2019 Ford Ranger

Does anyone remember the Ford Ranger, you know, the truck that Ford introduced to replace the Ford Courier produced in Japan by Mazda. Even with the Chevrolet S-10 was introduced a year earlier the Ford Ranger would go on to become the best selling compact truck in the United States from 1987 – 2004. Everyone you knew had a Ford Ranger and it was a really good looking truck. I drove a few when I was a teenager and they really drove great. I was a very good, solid and relaible truck at the time. I preferred the stick shift option myself when I was younger. From 2004 – 2011 sales would start to go down because, of the popularity of the Tacoma and Frontier. It was reported in the summer of 2011 that production would cease later that same year. The last Ranger produced by Ford in the St. Paul plant would roll off the line on December 16, 2011. 2011 was the last model year of retail Ranger sales, while 2012 was the final model year of fleet sales. That all changed in 2015 when reports started circulating that Ford would bring the Ranger back as early as 2018. Finally Ford would unveil the all-new 2019 Ford Ranger at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It would be exactly one yearafter it was announced  by Ford that they were bringing back The Ranger after an eight-year absence.

The much anticipated Ford Ranger is returning to the North American market with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, and a suite of Ford’s latest technologies. Ford is packing the 2.3L EcoBoost engine in the Ranger with a twin scroll turbocharger and 16 valve design. 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. When you pair that with its 10-speed transmission, you’ve got one of the most versatile, powerful and efficient powertrains in the segment. Production of the mid-size truck, which can seat up to five people, will begin later this year at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant, according to the automaker. Ford decided to bring the Ford Ranger back partly due to increased customer demand in the mid-size truck market, which has seen an increase in U.S. sales by 83% since 2014. We expect to learn more about the 2019 Ford Ranger towing, fuel economy and horsepower later this year.

There are three 2019 Ranger trim levels, two cab configurations and multiple appearance and off road packages. “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.” 

• 2019 Ford Ranger XL
• 2019 Ford Ranger XLT
• 2019 Ford Ranger Lariat

The three available trim grades: XL, midlevel XLT, and a high-level Lariat trim series. It will include FX Off-Road packages and in SuperCab or SuperCrew cab configurations. The FX4 Off-Road Package provides additional trail capability and includes a terrain management system that offers four distinct driving modes: normal; grass, gravel and snow; mud and ruts; and sand. The new Ranger available in SuperCab or SuperCrew cab versions. The Ranger SuperCab comes with a 6-foot carbo box and the SuperCrew with a 5-foot cargo box. Buyers can choose from Chrome and Sport appearance packages and a FX Off Road package.

Overall Ford is making the 2019 Ranger to handle off road driving. Ford did not share exact specs, but states the Ranger prioritizes ground clearance to help clear obstacles. If you opt for the FX4 Off Road Package you get off road shocks, all terrain tires, frame-mounted heavy-gauge steel front bash plate, frame-mounted skid plates and FX4 badges. Ford includes a new Terrain Management System that is similar to the one we tested in the Raptor. This system can switch between normal; grass, gravel and snow; mud and ruts; and sand on the fly to change the throttle responsiveness and the traction. You’ll also find the all-new Trail Control technology that controls the acceleration and braking to each wheel to deliver better control and allow you to focus on steering. This is essentially off-road cruise control and it’s a feature we are looking forward to testing.

The revived Ranger includes a center stack with an eight-inch touchscreen that features Ford’s SYNC 3 system. Available SYNC 3 features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Ford+Alexapersonal assistant functionality and optional navigation, Ford said. Also available are AC power outlets that allow for charging of laptops and USB outlets, and an available FordPass Connect 4G LTE modem that provides Wi-Fi access for up to 10 devices. Available driver-assist technologies include standard automatic emergency braking, while lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, a reverse sensing system and blind spot information system with trailer coverage are standard on XLT and Lariat trim levels. Additional features include optional LED headlamps and tail lamps. Optional exterior lighting includes puddle lamps and lighting for the cargo bed, while Ford’s available Smart Trailer Tow connector alerts drivers to faulty trailer connection, the automaker said.

Ford had sold the earlier iteration of the Ranger in the U.S. in the 1983 to 2012 model-years. Their best selling year was 1999 where 348,000 vehicles were sold and the final year of production was a little over 70,000. The last Ford Ranger built in the U.S. was a fleet order for Orkin Pest Control, which had adopted the Ranger as a mainstay vehicle before shifting to the Tacoma. The truck became a popular choice for pest-control fleets and smaller fleets in general due to its affordability. 

The 2019 Ford Ranger release date is not confirmed for a specific date by Ford, but production starts later this year. With that in mind we should see the 2019 Ranger arrive in dealers in late 2018. Ford did not announce or even hint at the 2019 Ford Ranger price, but you can expect it to be in line with other mid-size pickups. Comparable to other trucks in it’s class like the best selling Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier. We also have to include the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon. With this in mind it would make sense to see the 2019 Ford Ranger XL start around $25,000 to $27,000 and to see higher trim levels go up to above $40,000. 

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