Gonna be a significantly changed truck if a new engine and the rumored drive by wire and brake by wire materialize. 

It’s widespread throughout the industry. I don’t get it. Are designers making some kind of egalitarian political statement by doing that?

Correct 2029 it is. It was delayed at least twice. It was originally supposed to be a 2027.    There is a new 6 in development but that is all I can say.

How durable long term is the 3.0 compared to the 2.7? 

I believe the NG 150 is a 2029 model. 

My guess......it's all tied to Bronco.  I'd think if one gets it, the other will too, and Bronco is clearly in the drivers seat of the Ranger/Bronco pairing in the US.  A hybrid has been a rumor for Bronco since pre-debut, but hasn't shown up yet, but a next-gen model isn't slated until 2030 IIRC.....guess it depends if they allocated space for a battery or not as to whether we see it sooner or have to wait for a redo...

I've never understood the absolute hatred people (in general) have for auto start/stop....     They're already adding the 3.0 to the Filson Bronco.  I'd guess this means it'll spread out further.     Strange that they'd bother changing grilles with a redesign a model year away.   I'm also surprised this change happened in the middle of the model run, but it makes more sense if they were running into compliance issues (and also probably coincided with the original next-gen model that was supposed to debut earlier.

Don't worry, I'm sure it'll still ask for a tip, with how everything asks for a tip these days...

JP, Farley talks up future proofing Ranger and having a hybrid version with exportable power (Pro Power Onboard) here: https://fordauthority.com/2026/06/ford-ceo-jim-farley-says-company-will-future-proof-truck-business/   and Ford Authority has predicted in various articles that Ranger may have a hybrid version in 2027. Given the fascinating speculation here about F-100 being built at TTP for 2029ish delivery to replace the Ranger I’m dubious about 2027.   If you were a betting man, would you guess a Ranger hybrid before 2029 or will it be seen first in the F-100?

The reason for the change was that the 2.7 wasn’t going to clear some emission compliance requirement of some sort. They’ve been working on this change since 2023.   The 2027 F-150 XLT, Lariat, King Ranch & Platinum all get new grilles and new wheels.   XL, STX, Tremor and Raptor keep current grilles and wheels.   Tremor and Raptor also get new lower priced variants as well which should help sell even more of those trims.   You can get the 5.0 on the King Ranch and Platinum trims again.