Ford recently invested $750 million into its Wayne, Michigan plant, where it will build the next-generation Ranger pickup truck and Bronco SUV. The current Ranger just returned to the US market as a 2019 model but has been sold in other markets since 2011, making it feel a bit dated in some respects. An all-new model will arrive in just a few years but before then, Ford is attempting to keep the current truck up-to-date.

A new FX2 off-roading package was recently added to the Ranger lineup as was a new winch-ready front bumper from ARB 4X4 Accessories. Now the Ranger will get a navigation feature called "Breadcrumbs," which will help drivers find their way back to the road following an off-road adventure.

The Breadcrumbs feature is available on Ranger XLT and Lariat trim levels with Sync3 and built-in navigation. Base XL models with the smaller, non-navigation screen won't include it for obvious reasons. As shown in the video (included above), Breadcrumbs creates a dotted line of "crumbs" on the navigation map by dropping a virtual ping every second. These dots can then be re-traced when driving on an unlisted road.

The feature is incredibly helpful when driving on unmarked trails when the navigation system can no longer provide turn-by-turn directions. Just turn the truck around and use the dotted line to follow your path back to civilization. This feature is not all-new, as it was featured on the original Ford F-150 Raptor and can be found on other Ford trucks with navigation installed.

If you do plan on using your Ranger for off-roading, we suggest opting for the FX4 package, which adds a locking rear differential and Terrain Management System. Sadly, Ford still has no plans to offer the Ranger Raptor in the US but we could get it once the next-generation Ranger arrives in a few years.