It’s back! The 2019 Ranger features a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, a 10-speed auto and an FX4 Offroad version.
The Ranger midsize pickup truck is being retired one year after confirmed that the nameplate would be returning to the U.S. Market. The new Ranger 2019 is an all-new design, specifically designed for the U.S. market. For some time, the Ranger was also offered in other forms overseas.
The 2019 Ranger’s overall silhouette is reminiscent of midsize pickups and the horizontal-bar grille on the front fenders makes it instantly identifiable as a Ford. The truck’s toughness is indicated by the flared fenders and the raked-back windshield. The Ranger logo is also stamped on the tailgate. The truck’s overhangs are deliberately minimal, as opposed to many rivals, in order to improve offroad approach and departure angles. SuperCab (half-rear doors) and SuperCrew (4 doors) versions of the Ranger will be available.
Ford describes the new model as being appealing to urbanites with a desire for the outdoors. He says it is designed for “people who combine city living with more off the-grid adventures on weekends.
Frame of the Ranger is made of high-strength, steels. Front and rear bumpers are also made of steel for strength. The Ford’s turbocharged, 2.3-liter inline four engine is under the hood. It is coupled with a ten speed automatic transmission. Although power ratings for this engine are not yet available, it can produce 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet in the 2018 Mustang.
Rear- and four-wheel-drive models both have Dana Trac-Lok diffs. An electrically locking rear diff can be found on all models, as well as standard on the FX2 or FX4 trims. FX4 Offroad package, which includes unique off-road shocks, tires, and steel skid plates, is the most versatile version. The Terrain Management System controller, which is based on the one found in the F150 Raptor also comes with it. It has Normal, Grass and Gravel, Snow, Mud, Ruts and Sand modes. A Trail Control feature is also available. It is a more sophisticated form of hill-descent control that allows drivers to set the speed at which the truck can manage with acceleration and braking. This frees off-roaders to concentrate on steering.
The interior of the Ranger can seat five people and features an optional touchscreen infotainment system with Ford’s Sync 3, as well as a pair color displays in its instrument cluster. Other features include a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, 115-volt outlets, a B&O Play soundsystem, navigation, and LED tail- and headlights.
The new Ranger comes in three trim levels: XL, XLT and Lariat. There are also two Chrome and Sport visual appearance options for dressing up the truck.
All Rangers are equipped with pre-collision braking. The XLT trim adds lane-keep assistance, blind-spot warning (which is useful when towing a trailer) and rear parking sensors. The Lariat, the top-tier Lariat, adds pedestrian detection to its active safety roster.
Michigan will see the 2019 Ford Ranger go into production “late in the year.” This means that it will be many months before we have all of the relevant specs, such as power, towing capacity, fuel efficiency, pricing, and so on. Midsize truck buyers who aren’t able to wait for the Ranger will be able to choose from almost half a dozen alternatives: the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins; the Toyota Tacoma; Honda Ridgeline; and even the aging Nissan Frontier.