Mid-size Ranger is larger, more refined pickup with advanced technologies
New-generation Ford Ranger The Ford Ranger is returning, but don’t expect this 2019 iteration to be at all like the popular little pickup that dominated the compact truck segment until it was discontinued in 2012. This new-generation Ranger has grown up. It’s now a larger, more refined pickup with advanced technologies to assist the driver on road and off, plus the latest connectivity features and high-tech safety systems that consumers are expecting. Here are 30 reasons to like what you see. ▲
Better able to compete with rivals The new Ford Ranger is aimed at competitors such as the Toyota Tacoma (which has been the top-selling nameplate in the mid-size pickup segment since the American Big Three abandoned the category), as well as the new General Motors twins –Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. ▲
Blend urban and off-the-grid lifestyles Manufacturers’ interest in the mid-size pickup market has perked up as sales in the segment have nearly doubled in recent years. These buyers seek to blend their urban lifestyles with more off-the-grid adventures in their spare time; and they’re looking for even more utility than SUVs and CUVs offer, plus additional capability and the latest technology – all checkpoints the new Ranger has been designed to deliver. ▲
Bigger, better, more expensive Ford sold millions of the previous-generation Ranger, which made its debut as a 1983 model, because it was an affordable way to have your own vehicle. Pricing wasn’t steep, and insurance was reasonable, too. Besides, it also had a practical side. In those days before the SUV/crossover craze started to gain traction, you could toss a few bags of peat moss into the Ranger bed, for example, and not worry about messing up the carpet in your passenger car. It was a fun machine, perfect for tailgating or weekend outdoor adventures. ▲
Perfect for suburban driveways The new Ranger is again a perfect fit for a suburbanite’s driveway (where a full-size F-150 is too much truck), like its smaller predecessor. I speak from experience, because I bought a 2003 Ranger Edge SuperCab, complete with a 154-horsepower, 3.0-litre V-6, 5-speed automatic and snappy-looking flared rear fenders. In fact, I still drive Little Red and it has yet to roll over the 100k mark. The new Ranger has matured into a competent mid-size truck with more power, technology and capabilities than its predecessor. Of course, its price has grown as well. ▲
Single powertrain does the job All 2019 Rangers are powered by a 16-valve, double overhead cam, 2.3-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder with aluminum block and head, coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission, regardless of the body style. Ranger chief engineer Rick Bolt says, “the 2.3 is the right engine for this truck, delivering both power and fuel economy.” ▲
Engine borrowed from Mustang It’s the same powertrain you’ll find under the hood of the 4-cylinder Mustang, although the tuning has been altered to deliver more grunt from low revs through the mid range. The Ranger’s turbocharged 4-cylinder is rated at 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Mustang’s 310 and 350, respectively. Ford says the Ranger’s torque output outpaces any other gas-powered mid-size truck. ▲
Power for all demands During a couple of days of driving several models, I didn’t find the Ranger to be lacking in power whatsoever. It had adequate jump on launch, smoothly stepped up the pace to meet merging and passing demands, and cruised quietly whether there was load in the bed or not. ▲
Power to tackle all obstacles On the off-road course, there was plenty of power to tackle all the obstacles and challenges it faced. The 10-speed transmission shifted smoothly and never got lost finding the appropriate cog. It is a well-engineered gearbox that truly makes the most of the 4-cylinder’s output. ▲
Redesigned to suit us If you’re thinking, as I was, that this Ranger is simply a somewhat revised version of the model Ford has been selling globally, we’d be wrong. While some exterior panels are shared with the global version, this Ranger has been significantly redesigned from bumper to bumper for the North American market. ▲
Suited to North American needs The frame, for example, has been beefed up to a rugged high-strength steel unit and a steel bumper has been added to the front end. Among the other changes, driver-assist and additional safety technologies have been added, the powertrain is exclusive to this iteration and the interior has been redesigned to better suit North American requirements. ▲
Simplified lineup For Canadians, the range of model and trim choices has been limited, compared to offerings in the US. There are two cab/box styles available – the SuperCab with a 6-foot box and the SuperCrew, which has a 5-foot box. It’s expected the latter will be the model of choice for most Ranger buyers. ▲
Three trim levels; two bodystyles Three trim levels are offered here – the base XL, which is only available as a SuperCab; the mid-range XLT, which can be fitted with either the SuperCab or SuperCrew format; and the premium-grade Lariat, which is only available as a SuperCrew. Four-wheel drive is standard across the Canadian lineup. ▲
Dressing it up Several exterior upgrades, including Sport and Chrome appearance packages, are offered to enable owners to individualize their vehicle. There are also technology, trailer towing and bed utility packages available. An extensive array of outdoor adventure accessories has also been developed for the Ranger by Yakima, including bed racks to carry kayaks and paddleboards, hitch mounts for bike carriers – and even a tent package for sleeping under the stars. ▲
Functional and stylish features Additional available features include LED headlamps and taillamps, puddle lamps and lighting for the cargo bed, as well as Ford’s available Smart Trailer Tow connector, which alerts drivers to faulty trailer connections. ▲
Comfortable overall; tight in rear I found the Ranger’s cabin comfortable and roomy, with the front seats providing plenty of support. Things get a bit tighter in the rear, however. With the SuperCab, there are two forward-facing seats (rather than the flip-down side-facing seats in my older Ranger.) ▲
Room for five The rear seatbacks are very upright and legroom is snug – not a place where I’d want to spend much travel time. The rear bench in the 4-door SuperCrew provides more room and comfort, expanding the cabin’s capacity to five people, although four adults would be most comfortable. ▲
Touchscreen controls The instrument panel layout is dominated by an 8-inch full-colour touch screen positioned atop the centre stack. The screen provides controls for the available SYNC 3 system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and the available navigation system. ▲
Twin screens for better displays The instrument cluster in front of the driver has twin LCD screens that deliver real-time vehicle, navigation and audio information. There’s also an available FordPass Connect 4G LTE modem that provides Wi-Fi access for up to 10 devices. If you’d prefer to pump your tunes through a premium audio system, a B&O PLAY system specially tuned for the Ranger cab is available. ▲
Safety first Advanced driver-assist technologies include standard automatic emergency braking, which worked well when my driving partner and I encountered a late, no-look lane change on the interstate highway. ▲
Class-exclusive safety features Other safety-related assist features include lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, reverse sensing and a class-exclusive blind spot system that monitors not only the truck but a trailer as well. The trailer coverage is standard on XLT and Lariat models. Additional driver-assist technologies standard on Lariat include pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control. ▲
Riding high The Ranger rides on an independent short- and long-arm suspension system with a tubular stabilizer bar up front and a non-independent Hotchkiss-type system in the rear with leaf springs and outboard-mounted shock absorbers. I did find the ride quality with the FX4 off-road setup a bit harsh at first, but quickly got used to its firmness. ▲
Stable and confident even when pushed Generally, the Ranger rode well over a variety of road surfaces, feeling stable and confident even when pushed hard through some twisty mountain roads. Off road, the Ranger readily soaked up the rough stuff on the trails. ▲
Off-road ready The Ranger proved to be more than capable of taking on the challenges of off-roading during my time with the truck. Its design has resulted in short overhangs with favorable approach and departure angles – I pounded through some serious dips and never scratched the front or rear end. Decent ground clearance, too, has been built into the Ranger, with 4-wheel-drive models having a minimum of 226 mm of clearance. ▲
Improved all-terrain traction Power is distributed through Dana Trac-Lok differentials with an available electronic-locking rear differential (included in the FX4 package) for increased all-terrain traction. Drivers have the choice of engaging 2-wheel high, 4-wheel high or 4-wheel low. ▲
Taking on the rough stuff If you’re anticipating off-road runs with your Ranger, you’d be smart to opt for the FX4 Off-Road Package. The upgrade, which may be the best $1,400 you’ll spend to go confidently where few have travelled, includes specially tuned shocks, all-terrain tires and most importantly, a frame-mounted heavy-gauge steel front bash plate and frame-mounted skid plates. ▲
Drive modes help master terrains The package also includes Ford’s Terrain Management System. It’s similar to the technology used in the F-150 Raptor, with four drive modes – normal; grass, gravel and snow; mud and ruts; and sand. You can shift it on the fly to automatically change throttle responsiveness, transmission gearing and vehicle controls to suit the terrain or weather conditions. ▲
Trail Control technology Additionally, the FX4 package includes Ford’s all-new Trail Control technology. It’s like cruise control, but it’s designed for low-speed, rugged terrain. I found the system very effective on the off-road course as it took over acceleration and braking duties. It directs power and braking to each individual wheel and the speed can be altered by simply using the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel. ▲
Towing, payload capacities The Ranger’s towing capacity is 3,402 kg, while its payload capacity ranges from 708 kg for the SuperCrew 4X4 to 844 kg for the SuperCab 4×2. For comparison, my old Ranger’s towing capacity was 2,658 kg and its maximum payload was 571 kg. The new Ranger’s cargo capacity is 1,226 litres for SuperCrew’s 5-foot box and 1,467 litres for the 6-footer in SuperCab models. ▲
Fuel efficiency NR Canada fuel consumption ratings for the Ranger are 11.8 L/100 km in city driving, 9.8 on the highway and combined. The recommended fuel is 87 octane (regular grade.) ▲
Pricing Pricing for the 2019 Ranger starts at $30,969 for the XL SuperCab 4×4 and climbs up to the premium Lariat SuperCrew 4×4 at $42,289. A mid-range XLT SuperCrew 4×4 starts at $37,339. Destination and delivery fees are $1,800 for all models. Built at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, it goes on sale early in 2019. ▲
Keyword: FIRST DRIVE: 30 reasons to like what you see in new Ford Ranger