2023 Ford Ranger Thunder on the horizon

Ford already has off-road versions of the Ranger, so could there be a rugged electric ute on the way?

A 2023 Ford Ranger Thunder variant could be on the way, with trademark applications being spotted overseas.

Ford has applied for a Thunder badge for Ranger, F-150, and Maverick pick-ups in the US according to Motor Authority, while Motor1 spotted similar filings in Canada.

The Blue Oval hasn’t yet applied for the name in Australia, but given the F-150 Lightning is the name of the all-electric pick-up, it’s possible Thunder could turn out to be an off-road variant with an electric powertrain.

Ford already offers off-road versions of its large pick-up with the F-150 Raptor and F-150 Tremor, opening the door for something unique like an off-road electric ute with the styling of a Raptor and the powertrain of a Lightning.

A Ford Ranger Lightning would make sense as an electric alternative for government and company fleets, but a Ranger Thunder could offer a rugged alternative with a zero-emissions powertrain, also borrowing its looks from the popular Raptor.

It’s not the first time Ford has used the badge. In 2020, a Ford Ranger Thunder was offered as a limited-edition diesel-powered ute in South Africa and European markets, sitting in between the Wildtrak and the Raptor.

Ben Zachariah is an experienced writer and motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than 15 years. Ben was previously an interstate truck driver and completed his MBA in Finance in early 2021. He is considered an expert in the area of classic car investment.

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