Pickup truck lovers around the world, Rejoice! The 2019 Ford Ranger is coming! This icon of the truck world has been missing since 2012, but it will make a resurgence in 2019. And it will be unrecognizable.
The Ford Ranger was one of the best-selling trucks in the compact truck market for years but was retired in 2012, at least in the North American market. The 2019 Ford ranger appears as though it has spent its last six years at the gym, buffing up and building some muscle. It is going to need all the muscle it can get to re-establish itself alongside the Toyota Tacoma, the GMC Canyon, and the Chevy Colorado. However, based on Ford’s exemplary track record with pickup trucks, it already has a good head start.
Take a look below at what we can expect out of the 2019 Ford Ranger in terms of engine power, safety features, infotainment towing and hauling. Of course, all of this is conjecture until the 2019 Ford Ranger starts actually performing again. But, we still see no conceivable problems with Ford’s performance.
The New Ranger – Engine
Presumably, Ford is slow rolling the 2019 Ford Ranger as far as engines go. It will come with just one engine option, a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that gets 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That doesn’t seem like much, but it will be able to out tow and outhaul any of the other V-6 engines in its class.
It is paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and is getting an EPA estimated 21 miles to the gallon city and 26 miles per gallon highway, for a combined rating of 23. That is already slightly better than its direct competitors. It will surely be interesting to see what improvements Ford will make in the engine department in the near future if any. We might have to wait for the next generation to be introduced if the 2019 Ford Ranger is already ahead of its competitors and hasn’t even been driven off the lot yet.
Capability – Towing and Hauling
If you opt for the extended cab version of the 2019 Ford Ranger, you are looking at a bed that is 72.8 inches. That translates to 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The crew cab option dips those numbers down to 61 inches in length and26.5 cubic feet. While those numbers are perfectly fine for hauling large objects or plenty of materials, the number that matters most is the 1,860 pounds it can haul in the cargo bed. That is already best in class, but you can bet that Ford will continue to tweak their numbers upward in the future.
As far as towing goes, the 2019 Ford Ranger is capable of towing up to 7,000 pounds. When compared to the other V-6 engines in this class, the 2019 Ford Ranger’s four-cylinder still outperforms them. The only engines that can tow more are optional diesel engines, and even then not by much, only a few hundred pounds.
Ford is also introducing a new towing technology to this new Ranger. They have located radar sensors in the taillights that monitor all the way down the length of whatever is being towed. This extends the blind spot monitoring safety feature to include any possible vehicles moving into blind spots where the trailer prevents direct sight. Now, you can tow more than Ford’s competitors and do it even more safely.
Enhanced Safety Features
Speaking of safety features, Ford once again puts loads of standard and optional safety features into the 2019 Ford Ranger. Among them are the usual suspects, such as lane departure warning, reverse sensing, lane keep assist and many more.
It also features traction control, which is a must-have for any off-roading types. This feature helps keep the 2019 Ford Ranger stable on uneven terrain or loose ground, such as dirt or gravel. When stability control is activated, the driver can concentrate on the driving and not on the road underneath him.
Another desirable feature on the 2019 Ford Ranger is the all-new Trail Control system. This feature works as kind of cruise control for off-roading. It maxes the Ranger’s speed out at 20 miles per hour, allowing the driver to focus on steering and handling the truck, rather than worrying about accelerating and braking. This feet-free approach to outdoor adventures will no doubt add an element of fun and freedom other pickup trucks cannot.
High Tech Infotainment
If you spend a lot of time in your truck, whether it be for a work commute or driving between job sites or frequent weekend excursions, you know that long periods of time driving can be monotonous. While you still want to maintain safety, you need a little something to keep you occupied.
The 2019 Ford ranger comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Regardless of which smartphone you prefer, you can integrate it into the Ranger’s infotainment center and have instant access to Spotify playlist or iTunes library.
The base infotainment center comes with an easy to navigate 3.5” touchscreen. However, you could also upgrade to a 4.2” or even the 8” touchscreen. This infotainment center gives you access to all the music or talk radio you need, as well as the available navigation to get you safely from one place to the next.
The 2019 Ford Ranger is BACK!
We are very excited about the return of this pickup truck, and what it means for the pickup truck market. Even without being on the road yet, the 2019 Ford Ranger is already setting the bar high for its competitors, especially in terms of towing and hauling capabilities.
The beefed up new look is miles from what the slim old Ford Ranger gave us. It has a strong, muscular look that is indicative of what it has on the inside. It certainly looks like it fits alongside the Toyota Tacoma, the GMC Canyon, and the Chevy Colorado. And based on what it has to offer on paper, it may very quickly take a commanding lead over the rest of its class.
If all of the features and performance aren’t enough to persuade you, take a quick look at the sticker. Starting at only $24,000 MSRP, the 2019 Ford Ranger is priced to move quickly. That’s lower than the Toyota Tacoma and right there alongside the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon.
Pickup truck lovers, especially diehard Ford fans, have sorely missed the Ford Ranger. The F-150 is an iconic truck, but it is just too much for some drivers. Not everyone needs the size and power (and accompanying price tag) that comes with such a large vehicle. The 2019 Ford Ranger is poised to reclaim the spot in the mid-sized truck market it left vacant in 2012, and not a moment too soon.
Take our word for it. As soon as your local Ford dealership has the 2019 Ford Ranger on its lot, be the first one in line to get a look at this resurrected pickup truck. Take a look at the new exterior design, all the interior features, and get all the latest info from the sales staff. They will be moving quickly, so don’t waste too much time.
