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The wait is finally over, the 2019 Ford Ranger has made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The truck is making its first appearance back on US soil since 2011 and one that is well received by a large faithful following.
The Ford Ranger is back and better than before.
Production begins late this year at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant as customer demand is growing for midsize trucks. U.S. sales are up 83 percent since 2014 as a new generation of midsize truck buyers seek more maneuverable, fuel-efficient pickups.
“Ranger has always held a special place in the hearts of truck fans,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford executive vice president, Product Development and Purchasing. “The all-new Ranger is designed for today’s midsize truck buyer, delivering even more utility, capability, and technology for those who blend city living with more off-the-grid adventures on weekends.”
Under The Hood And More
Ford listened to what consumers wanted and it reflects in the design of the all-new truck. The 2019 Ranger is equipped with a proven 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, which makes it the only mid-size pickup to offer that transmission.
The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine features direct fuel injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger, and 16-valve design. In addition, the engine features a forged-steel crankshaft and connecting rods, and chain-driven dual overhead cams.
The Ranger nameplate stamped in the tailgate conveys strength, and the tailgate itself is designed to handle people and cargo.
“Ranger’s proven 2.3-liter EcoBoost provides a torque target on par with competing V6 engines, but with the efficiency of a four-cylinder,” said Thai-Tang. “When you pair that with its 10-speed transmission, you’ve got one of the most versatile, powerful and efficient powertrains in the segment.”
Ranger will have many different trim levels which include entry-level XL, mid-level XLT, and high-level Lariat trim series. There will also be Chrome and Sport appearance and FX Off-Road packages and in SuperCab or SuperCrew cab configurations.
The team over at Ford has taken a lot of what they have done with the F-series truck and brought it down into a smaller bite-size package. The Ranger features styling and performance both inside and outside, which means this truck should preform well both on the pavement and in the dirt.
Interior Styling
Ranger incorporates smart driver-assist, passenger convenience, and connectivity technologies. Advanced driver-assist technologies include standard Automatic Emergency Braking, while Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, a Reverse Sensing System and a class-exclusive Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage are standard on XLT and Lariat trim levels.
The interior on the all-new Ford Ranger looks as nice as any truck out on the market.
If electronics is more your style the Ranger will feature SYNC 3 which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Ford+Alexa personal assistant functionality, and optional navigation. Staying connected in today’s world is important and with FordPass Connect 4G LTE modem provides Wi-Fi access for up to 10 devices. The interior will also feature AC power outlets and USB outlets provide more options for passengers to connect.
Ranger Off-Road Capabilities
One of the largest crossovers from the F-150 can be seen in Ford’s attention to how many people nowadays hit the dirt with their truck. The FX4 Off-Road Package comes with off-road-tuned shocks, all-terrain tires, a frame-mounted heavy-gauge steel front bash plate, frame-mounted skid plates, and FX4 badging.
Ranger’s FX4 Off-Road Package features an innovative Terrain Management System similar to the F-150 Raptor’s. It includes four distinct drive modes – normal; grass, gravel and snow; mud and ruts; and sand. The system can shift on the fly to automatically change throttle responsiveness, transmission gearing, and vehicle controls to tailor traction, driveability, and performance to any given terrain or weather condition.
The Ranger takes many cues from its big brother F-150 and we will have to see if these features payoff in the mid-size market.
Something new in the FX4 package is Ford’s all-new Trail Control technology. This technology is very similar to cruise control for the highway but designed for low-speed, rugged terrain. Trail Control takes over acceleration and braking which helps send power and braking to each individual wheel to allow drivers to focus on steering along the course.
The Ranger has Dana AdvanTEK independent front and solid rear axles on both 2WD and 4WD models. It will also have an option for an electronic-locking rear axle (standard on FX2 and FX4) and four-wheel-drive versions will feature two-high, four-high, and four-low.
Altogether the Ford Ranger should be received very well and will make an impact on the already competitive mid-size truck market. We look forward to getting behind the wheel of the all-new 2019 Ford Ranger to see what the truck can really do. What are your thoughts on the 2019 Ford Ranger? Tell us in the comments below!
