It’s almost here… and we can’t flipping wait.
Ford has already started to tout the various amenities and capabilities that will be included in the brand-new 2019 Ford Ranger. While it’s going to take some time until this nameplate finally starts to hit dealership lots, you can’t blame us for anticipating the release.
Details are currently scarce, but we tried our best to hunt down some notable attributes of the upcoming pickup truck. In particular, we’ve been able to gather some details on the vehicle’s cosmetics, technology, safety, and (of course) power. While this doesn’t necessarily paint a full picture, you’ll already be able to understand why the 2019 Ford Ranger will be a ‘must-target’ when it finally hits the market.
Below, we’ve explored what we know about the exciting new pickup truck. While you’ll have to wait a while for the release, this at least lets you prepare for your inevitable pursuit of a 2019 Ford Ranger…
Update! Well here we are – the 2019 Ford Ranger is no longer just a distant dream of what’s to come, but now it’s a reality. Details are no longer scarce and now we have a full picture of just what this impressive mid-size pickup can do. Rather than remove what we told you about this truck last year, let’s instead look at what we now know the Ranger can do, and compare it to what the early buzz said to expect.
Sound like fun? Well I’m going to do it either way, so hopefully you think it’s as interesting an idea as I do. We’ll stick to what we originally said about the 2019 Ford Ranger last year and cover those same areas. Of course, you don’t have to just take my word for all of this. You can head to your local Ford dealership and see the Ranger for yourself and get an even better sense of what it has to offer.
But, if you’d rather read about it, then let’s have a look at each category we previewed and discuss the concrete details we now have, since we know more than we did nearly a year ago. Starting off with…
What We Know About The: Exterior
Similar to previous variations of the rugged pickup, the 2019 Ford Ranger will once again be one of the most eye-appealing offerings in the class. The nameplate’s tall, muscular stance allows it to stand out from the crowd, and the smooth curves may remind some of a luxury SUV. The Ranger is one of the most innovative vehicles in the industry, and the exterior plays a big role when it comes to this sentiment.
Update! Now that we’ve gotten a better look at this beauty, we can talk about a few more exterior details that really make the 2019 Ford Ranger stand out in the market. It has a fully boxed steel frame for solid power and toughness starting from the outside in. The Ranger also includes a steel front bumper and steel skid plates on the front to take any abuse for the truck and keep the body itself looking good. We also now know that Ranger 4x4s and XLT/Lariat trim level 4x2s feature tow hooks on the front, between the bumper and skid plates, that make it easier to latch onto the front of the truck and pull things as needed.
Predictably, the brand also allows customers to choose from a variety of alluring paint options. Whether you’re looking to transform your truck into an intimidating ride or a flashy commuter, that will be possible thanks to the various offerings. The paint options include:
- Saber (an orange/rust color)
- Lightning Blue
- Hot Pepper Red
- Absolute Black
- Magnetic (dark gray)
- Ingot Silver
- White Platinum
- Oxford White
Few owners will be pursuing the 2019 Ford Ranger for its style, but it’s still important to note that the pickup is going to be one sexy ride.
Update! These colors are all available now, though extra charges are required for some of them. We also now know there are two different cab configurations available, either a supercab or the longer supercrew, and that the overall length of the truck does not change between them – so the supercrew ends up with a foot less of box length behind it.
We’ve also seen the different packages available on each trim level of the 2019 Ford Ranger. The standard package looks great, but the available chrome package adds a lot of nice chrome touches including a chrome grille surround, bumpers, and the front tow hooks. We’ve also seen that the Lariat trim level includes LED headlamps, fog lamps, and taillamps – whereas the other trim levels feature halogen bulbs. There are also drop-in and spray-in bedliners available at every trim level, which we expected but it’s nice to see it confirmed.
What We Know About The: Performance
Of course, the 2019 Ford Ranger doesn’t solely focus on cosmetics. Rather, the real allure of the nameplate is the incredible power that’s lingering under the hood. The pickup has proven to be one of the most powerful offerings in the class, and that makes it the perfect worksite companion (or off-roading machine).
It starts with the incredible 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, which is expected to deliver around 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Accompanied by an intuitive, class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission, drivers can anticipate one of the smoothest driving experiences out there. Best of all, thanks to inclusions like the Auto Start-Stop technology and direct gasoline injection, drivers can anticipate optimal fuel efficiency… an attribute that often isn’t present in powerful trucks.
Update! Now that we know exactly what the 2019 Ford Ranger has going on under the hood, how does it stack up? Pretty close actually. The engine is a 2.3L EcoBoost beast paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The actual performance of this engine is just slightly off what was expected: it delivers up to 270hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. So just slightly less horsepower than we thought we would see, but the torque is right there.
And how about that fuel efficiency we were so excited about? We have some actual numbers from Ford and the EPA and they backup exactly what we expected. The 2019 Ford Ranger has a driving range of up to 414 miles on a single tank thanks to an estimated 21/26 mpg in the city and on the highway. That’s a combined fuel efficiency of about 23 mpg, which is truly impressive for a pickup truck with this kind of power under the hood. Speaking of power…
It doesn’t end there. Ford’s engineers added a number of mechanical components that will play a significant role in transforming the vehicle into an off-roading behemoth. The Off-Road Package is an excellent choice for those who are expecting to take their pickup off the beaten path, as the accompany skid plates, all-terrain tires, and status screen will assure that your truck completes the journey unscathed. The innovative Trail Control technology adapts the mechanics to better accommodate the odd terrain, while the Terrain Management System will adapt itself to whatever obstacle comes your way (whether that’s grass, mud, sand, or snow).
Finally, the Electronic Locking Differential assures that you remain in control of your pickup truck at all times. Especially useful in low-speed situations, the unit will assure that your pickup is maintaining a proper grip of the road or path. That way, you can better enjoy your adventure (instead of worrying about any impending issues).
Update! Just as we thought, the Off-Road Package gives you pretty much everything you need to take the road less traveled and get to your destination safely. That includes a steel bash plate that protects the radiator and other underside components, in addition to excellent overall clearance. With the Off-Road Package, the 2019 Ford Ranger has an approach angle of 28.7 degrees, a departure angle of 25.4 degrees, and a breakover angle of up to 21.5 degrees.
If you’re interested in trailering (and who isn’t?) with the 2019 Ford Ranger, then there’s good news there too. Thanks to that powerful engine and solid design, the Ranger has a maximum towing capacity of up to 7,500 lbs. when properly equipped and a maximum payload of up to 1,860 lbs. So not only can this beast go pretty much anywhere, but it can take everything you need with you along the way.
What We Know About The: Safety
We understand if you’re a bit apprehensive about taking control of such a powerful ride. Well, you’ll be happy to learn that there won’t be any reason to worry when you’re behind the wheel of the 2019 Ford Ranger. After all, the engineers did an admirable job of equipping the pickup truck with a number of notable safety functions, assuring that you’ll always remain out of harm’s way.
For instance, the Blind Spot Information System will provide you with an extra set of eyes, alerting you of any fellow drivers who may have snuck up beside you. Plus, thanks to the class-exclusive trailer coverage alerts, you’ll never have to worry about the status of your hauled goods. Meanwhile, the Lane-Keeping System is the perfect co-pilot, as it eliminates any drifting. That way, if you happen to lose focus when you’re traveling, you can be guaranteed that the Ford Ranger has your back.
Update! Good news: the safety features are everything we expected and more. In addition to those features we already talked about, there is also a Dynamic Hitch Assist included with the rear vision camera to make it easier to align with a trailer. The windshield wipers also include an automatic mode that allows them to come on automatically when rain is detected. And the Forward and Reverse Sensing Systems emit an audible alert when objects are detected near the vehicle as it travels at low speeds, which works when going forward and in reverse.
The Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection will be appreciated when you’re traveling in the city or on a trail. This technology will detect when a crash is impending, and it can apply the brakes to reduce (or prevent) the collision. Finally, the Adaptive Cruise Control allows you to take a brief break from driving without completely compromising safety. The unit will maintain your set speed, but it can decelerate based on the flow of traffic.
Update! One especially nice safety touch is the Terrain Management System, included in the aforementioned Off-Road Package. This system lets you easily choose between different pre-designed modes to adjust the responsiveness and control of the 2019 Ford Ranger to different conditions. This makes it easy to stay in control of your truck when you pass from normal roads to gravel or move from sand into a muddy area. It works seamlessly and lets you easily make manual adjustments to match whatever is going on outside the truck.
What We Know About The: Technology
Similar to any of Ford’s vehicles, we can only assume that the Ranger will be equipped with a number of technological amenities. This includes an easy-to-use touchscreen, which will allow you to choose whatever application your heart desires (including satellite radio and an extensive navigation unit). The brand hasn’t released any details on this specific inclusion, but we can only assume it will be featured in the 2019 Ford Ranger.
Update! No need for assumptions anymore, we know exactly what comes included in terms of technology and what is available. There is an available 8-inch touchscreen in the center stack, which comes standard in the Lariat trim level, and includes support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is also a productivity screen included in the instrument panel, with dual screens included at the Lariat trim level. Not to mention numerous USB ports for charging or connectivity and available Navigation and HD radio.
However, the brand has clued us into several technological amenities. Specifically, the Wi-Fi hotspot will truly transform your pickup into the perfect worksite truck. With the ability to connect up to 10 devices, you can rely on your vehicle for a strong wireless internet connection wherever you go. That way, if you ever have to access the internet during the workday, you won’t have to go hunting around for a restaurant or café. Instead, you can find a parking spot and start sending out those emails.
Update! Wi-Fi is nice, but what about the sound system? Well, now we know there’s an available Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker sound system for an incredible musical experience inside (and outside) of the 2019 Ford Ranger. The Lariat trim level includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and leather details throughout the interior.
You can even use the FordPass app with the Ranger to connect to it via your smartphone or similar device. This lets you find your vehicle in a crowded parking lot, check how much fuel you still have, lock and unlock the doors, and even start the engine. What better way to deal with a cold morning than to get your truck running and warming up without even leaving your house? Sounds pretty good to me.
So there it is. As you can see, the 2019 Ford Ranger delivered on everything we expected from it and then some. It turns out that sometimes reality can exceed expectations!
