It’s been six long years that we’ve had to wait for the next version of the Ford Ranger to show up on North American soil. While the Ranger has carried on an international model, the fact is, this midsize pickup truck has been one that’s been built to handle the drive and be tough and rugged. Now that the midsize truck segment has grown to the size it should be once again, the team at Ford is ready to offer us this model as the truck we’re going to love to drive that’s also the right size for every day driving needs.
The new Ford Ranger that made its way across the stage in Detroit back in January, will be larger than the predecessor and be offered in two body styles. These bodies will be SuperCab and SuperCrew with no standard cab option at all. This makes sense since the midsize trucks offered on the market today and sold more often in crew and extended cab models than any other. there are also tow bed lengths that will be offered which are five and six feet and the payload is expected to lead the segment.
Qualities We’ll See When the Ranger Arrives
The new Ford Ranger will be offered initially with just one powertrain under the hood. This will be comprised of a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine attached to a ten-speed automatic transmission. This is the same powertrain that’s served well in the Mustang GT and Focus RS models. This powertrain should be good for over 300 horsepower and over 300 lb.-ft. of torque as conservative numbers considering the other two models that use this powertrain already offer outputs in both cases that are over the 300 number for the drive that needs to take place.
As you would expect, the Ranger will be offered with a 4WD option along with Dan Trac-Loc differentials, an electronically locking rear differential, frame-mounted skid plates, off-road tires, and an off-road set of shocks that can handle the tough and rough terrain you might find. The FX4 model will offer the benefits of a Terrain Management System that’s been adapted from the F-150 Raptor to offer four driver-select operating modes which are normal; grass, gravel, and snow; mud and ruts, and sand. These different features make it possible for you to have the control you need and the most fun you can have on these different surfaces.
The Ford Ranger that will be offered for the 2019 model year will show up in four trims. These are STX, XL, XLT, and Lariat to make sure you have the benefits of the features you want. Inside, the Ranger will give you the option of the Ford Sync 3 infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities along with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi system. When this new version of the Ranger arrives, it’s going to be a truck that’s certainly worth a look and one you should consider making the truck you love to drive.
Want something a little different? Opt for the powerful and classic Ford F-250.