Spy photographers have snapped the redesigned Kia Telluride in the United States.
It features streamlined styling as well as two new engines, including a hybrid option.
We can also expect an off-road variant with a rugged front bumper and meatier tires.
When Kia launched the Telluride in 2019, we said it was “large, luxurious and here to eat the Explorer’s lunch.” That still feels spot on, and the three-row crossover ended up becoming the brand’s second best-selling vehicle in the United States last year with sales of 115,504 units.
Kia wants to keep that momentum going, so they’re gearing up to introduce a redesigned crossover that will have a lot in common with the 2026 Hyundai Palisade. A couple of prototypes were recently spied undergoing testing in the United States, revealing an evolutionary, but streamlined design.
Refined Styling and Off-Road Signals
Starting up front, we can see a new egg crate grille with an angular lower accent. It’s flanked by vertical headlights that have pronounced daytime running light graphics.
Further below, there are two different bumper designs. The first is fairly conventional and features a wide intake, a centrally mounted sensor, and fog lights.
The second design is more aggressive and will likely be reserved for a rugged, off-road variant. As you can see, it features protruding black accents as well as what appears to be red recovery hooks. Judging by the looks of things, the prototype also has meatier tires as well as a lifted suspension.
Getting back to the regular model, we can see streamlined bodywork that embraces angular accents. The latter are particularly prominent on the new side mirrors.
Elsewhere, there are flush-mounted door handles and a cleaner greenhouse with new quarter glass. The latter meets a thick angular pillar, which is capped by black trim and a silver accent.
The rear end is more evolutionary, and we can see familiar taillights, which mimic the headlights. Further below, the undisguised rear bumper reveals plastic cladding and a contrasting silver accent. They’re joined by reflectors on the back and sides.
What’s Under the Hood?
While Kia is staying tight-lipped, the model will echo the Palisade, which grew 2.5 inches (64 mm) and sports an extra 2.7 inches (69 mm) between the wheels. We can also expect two new engines.
The 3.8-liter V6 will give way to an all-new 3.5-liter engine developing 287 hp (214 kW / 291 PS) and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque. That’s a slight drop from the current rating of 291 hp (217 kW / 295 PS) and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm), but the new engine should be more efficient.
The big news is a hybrid variant, which features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.65 kWh battery pack, and two electric motors that are integrated into a six-speed automatic transmission. This will give the model a combined output of 329 hp (245 kW / 334 PS) and 339 lb-ft (459 Nm) of torque.
Besides being more powerful, Hyundai has said the Palisade Hybrid is expected to return more than 30 mpg highway. That would be a significant boost over the current Telluride, which maxes out at 26 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. However, there will be tradeoffs, including a lower towing capacity of around 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg).
Mazda released official teasers for the next-gen CX-5 ahead of its debut.
The compact SUV will offer a hybrid powertrain developed entirely in-house.
A new SkyActiv-Z gasoline engine will join the CX-5 lineup by late 2027.
Update: Mazda is gearing up to debut the next-generation CX-5, teasing its arrival with a set of official preview images and a confirmed reveal date of July 10 at 10 a.m. CEST. While the announcement is light on specifics, Mazda did share a few broad strokes: the compact SUV will feature a sharper exterior design, a “more spacious, uncluttered cabin” with upgraded tech, and what it describes as a more “engaging, intuitive drive.”
The teaser images seem to align with a single, low-quality photo that leaked online recently, hinting at an evolution rather than a revolution in styling. Expect the new model to retain the current CX-5’s overall proportions, but with more refined lines and crisper detailing borrowed from the larger CX-90.
Original story continues below.
Mazda’s best-selling SUV is getting a major overhaul, and it’s not trying to keep it a secret. The third-generation CX-5 brings updated styling, new tech, and for the first time, a hybrid option. A leaked photo may have jumped the gun, showing the new model in full, without any camouflage, and hinting that the official reveal could be just around the corner.
The image surfaced on Cochespias, with the Instagram page of Car Design News cited as the original source. It looks legitimate, especially since the model closely resembles the camouflaged prototypes spotted during testing. The overall proportions and window shape remain familiar, echoing the outgoing CX-5, but the body panels have been entirely reworked.
Sharper Details, Familiar Shape
What stands out first is the headlight design. The new units curve into the grille, not unlike what we once saw on the now-discontinued Mercedes-Benz EQC. The grille itself keeps its signature shape but introduces a fresh pattern and thinner chrome accents. The bumper is still cleanly sculpted, free of faux side vents, though the lower intake has grown noticeably, giving the front end a more pronounced look.
Around the wheel arches, unpainted plastic cladding gives the crossover a slightly more rugged appearance, although higher trim levels could swap it out for body-colored panels. The rear isn’t visible in the leaked shot, but earlier spy photos suggest slimmer LED taillights, which bring to mind BMW’s concept cars, along with a pair of exposed exhaust pipes.
The new Mazda CX-5 (above) compared to the outgoing generation (below).
It’s a safe bet that the new CX-5 will bring improvements to the interior, likely borrowing materials and tech from Mazda’s more upscale models. Expect a bump in quality, a larger infotainment system, and maybe even a few design cues from the CX-90. A modest increase in size could also make it a more practical choice for families.
Mazda has confirmed that the upcoming CX-5 will offer a self charging hybrid variant developed entirely in-house. This version will also introduce the new SkyActiv-Z gasoline engine, which aims to deliver better fuel efficiency and stronger performance. But don’t expect it right away, as the engine won’t join the lineup until late 2027, so the hybrid will likely launch with an existing powertrain before switching over later.
The current-generation CX-5 arrived in late 2016, so this redesign is overdue. The new model could land in the US as a 2026 model-year vehicle, with a global debut expected within weeks.
Mazda’s long-standing rival, the Toyota RAV4, recently got a full redesign for 2026. The updated CX-5 will also go head-to-head with the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, both of which already offer hybrid powertrains. In a segment where efficiency and tech are more important than ever, the new CX-5 will need more than just good looks to stand out.
Lamborghini appears to be working on an updated version of the Urus Performante.
The prototype features lightly revised styling and an all-new plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Powertrain includes a twin-turbo V8, 25.9 kWh battery, and all-wheel drive system.
Lamborghini introduced the Urus Performante in 2022 and that means it’s time for a facelift. However, the company isn’t just giving the model a nip and tuck as it’s also getting a new plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Recently spied undergoing testing on the Nordschleife, the facelifted Urus Performante has an evolutionary front fascia with revised bars and slats. We can also see revamped air intakes and a new daytime running light signature.
Additional changes are limited, but designers gave the crossover a new rear bumper and diffuser. The mid-mounted spoiler also appears significantly taller than the one found on the current model. Elsewhere, the exhaust looks new, although it’s hard to be certain at this point.
Camouflage hides a lot of details, but we can expect updated taillights and a revised liftgate that echoes the one on the Urus SE. Furthermore, there’s a charging port on the opposite side of the fuel filler.
SHProshots
While the current model has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 producing 657 hp (490 kW / 666 PS) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque, stickers reveal the new version will have a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It will presumably mirror the one used in the Urus SE, which features a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, a 25.9 kWh battery pack, and an electric motor that is integrated into an eight-speed automatic transmission.
This setup gives the crossover a combined output of 789 hp (588 kW / 800 PS). It enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.4 seconds, hit a top speed of 194 mph (312 km/h), and have an EPA electric-only range of 35 miles (56 km). For comparison, the current Urus Performante hits 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.3 seconds and tops out at 190 mph (306 km/h).
While the powertrain could be upgraded for use in the performance variant, the addition of plug-in hybrid technology seems at odds with the crossover’s lightweight focus. When the current model was introduced, the company boasted it had the “highest number of carbon fiber parts in its segment.” They went on to note these helped to eliminate 104 lbs (47 kg) of weight and give the model a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio.
Toyota’s new G20E turbocharged engine has the potential to produce huge power.
The 395-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder could make as much as 600 hp with a bigger turbo.
Toyota showed off the G20E at the back end of the GR Yaris M Concept in January.
Even as the automotive industry pivots to electric vehicles, some brands are quietly doubling down on internal combustion with fresh engineering and serious performance ambitions.
Mercedes is reportedly killing off its powerful M139 four-cylinder engine, but Toyota is ready to take up the slack. The Japanese brand is working on a new family of engines, and engineers say the 2.0-liter G20E has the potential to push out 592 hp (600 PS) – almost 300 hp (304 PS) per liter.
“With a larger turbocharger, more than 600 PS is easily possible,” Toyota tech heads told journalists from German magazine Auto Motor und Sport. That’s a hefty 50 percent increase in power versus the 395 hp (400 PS) the G20E is alleged to make in stock form, and achievable without any hybrid assistance.
Possible, Yes. Practical? That’s Still Unclear
The report doesn’t make it clear whether it would be possible to make the resulting engine emissions-compliant, which seems like a big ask. Japanese media previously suggested the G20E could make 600 PS in stories published late last year, but said the tune was restricted to racing applications.
Toyota’s G20E is part of a new family of naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines it will launch in the next few years. The bigger engine was first shown in the back of the GR Yaris M Concept at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, which some people suggested could function as a testbed for the revival of the MR2 roadster. The same engine is also certain to end up in the Celica coupe Toyota also keeps dropping hints about resurrecting.
Toyota
MR2 and Celica Revival Could Carry the Torch
Given Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda’s reputation as a champion of driving enthusiasts, we’d expect both the MR2 and Celica to offer the G20E backed by a choice of six-speed manual and eight-speed dual-clutch transmissions. And we also expect some buyers to go to town on their engines in the way tuners found huge power out of the legendary 2JZ straight-6 unit.
Because even if Toyota won’t put a 600-hp version of the G20E in a production car, you can bet the aftermarket will make it a reality. Toyota engineers told reporters the new engine has wide-set bores, giving plenty of scope for increasing the capacity.
While Toyota has kept many of the tech details of its new ICE powertrains to itself till now, it has confirmed that they’ll be compatible with carbon-neutral fuels, meaning they could live on even after countries or states introduce bans on traditional petrol engines.
Cupra’s Raval baby EV is testing in Europe ahead of its September reveal.
The €25k subcompact hatch is twinned with the VW ID.2 and Skoda Epiq.
Disguise covers the real triangle-shaped headlights and huge lower grille.
VW has reportedly delayed the launch of its vitally important ID.2 electric hatch from 2025 to 2026, but we’ll still learn plenty about it this fall because Cupra is pushing ahead with the reveal of the Raval, its version of the ID.2, which is seen here during testing.
The Raval, ID.2 hatch, an ID.2 crossover and Skoda’s upcoming Epiq SUV are all built around a new, shorter version of VW’s MEB electric car platform. In addition to being resized to suit cars smaller than the Golf-sized ID.3, the tiniest of VW’s current EVs, the new architecture also places a single motor at the front driving the front wheels, the reverse of the main MEB platform where the motor is at the rear.
Both the Raval and ID.2 have been shown in concept form powered by a single 223 hp (225 PS / 166 kW) electric motor, and VW’s ID.GTI concept teased a 429 hp (435 PS / 250 kW) dual-motor configuration. However, most versions of both cars will be packing far less firepower because the key draw of the Raval and ID.2 won’t be big power figures but a low starting price: the pair is expected to start at around €25,000 (£21k, $29k).
To hit that target, the base models will reportedly come with a small 38 kWh battery whose 186-mile (300 km) range will make it best suited to urban work, while an available 56 kWh pack will be capable of running 273 miles (440 km) between charges. A 125 kW peak charge capacity means a 10-80 percent fill should take around 20 minutes.
This Raval prototype hasn’t dropped much disguise since we last saw one, but the close-up shot of the front end reveals plenty about how the finished car will look when the covers are pulled off at the IAA auto show in Germany this fall. Poking out from behind the fake headlight stickers are the real lights, which appear to be triangular, and different in shape to the ones seen on the Raval concept car.
SHProshots
The close-ups also show that Cupra’s engineers have tried to obscure both the vertical air vents at each corner and much of the large black grille with white-painted plastic. Another deviation from the concept is the hood, which is more inset and has a pronounced M-shape at its leading edge, a result of the V8-style twin hood bulges.
In keeping with its more flamboyant design, the Raval should also be a little sharper to driver than the ID.2 courtesy of Cupra’s traditionally more aggressive suspension setup. So, if you were in the market for a small EV, would you go for the Raval or wait for the ID.2?
The Morning Midas was carrying 3,159 vehicles with hundreds of hybrids and up to 70 EVs.
Anderson Economic Group expects the cost to be slightly lower than that of the Felicity Ace.
All of the vehicles on the ship were from Chinese car brands, including GWM and Chery.
Another cargo ship has gone under, and it’s taking hundreds of millions of dollars with it. The Morning Midas, a massive vessel hauling vehicles from China to Mexico, sank off the coast of Alaska last week after a fire broke out onboard. Now, analysts are beginning to tally up the damage, and the numbers aren’t looking pretty. According to early estimates, the loss could cost the automotive industry about $559 million.
This marks the third such incident in just a few years. The Morning Midas joins the Felicity Ace and the Fremantle Highway in a trio of maritime mishaps that have collectively sent around 11,000 vehicles to the ocean floor. Together, these wrecks have caused over $1.8 billion in losses, according to data from the Anderson Economic Group.
Zodiac Maritime, the ship’s operator, reported that smoke was first spotted coming from a deck carrying electrified vehicles before the situation escalated. In total, the ship was transporting 3,159 vehicles. Of those, roughly 681 to 861 are believed to have been hybrids, and another 65 to 70 were fully electric models. All of the vehicles lost were from Chinese car manufacturers, including Great Wall Motor and Chery.
Ripple Effects Beyond the Cargo
While Anderson Economic Group places the value of the destroyed cargo at around $120 million, the broader economic hit goes much further. Cleanup efforts, environmental damage, and the loss of future earnings for a range of people and industries are all part of the fallout.
This includes U.S. government agencies like the Coast Guard, Zodiac Maritime employees, port workers, the regional fishing industry, and residents living near the spill zone.
US Coast Guard
AEG’s estimate also includes projected costs for salvage operations and environmental remediation. However, it does not account for the losses auto dealers, logistics companies, or waiting customers might face due to disrupted supply chains.
The value of the lost cargo is far less than that of the Felicity Ace and Fremantle Highway disasters. In both cases, the ships were carrying more expensive cars, resulting in estimated cargo losses of $334.5 million for the Felicity Ace and $302.6 million for the Fremantle Highway.
The fire onboard Morning Midas broke out on June 3. All 22 crew members abandoned ship shortly after attempts to douse the fire failed. It eventually sank into the abyss on June 23.
The Cayenne Turbo GT set a new SUV lap record at the Road Atlanta circuit.
The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid eclipsed the time of the non-hybrid variant.
Quicker than both is the all-electric, 1,019 hp Taycan Turbo GT super sedan.
In mid-June, Porsche revealed that the Taycan Turbo GT had set a new lap record at Road Atlanta for an EV. As it turns out, the automaker wasn’t satisfied with simply walking away with a single lap record that day and also managed to set new records for both an SUV and a sedan thanks to the Cayenne Turbo GT and Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.
Renown racing driver Patrick Long was tasked with setting blistering laps in both models, and that’s precisely what he did. While we suspect there are very few Cayenne or Panamera owners who ever take their vehicles to the track (the Panamera is great on the track, as yours truly can attest – ed), we’re sure there’ll be plenty who love boasting to their friends about just how quick their uber-powerful grocery getters are.
Starting with the Cayenne Turbo GT, Long set a best lap of 1:34.38 while behind the wheel. That’s an impressive time and was just 7 seconds behind the Taycan Turbo GT’s 1:27.15. When you consider that the Cayenne Turbo GT is down 369 hp on the Taycan, and doesn’t benefit from the same instantaneous power delivery, this time proves that the SUV really can boogie.
From Super SUV To Super Sedan
Then came the turn of the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. Prior to hitting the track, the 2021 Panamera Turbo S held the lap record with a 1:31.51 lap. But, whereas that car pumps out 621 hp, the new E-Hybrid delivers 771 hp and includes Porsche’s trick active hydraulic suspension system.
With Long behind the wheel, the E-Hybrid set a best time of 1:30.98. That’s only about half a second quicker than the former record, and perhaps shows that the added weight of the hybrid system offsets some of the horsepower gains. Even so, Porsche’s experienced pro driver was impressed with its on-track manners.
“The new generation Panamera is so much more seamless in the regen and boost transition, it makes it very easy to get right up to the edge,” he said. “When you think about how much braking is part of high-performance driving, the fact you can make energy for acceleration while improving stopping power is such a positive attribute, and one that you can use both on and off the track.”
Ram introduced the 2500 Black Express and Warlock, both based on the Tradesman.
The Black Express has body-color accents, tubular side steps, and black 20-inch wheels.
The Warlock is more rugged with 4WD, 34-inch tires, and off-road-focused enhancements.
The 2025 Ram HD lineup debuted earlier this year with updated styling and a new 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine producing 430 hp (321 kW / 436 PS) and 1,075 lb-ft (1,456 Nm) of torque. Now, roughly seven months later, the company has introduced the 2026 model, which features two new variants.
Kicking things off is the Ram 2500 Black Express, which will be offered with rear- and four-wheel drive as well as short and long beds. It’s based on the Tradesman and costs an additional $2,495, which brings the cost of entry to $53,735 including destination.
So what does that get you? A more refined exterior with body-color bumpers and a matching grille surround. The truck also has a sport performance hood, tubular side steps, and 20-inch wheels with a black finish.
Rounding out the highlights are cloth bench seats, carpeted flooring, and floor mats. The Black Express also has front and rear ParkSense as well as power tow mirrors.
2026 Ram 2500 Black Express
Customers desiring rugged capability can get the 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock, which is also based on the Tradesman and costs an extra $2,995. This means you’re looking at $57,165 out the door.
While that’s not cheap, the crew cab pickup has a short bed, standard four-wheel drive, and 20-inch diamond cut wheels wrapped in 34-inch Goodyear Duratrac A/T tires. Other off-road goodies include an anti-spin rear differential, a transfer case skid plate, Bilstein shocks, and Hill Descent Control.
Buyers will also find a Warlock decal as well as numerous black accents, including the grille surround, fender flares, and bumpers. Other highlights include tow mirrors, all-weather floor mats, cloth bench seats, and carpeting.
2026 Ram 2500 Warlock
While the aforementioned diesel is optional, the trucks come standard with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 developing 405 hp (302 kW / 411 PS) and 429 lb-ft (581 Nm) of torque. Both engines are connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Ram is currently accepting orders and deliveries are slated to begin in the third quarter. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said, “Everyone likes a good-looking truck, but the challenge is making it affordable while adding value to the entire lineup.” He went on to say the two new models do this successfully as they combine “an attractive price with [a] custom appearance, while building on our sport truck leadership position.”
Audi is testing a Sportback version of its new Q3 SUV at the Nurburgring.
The slinkier version sacrifices some headroom and cargo space to earn style points.
Engines options will include petrol, diesel, and for the first time a plug-in hybrid.
Audi launched its new Q3 compact SUV this month, and you don’t need to be a savant to know that if there’s a new Q3, then a new Q3 Sportback must be right around the corner. And here it is, in prototype form negotiating one of more than 100 corners at the Nurburgring.
As with the previous model’s range, the new Q3 Sportback is 85 percent identical to the regular version of the SUV, but swaps that car’s fairly upright tail for a more sloping one that gives off a coupe-like feel. The roof, rear doors, rear quarters and hatch are all unique to the Sportback.
We’ll have to wait for the Q3 Sportback’s debut sometime later this summer to know exactly what the exact trade-off is for the sportier profile in terms of interior dimensions, but a small reduction in rear headroom and less cargo space above the window line are a given.
What we don’t have to wait for is information about the rest of the Q3 Sportback package, because it should be identical to the Q3 unveiled last week. The new face features two-deck lights, with Audi’s segmented DRLs mounted above bumper line and the real headlights located in a dark section of the bumper itself.
At the back, posher trims will get an illuminated Audi badge and LED light bar running across the hatch, though if the Q3 Sportback follows the Q3’s lead, base models might be denied those features. There’s a good chance though that the Sportback will be pitched more upmarket and not be available in poverty-spec.
All versions should get the same supersized dashboard display comprising an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment system, and new tech features include an AI assistant and controversial multi-function column stalk that handles both turn signal and wiper control, leaving space on the right side of the wheel for a new gear-shift lever.
Familiar ICE Powertrains
Exactly what powertrain that lever controls will vary by market, some countries getting the option of 2.0 diesel or 1.5-liter TFSI petrol engines (both making 148 hp / 150 PS) and the US skipping both in favor of a 2.0-liter TSFI that pumps out 261 hp (265 PS).
There’s also the option of plug-in power via the Q3 e-hybrid, which generates 268 hp (272 PS), can travel up to 74 miles (119 km) on electricity alone and can charge at up to 50 kW, boosting the battery from 10-80 percent in less than 30 minutes.
Not every truck buyer is chasing mud-slinging heroics or Baja-style bravado like you get with the Raptor. Some just want something that looks sharp, drives well on the road, and still hauls a trailer on the weekend. For those folks, Ford’s got a niche answer hidden in its growing Ranger lineup across the pond.
The Ranger MS-RT stands out as Ford’s only street-tuned pickup in Europe and the UK. Think of it as the Ranger Lobo North America didn’t get, at least not yet. It wears a wide bodykit, sits lower than any other Ranger, and brings a sportier attitude without ditching the core capabilities.
Developed with rally experts M-Sport, the Ranger MS-RT (short for M-Sport Road Technology) targets buyers who want the look and feel of a performance vehicle but have no interest in crawling over rocks or fording streams.
To see how that M-Sport DNA plays out in the real world, we visited a Ford dealer in Greece for a closer look, and importantly, a back-to-back drive with the high-flying Raptor.
QUICK FACTS
› Model:
2025 Ford Ranger MS-RT
› Price (Greece):
€73,612 ($82,800)
› Dimensions:
Length: 211.4 inches (5,370 mm)
Width: 75.5 inches (1,918 mm)
Height: 72.6 inches (1,844 mm)
Wheelbase: 128.7 inches (3,270 mm)
› Curb Weight:
5,038 lbs ( 2,285 kg)
› Powertrain:
3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel
› Output:
237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft)
› Transmission:
10-speed automatic, e4WD
› 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h):
8.7 seconds*
› Top Speed:
111 mph (180 km/h)*
› Payload:
1,000 kg (2,205 pounds)*
› Towing (braked):
3,500 kg (7,716 pounds)*
› On Sale:
Europe, UK
*Manufacturer
SWIPE
What Sets It Apart From the Regular Ranger
What immediately sets the MS-RT apart is the new bodywork. Thanks to swollen front and rear fenders, the truck is 164 mm (6.5 inches) wider than its siblings. Filling those bulging arches are massive 21-inch alloy wheels, the largest ever offered on a production Ranger.
A new front bumper with a deeper lower section and a honeycomb grille gives the face a sportier vibe, while motorsport-style vents on the fenders and more sculpted side skirts lean further into the street-truck look.
At the rear, the styling effort continues with an integrated ducktail spoiler on the tailgate and a secondary roof-mounted spoiler above the cab. The rear bumper houses a decorative diffuser flanked by honeycomb textures. The one thing missing? Real exhaust tips. The Raptor gets twin pipes, and it’s hard not to notice the absence here, especially on something pitched as a high-performance street truck.
Our tester wore the subdued Command Grey paint, but brighter options are available, including Fast Blue, Yellow Green, Frozen White, Metallic Carbonised Grey, and Metallic Agate Black.
Interior Tweaks and Equipment
Photos Thanos Pappas / Carscoops
Inside the MS-RT, the changes are subtle but noticeable. Heavily bolstered bucket seats with integrated headrests and blue-stitched Eco Leather upholstery give the cabin a sportier feel. A thicker steering wheel rim and several MS-RT logos round out the special treatment.
Beyond the visual updates, it’s standard Ranger fare with a solid list of equipment: a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front seats, and a suite of active safety features. It’s well-equipped, but not over the top.
So, Is It The Sportiest Truck?
Let’s talk about the obvious thing that sets the MS-RT apart: its lowered stance. Sitting 40 mm (1.6 inches) closer to the pavement than the Ranger Wildtrak, it rides on a revised suspension setup with firmer front dampers, retuned rear leaf springs, and wider tracks, all tuned for sharper handling. Ground clearance now lands somewhere in SUV territory, not quite car-low, but far from off-roader tall. That, paired with its road-biased tires, makes it clear this Ranger isn’t meant for trails or terrain.
From the moment you get behind the wheel of the Ranger MS-RT, you feel like you’re driving a hot SUV rather than a ladder-frame pickup. You’re still sitting high with great visibility all around the vehicle, but body roll has been significantly reduced and the steering feels quicker and more direct.
On the downside, the stiffer suspension and the 21-inch wheels with the low-profile tires (275/45R21) result in ride comfort taking a toll, with most road imperfections being felt in the cabin. Of course, the street truck is not as stiff as a hot hatch, but not nearly as comfortable as other members of the Ranger lineup either.
Some might argue that a fully independent rear suspension would better suit a road-focused truck like this. But the MS-RT keeps its solid rear axle and leaf springs, which help preserve the full 1,000 kg payload and 3,500 kg towing figures. For buyers who need utility with their style, that’s a tradeoff worth making.
The Engine: Familiar but Untouched
Photos Thanos Pappas / Carscoops
Under the hood is the same 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel found in the Wildtrak, producing 237 hp and 600 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic and Ford’s e4WD full-time all-wheel drive system. It works well, but here’s the thing; the styling promises more than the powertrain delivers.
There are no performance upgrades, no tuning changes, and no added grunt. For a truck that looks this mean, it feels like a missed opportunity not to push the numbers a bit higher. At the very least, a gasoline option would spice things up and better match the MS-RT’s visual drama.
The engine is paired exclusively with a 10-speed automatic, sending power to all four wheels through the Ranger’s familiar full-time 4WD system. It also keeps the standard drive mode lineup that includes Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand, even if most of those won’t see much use here.
During our time with the MS-RT, we stuck to tarmac, which felt like the right call given the soft, road-focused Continental ContiSportContact 5 tires that would probably flinch at the sight of a gravel path.
How Does Is Compare To The Raptor?
Photos Thanos Pappas / Carscoops
Climbing into the Raptor right after the MS-RT makes the height difference immediately obvious. You’re no longer stepping in, you’re climbing up. The Raptor’s cabin also goes for a flashier vibe, with bright orange accents and Ford Performance scuff plates adding some extra flair. The MS-RT skips the theatrics, but its interior still holds up just fine without the extra color or branding.
Driving the Raptor feels like floating, thanks to its Baja-ready suspension with long-travel geometry and plush Fox shocks that soak up just about anything. In a quick side-by-side test, I rolled both trucks over a curb. I barely noticed it in the Raptor, definitely felt it in the MS-RT. That said, the Raptor’s soft setup comes with trade-offs. There’s noticeable body roll in corners and some front-end dive under hard braking, which makes the MS-RT the more entertaining option when the road gets twisty.
When it comes to the powertrain, the Raptor clearly has the upper hand. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine feels far more at home in a performance truck, thanks to its extra horsepower and a soundtrack that’s actually worth hearing, unlike the quieter, slightly torquier diesel in the MS-RT.
That said, this is the EU-spec Raptor we’re talking about, so output is capped at 288 hp (215 kW / 292 PS), well below the full 405 hp (302 kW / 411 PS) available in the North American version. Even so, it still outshines the MS-RT’s setup in both punch and personality.
Overall, it wouldn’t hurt if Ford gave the MS-RT a gasoline option, or at the very least, bumped up the output of the existing 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel to help it stand apart from the rest of the V6-powered lineup. As it stands, the performance just doesn’t quite match the truck’s aggressive looks.
It’s Expensive
And then there’s the pricing, keeping in mind this is Greece, where car taxes are among the highest in Europe. For example, the base Ranger Raptor starts at €54,350 (about US$61,000) before taxes and fees, but that figure jumps to €71,742 (around US$80,600) once everything is included. In the States, the 405 hp Ranger Raptor starts from $56,070 (around €52,000) before taxes (in Massachusetts, that’s 6.25%) and delivery fees.
The dealer quoted us €77,352 ($87,000) for this specific Raptor and a discounted €73,612 ($82,800) for the MS-RT, taxes included. That’s a €3,740 ($4,200) gap between the two, mostly due to the markdown on the MS-RT. Worth noting: the Raptor we were photographing was already spoken for, which says a lot about where the demand is. The MS-RT? Still waiting for its moment.
Verdict
The Ranger MS-RT is a rare breed, a proper street truck with real presence, and we’re glad it’s part of Ford’s lineup in Europe. With its 21-inch wheels, flared fenders, and reworked front end, it’s arguably the best-looking Ranger trim you can get. Period. On top of that, the lowered suspension and chassis tweaks give it the sharpest on-road handling of any midsize pickup in Ford’s catalog.
That said, it’s not without compromises. The V6 turbodiesel remains untouched under the hood, and the drop in ride height comes at the expense of comfort and off-road ability. Then there’s the price, which edges it dangerously close to the Raptor, a truck that offers more power, more versatility, and a reputation that’s hard to beat.
Still, for buyers in Europe and the UK who want a distinctive, low-slung midsize truck with road-focused dynamics and standout styling, the MS-RT delivers something genuinely different.
Special thanks to Ford Hantzos in Kalamata, Greece, for giving us access to the Ranger lineup.
