model trades its utilitarian abilities for better handling. Moreover, the Ranger MS-RT also gets a sleeker look thanks to a unique exterior upgrade that gives the pickup more street cred.

When it was revealed, the Ranger MS-RT was only available in Europe. Fast-forward to near the end of 2024, and Ford has officially launched the Ranger MS-RT in Southeast Asia. Making its regional debut in Thailand, the 2024 Ranger MS-RT was made possible thanks to the Blue Oval's WRC partner, M-Sport.

Billed as a racing-style pickup truck, the Ranger MS-RT gets a lowered ride height (dropped 40mm), a wider track, and specially-tuned dampers to improve handling. It also gets new 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 275/45 series tires, power-folding side steps, a lip spoiler on the front bumper, a new honeycomb grille, a rear diffuser on the back bumper, a roof spoiler, and a tailgate with a ducktail spoiler.

Get inside and the Ranger MS-RT welcomes occupants into a stylish cabin that's dominated by black leather upholstery with blue contrast stitching. It comes with semi-bucket seats in the front that feature the MS-RT logo, a blue center mark on the steering wheel, MS-RT floor mats, and an MS-RT emblem on the rear passenger seat complete with a racing flag to remind everyone they're in a special pickup truck.

When it comes to amenities, the MS-RT is equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, LED ambient lighting, a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, power-adjustable front seats, remote engine start, and a 360-degree camera system.

Under the hood, the Ford Ranger MS-RT is powered by a 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 derived from the Ranger Platinum. It makes 250 PS at 3250 rpm along with 600 Nm of torque between 1750 – 2250 rpm. It is then paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with a full-time 4WD system with an active center differential and rear locking differential.

Like other 4WD Ranger variants, the MS-RT comes with 6 drive modes to choose from; Normal, Eco (2WD mode only), Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand.

With the 2024 Ford Ranger MS-RT now available in Thailand, we're hoping Ford will be able to bring several examples to the Philippine market. After all, who doesn't like a pickup truck that's ready for the streets?