January 27, 2018
Ford decided to bring the Ranger back to the mid-size pickup truck market for 2019. Using a model currently for sale overseas, Ford is hoping to attract buyers who want something practical but not too big to park.
The 2019 Ford Ranger features a unique ladder frame, an updated appearance and an entirely new interior. Truck buyers can choose between an extended cab or a crew cab. In addition to an off-road package, the 2019 Ranger offers optional goodies like automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Those who bring home this conveniently-sized pickup will appreciate that Ford equipped the truck with a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four engine as well as a 10-speed automatic transmission. The inline-four provides the added spunk that today’s drivers expect from their vehicles. Ford has yet to release the engine’s official power numbers, but the vehicle’s engine is close to the one that the car company uses in the Explorer, so reviewers are predicting that the Ranger’s engine will offer something like 300 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.
While the mid-size truck’s ladder frame is based on the model sold overseas, Ford modified it a bit for the domestic market. The U.S. version has been changed to offer owners a sturdy mounting area for the front and rear bumpers. Truck buyers can add an integrated trailer-hitch to the vehicle for towing.
The Ranger’s body features mostly steel manufacturing with an aluminum hood and tailgate as the exceptions. Meticulously tweaked to lighten and even out the panel gaps, the mid-size truck exhibits a sharp appearance likely to attract most truck buyers.
Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations will be available with the Ranger. Those who select four-wheel drive will enjoy shift-on-the-fly technology. It also allows them to select 2 High, 4 High and 4 Low driving options.
Ford is bringing out the Ranger in an FX2 and FX4 off-road models. These versions come with an electronically locking rear differential, dampers that feature tuning for off-road action and a steel front bash plate. The FX4 will also come with a Terrain Management System, giving owners an easier and safer way to take their four-wheel drive vehicle off-roading.
The Terrain Management System is already implemented in the Ford F-150 Raptor, giving drivers the choice of normal, sport, wet/snow, mud/sand, baja, and rock crawl. When these management systems are in use, they modify the throttle response, traction control, transmission shift point and stability control. The system also has the technology to emit torque and braking to each of the vehicle’s wheels, making it possible for the driver to direct his or her attention to the vehicle’s direction.
Ford intends to offer truck buyers eight different exterior color choices in addition to eight different wheel designs. The truck’s wheels will be available in 17-inch and 18-inch sizes. With options like LED headlights and taillights, as well as cargo lighting and puddle lamps, consumers have plenty of ways to make the Ford Ranger their own.
The Ranger has enough space to seat five people. An optional 8-inch center touchscreen infotainment system and navigation are available. Ford is also offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Ford Ranger is a mid-size truck that offers plenty of towing capacity, interior space, and cargo room. Its comfortable size is sure to appeal to those who have always owned a truck and to people who are considering buying their first one.