Ford Ranger Next Gen Accessories — Complete Upgrade Guide for 2022–2026

Ford Ranger Next Gen Accessories — Complete Upgrade Guide for 2022–2026

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Ford Ranger Next Gen Accessories — Complete Upgrade Guide for 2022–2026

The Ford Ranger Next Gen (RA series, 2022–2026) is a significantly different vehicle to the PX Ranger it replaced. The tub is wider, the electronics architecture is more complex, and the body lines are all new. That means the accessory market had to start fresh on fitment. Three-plus years from launch, the aftermarket has caught up, and there is now a comprehensive range of purpose-built accessories for every variant from the XL to the Raptor.

This guide covers the most useful upgrades for Next Gen Ranger owners — what fits, what to look for, and how each accessory adds genuine value to a work or adventure setup.

Ford Ranger Next Gen: Key Facts for Accessory Fitment

Before getting into specific accessories, it is worth knowing the platform details that affect what you can buy and fit.

Variants and Drivetrains

The Next Gen Ranger is available in six primary grades in Australia:

  • XL — base grade, available in 4x2 and 4x4, single-turbo or bi-turbo 2.0L diesel
  • XLS — mid-grade, 4x2 and 4x4, 2.0L bi-turbo diesel only
  • XLT — popular dual-cab pickup in 4x4, 2.0L bi-turbo or 3.0L V6 diesel
  • Sport — 4x4 only, 2.0L bi-turbo or 3.0L V6 diesel
  • Wildtrak — 4x4 with factory sports bar and appearance upgrades, 2.0L bi-turbo or 3.0L V6 diesel
  • Raptor — performance off-road grade, 3.0L V6 twin-turbo EcoBoost petrol only

Engine output ranges from 125kW/405Nm on the entry-level single-turbo 2.0L diesel up to 184kW/600Nm on the 3.0L V6 diesel, and 292kW/583Nm on the Raptor's petrol V6. All non-Raptor variants have a 3,500kg braked towing capacity. The Raptor is rated to 2,500kg.

Tray Dimensions

The Next Gen dual-cab pickup tub measures approximately 1,480mm long, 1,528mm wide (maximum), and 533mm deep. Critically, the track width was increased over the previous generation, and Ford widened the tray accordingly — the tub now fits a standard Euro pallet (1,200mm x 800mm), making it more practical for trades and general freight use. The usable width between the wheel arches is approximately 1,200mm.

Payload Capacity

Payload varies by variant and drivetrain. Common dual-cab pickup configurations deliver 985–1,014kg across the XLS, XLT, Sport, and Wildtrak grades. The 4x4 XLT in chassis-cab configuration with the 3.0L V6 reaches 1,151kg. The Raptor is rated to 753kg due to its heavier suspension and body setup. Always check your vehicle's compliance plate before accessorising — a canopy, drawer system, and full tool load can account for 200–300kg of that figure quickly.

The Critical Difference from PX Rangers

If you are upgrading from a PX Ranger (2011–mid 2022) to the Next Gen, none of your PX canopies, roller shutters, or tub-mounted accessories will carry over. The tub profile, clamp rail design, and body lines are completely different. Accessories must be specifically designed and fitted for the RA Next Gen. Canopies are not interchangeable between generations — a PX fitment on a Next Gen tub will result in poor sealing, instability, and potential damage.

Ford Ranger Next Gen Canopy

A canopy is the single most transformative accessory for a Next Gen Ranger. It converts the tub into a fully enclosed, lockable, weatherproof storage and transport space — essential for tradies, campers, and 4WDers alike.

The UniUte Force Pro Ford Ranger Next Gen canopy is purpose-built for the RA series (2022–2026) and fits all variants: XL, XLS, XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, and Raptor. It is colour-coded to factory paint, so it integrates cleanly with the Ranger's bodywork rather than looking like a bolted-on afterthought.

Force Pro Canopy Features

  • No-drill installation — internal C-clamps mount to the tub rail without any holes in the tub
  • Watertight rubber seal — keeps water and dust out across all door frames and the tub lip
  • Gull-wing side windows — full-size lift-up side access with dual handles and key locking
  • Sliding front window — cab pass-through for ventilation and access to the rear of the cab
  • Rear door with central locking
  • Tinted safety glass throughout
  • Interior LED light — standard fit
  • Premium carpet lining — reduces noise, protects gear from abrasion
  • Rear window heater — prevents fogging in cold conditions
  • 100kg roof rack load capacity — crossbars support rooftop tents, bikes, recovery boards
  • Keys keyed alike — canopy and vehicle locks use the same key
  • Twin skin construction — enhanced rigidity and durability

Built from high-quality aluminium and ABS composite with a smooth OEM-quality paint finish, the Force Pro suits both daily work use and extended off-road trips. Metro delivery (VIC, NSW, QLD, TAS, SA, ACT) is 2–5 business days. Regional areas receive orders in 3–7 business days.

Ford Ranger Next Gen Roller Shutter

For Ranger owners who want tub security and weather protection without the height of a full canopy, a roller shutter is the go-to option. The UniUte Gen2 Manual Roller Shutter is designed specifically for the Ford Ranger Next Gen 2022+ and delivers full-width tub access with a single smooth roll.

Roller shutters suit tradies who need unrestricted tub access at each job site — no propping doors, no awkward angles. They also work well for ute owners who regularly carry oversized loads that need to hang over the tailgate, since a shutter can be left partially open in a way a canopy cannot.

The Gen2 shutter sits flush with the tub rails, maintains a lower roofline profile than a canopy, and keeps the tray properly sealed in rain. Roof rack cross bars are available as a separate add-on for carrying gear above the shutter when needed.

Ford Ranger Next Gen Drawer System

A ute drawer system is the most effective way to organise tools and gear in the Next Gen Ranger's tub. The UniUte Weathertight Drawer System for the Ford Ranger Next Gen 2022+ is a full-width, purpose-fitted unit that slides in and out smoothly and seals against dust and moisture ingress.

For tradies, a drawer system creates a proper work setup: tools and frequently used items in the top drawer, consumables and spares in the bottom, and a flat platform above for materials or a sleeping surface when camping. The weathertight design means gear stays dry even when the canopy or shutter accumulates condensation overnight.

Drawers work extremely well under a canopy — the canopy provides the enclosed space, and the drawers organise everything within it. For the Next Gen Ranger's tub dimensions, a full-width drawer system makes efficient use of the 1,200mm between-arch width without wasting space against the wheel arches.

Ford Ranger Next Gen Sliding Tray

A sliding tray is different from a drawer system — it is a single-level full-width tray that pulls out to give you access to the entire tub floor without climbing in. This is the right choice for heavy equipment that needs to slide to you: generator sets, compressors, toolboxes, water tanks.

The UniUte sliding tray range for Ford Ranger covers the 2012–2026 model years, spanning both PX and Next Gen platforms. These units operate on a ball-bearing slide mechanism for smooth extension even when fully loaded, and they sit flush with the tub floor when retracted.

Ford Ranger Next Gen Tonneau Cover

Not every Ranger owner needs a full canopy. For those who prefer a low-profile tub cover, hard foldable tonneau covers provide a secure, weather-resistant lid that folds in sections for partial or full tub access.

UniUte offers two options for the Next Gen:

  • Tri-Fold Hard Lid — three-panel folding tonneau for the Ford Ranger Next Gen 2022+, compact fold when fully open
  • Quad-Fold Hard Lid — four-panel folding tonneau for the Ford Ranger Next Gen 2023+, shorter fold sections for better clearance when folded back

Hard lids sit flush with the tub rails, complement the Ranger's clean bodywork, and clamp without drilling. They are the right choice for owners who prioritise a factory-style appearance and occasional tub access rather than daily heavy use.

Ford Ranger Next Gen Side Steps

The Next Gen Ranger is a tall vehicle, especially in 4x4 form. Side steps make entry and exit easier for passengers who are not used to the step-up height, and they protect the lower body panels from rocker scrapes in carparks and on narrow tracks.

Side steps for the Next Gen Ranger should be specifically designed for the RA platform — the running board mounting points differ from the PX. Confirm fitment for your specific variant and check that steps do not impede approach angles if you use the Ranger off-road regularly.

Ford Ranger Next Gen Nudge Bar

A nudge bar provides front-end protection against light impacts — carpark contact, wildlife strikes on country roads, and low scrub on fire trails. It is a popular accessory for Ranger owners who use their vehicle across both urban and rural environments.

Nudge bars for the Next Gen must be fitted to the RA-specific front end. The Next Gen has different bumper geometry and fog light positions to the PX, so PX nudge bars will not fit. A properly fitted nudge bar mounts to the vehicle's crash structure without blocking airbag sensors or camera systems. The Next Gen's ADAS suite includes a front camera and radar on upper grades, so it is important to use accessories that are engineered for this platform.

Protecting the Tub: Liners, Tub Storage, and Tailgate Guards

The Next Gen Ranger's tub is lined from the factory on most grades, but a purpose-fitted tub liner provides significantly better protection against scratching, denting, and chemical spills. Hard goods like toolboxes, generator cradles, and recovery gear quickly damage an unprotected tub floor. A moulded liner also reduces noise from gear shifting around during driving and makes the tub easier to clean.

The tailgate is particularly vulnerable to damage from drawers, trays, and heavy items being slid over it. A tailgate guard and cap protector covers the top edge of the tailgate to prevent scratching and scuffing during loading and unloading. It is an inexpensive accessory that pays for itself quickly on a working ute.

For organised in-tub storage without a full drawer system, ute tub storage solutions such as side bin organisers and internal storage packs make good use of the Next Gen's generous tub width.

Carrying Long Materials: Ladder Racks

For tradies carrying conduit, pipe, timber, roofing iron, or ladders, a tub-mounted ladder rack is an essential safety accessory. The Next Gen Ranger's tub combing rails provide a mounting point for tub-mounted racks that keep long materials above the tub floor and clear of the cab.

Ladder racks typically mount without drilling and allow materials to be secured with straps above the tub, freeing the tray floor for other gear. On a Next Gen Ranger fitted with a canopy, roof-mounted crossbars on the canopy are the alternative — but tub ladder racks are the right choice when a full-height canopy is not part of the setup, or when materials are too long for the canopy interior.

Building Your Next Gen Ranger Setup

The best approach to accessorising a Next Gen Ranger is to decide how the vehicle will be used most of the time, then build from there. A few common configurations:

Tradie Work Setup

Adventure and 4WD Setup

Clean Daily Driver

Always Confirm Your Generation Before Ordering

The most important thing to get right when ordering Next Gen Ranger accessories is confirming you are ordering RA Next Gen specific parts. The Next Gen Ranger launched in Australia in late 2022. If your Ranger was built before mid-2022, you likely have a PX-series vehicle and need different accessories. Check your compliance plate inside the driver's door jamb to confirm model year and series before ordering.

All UniUte products referenced in this guide are designed for the Ford Ranger Next Gen RA 2022–2026 unless otherwise stated. Shop the full range including the Force Pro canopy, roller shutters, drawer systems, sliding trays, tonneau covers, nudge bars, tub liners, ladder racks, and tub storage.

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