Flash Drive

2019 Ford Ranger

April 4, 2019 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2019 Ford Ranger SuperCrew XLT FX4 4×4 5’ Box

The new 2019 Ford Ranger pickup is a welcome return of a midsize pickup to the popular Ford truck line. A strong EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine gives it plenty of highway power.

Engine:2.3-liter twin-turbo I-4, 270-horsepower, 310 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 10-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 24-mpg highway, 22-mpg combined

Base Price: $34,115

As Tested: $41,625

Performance:

Impressive power for a 2.3-liter I-4

Smooth transmission, seamless shifts

The 2019 Ford Ranger XLT SuperCrew has a 7500 pound capacity with the tow package.

Smooth highway ride

Competent off-road and in snow with FX4 package

Shift-on-the-fly two-speed transfer case

Modes: 2 High, 4 High, and 4 Low

Terrain Management System modes: normal, snow, mud, sand

Locking rear differential in FX4 Off-Road Package

Good fuel economy: our best was 22.5-mpg combined (mostly highway)

7500 pound tow capacity with tow package

The handsome interior has outstanding front legroom.

1560-pound payload capacity

Lots of passive safety features

Comfort:

Super stretch-out front legroom both sides

Great shoe room under dashboard

Big dead pedal

Power front seats

Power lumbar support both front seats

Very comfortable front cloth seats

Heated front seats (3 temps)

Oversized, super soft headrests

Thick steering wheel with very good auxiliary controls

Ranger is designed for today’s midsize truck buyer who blends city living with off-the-grid adventure. The midsize pickup will deliver utility, capability and technology those customers want and need. Powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine and class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission, Ranger will deliver driver-assist technologies and connectivity features as well as best-in-class payload, gas towing and gas torque.

Five-passenger seating

Rear middle position snug for big adults

Ample adult legroom if front seats are up some

Utility:

5-foot bed on SuperCrew models, 6-foot on SuperCab

Cargo loops

Dual cargo lamps

Rear seat folds up for cargo flexibility

Open storage bins under rear fold-up seat

Locking tailgate

Protective caps for bed rails

A straight side view illustrates the 5-foot long bed on the SuperCrew model. The SuperCab model has a 6-foot bed.

Regular and maximum defroster choices

Large visors, but hard plastic

Medium door bins

One seatback pouch

WOW Factors:

Strong Ecoboost engine, especially for a four-cylinder

Very capable off-road and/or in bad weather

Outstanding front legroom

The 2019 ford Ranger is great in snow and on dirt roads when equipped with the FX4 Off-Road Package.

Comfortable seats

Whines:

No lift assist in tailgate

Very small rear pass-thru window

Awkward location for power mirrors control

Bottom Line:

The 2019 Ford Ranger marks the return of a midsize pickup to the Ford truck family. Interior space is great for four adults. The highway ride is smooth and almost car-like; off-road prowess is also excellent. The new Ranger is a combo of daily driver and weekend worker.