Last month, the Blue Oval automaker lifted the wraps off the all-new 2021 Ford F-150, which debuted with fresh styling, new engine options, and a more technologically advanced interior. It's going to be a long wait for the next-generation version of the smaller Ford Ranger to arrive, however.

The new Ranger isn't expected to arrive until the 2022 model year at the earliest, so don't expect any major changes for the 2021 version. However, a leaked order guide obtained by Ford Authority has revealed exactly when the 2021 Ford Ranger will go on sale and enter production.

According to the order guide, the order books for the 2021 Ford Ranger will open on September 24, 2020, before production begins on December 7, 2020. As with previous models, the 2021 Ford Ranger will be built at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant alongside the new 2021 Ford Bronco.

Unfortunately, the order guide doesn't reveal if there will be any notable changes to the 2021, but we're expecting some minor updates such as new color options, standard equipment, and trim revisions. Powertrain options should carry over, so the only engine option to be a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four generating 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

This will change when the next generation arrives, however, which is expected to be sold with new powertrains including a plug-in hybrid option, but it hasn't been confirmed if the electrified version will be sold in America. According to Ford Authority's sources, the next-gen Ford Ranger will ride on a revised version of the Ford T6 platform that underpins the current model. This platform will also be used for the next-generation Volkswagen Amarok as part of Ford's partnership with Volkswagen that will see the two automakers join forces to build midsize pickup trucks and autonomous technology.

The next-generation Ford Ranger is expected to go on sale towards the end of 2022. Rumors also suggest the Ford Ranger Raptor will finally come to the US with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6.