What platform is the Ford Ranger based on?
The Ford Ranger is based on Ford's global T6 midsize pickup platform, a shared architecture developed with Mazda and used by models like the Ford Everest and Mazda BT-50.
Across markets, Ford and Mazda designed the T6 to support both pickups and SUVs, enabling regional variants such as the Ranger, Everest, Bronco, and BT-50 to ride on a common chassis while allowing market-specific tuning and body styles.
What is the T6 platform?
The T6 is Ford's internal designation for a flexible, ladder-frame, body-on-frame platform originally developed for midsize pickups and SUVs. It is a joint development with Mazda, used widely in Ford's Ranger family and Mazda BT-50; in markets outside the U.S., it's the basis for the Everest and related models. The platform is designed to accommodate a range of powertrains and suspension configurations for off-road and on-road use.
Key shared family vehicles
These are the main models that use the T6 underpinnings or are closely related in the chassis family.
- Ford Ranger (global midsize pickup)
- Ford Everest/Endeavour (SUV variant in regional markets)
- Mazda BT-50 (rebadged variant in many markets)
- Ford Bronco (2021–present, based on the same chassis family)
Ranger, Everest, and BT-50 share the same core platform, while the Bronco sits on a closely related version of the T6 architecture designed for rugged off-road use.
Why this matters for buyers and makers
Platform sharing reduces development cost, simplifies parts supply, and allows Ford to offer a consistent driving experience across a diverse lineup. It also enables rapid variation between pickup and SUV bodystyles within the same engineering family, with regional tuning for terrain and regulations.
Summary
The Ford Ranger is built on the global T6 midsize platform, a Ford-Mazda joint development that underpins the Ranger, Everest, Bronco, and Mazda BT-50. This shared architecture supports multiple markets, body styles, and powertrain options while enabling efficient production and maintenance.
Is the Ford Ranger a rebadged Mazda?
Initially, it sold its own design as the B-series in the US, but after 1994, changing regulations induced Mazda to renew its partnership with Ford in order to sell a rebadged Ranger as the B-series in the States.
What platform is the Ford Ranger built on?
The Ford Ranger's platform is called the T6 platform, which is a body-on-frame chassis designed for mid-size trucks and SUVs like the Ranger, Everest, and the Volkswagen Amarok. The platform has been updated over the years, with the second generation, known as the "T6.2," debuting for the 2022 model year and also supporting the latest Bronco. The T6 platform is known for its rugged capability and versatility, underpinning vehicles from work-ready models to high-performance variants like the Ranger Raptor.
Key characteristics
- Body-on-frame construction: This is a traditional truck design where the body is built separately from the chassis, offering strength and durability.
- Engine layout: It uses a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive layout.
- Suspension: It features a double wishbone front suspension and a leaf spring rear suspension, which is common for trucks and SUVs in its class.
- Shared with other vehicles: The T6 platform is shared with the Ford Everest SUV and, since 2022, the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok.
- Long-term use: Ford has indicated that the T6 platform will remain in production for the foreseeable future, with plans for future generations of the Ranger to continue using it.
This video shows the installation of a roof platform on a Ford Ranger: 56sWork Live PlayYouTube · Sep 12, 2025
Platform evolution
- Original T6 (P375): The first generation launched in 2011, developed by Ford Australia, and was not initially sold in the U.S.
- T6.2 (P703): The second generation was introduced in late 2021 for the 2022 model year, featuring a modernized body and a revised T6 platform. This version also underpins the latest generation of the Ford Bronco.
- Future generations: The T6 platform is expected to continue to be used for future Ranger and Bronco models.
Are Bronco and Ranger on the same platform?
The regular Bronco is built on a body-on-frame platform, the same foundation as the Ford Ranger. This structure is typically used in trucks and serious off-road vehicles, giving the Bronco its rugged capability and durability.
What is a Ford Ranger based on?
The production version was designed and built in Thailand in tandem with the Mazda BT-50. While the previous generation Ranger is a rebadge of the Mazda B-Series with a different fascia, the Ranger now has its distinct styling designed by former Ford Australia design chief, Simon Butterworth.
