Many buyers were excited when they heard that the Ford Ranger would return to the U.S. market in 2019. Before that, the last generation of Ford Rangers sold in America was in 2011. Many wondered if the vehicle would live up to the acclaim that it had earned before being pulled from the North American market. Consider these facts, and decide for yourself.
Ford Ranger Engine and Powertrain
The only engine choice in the Ford Ranger is the 2.3-liter turbo-four engine. It delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
You can find two-wheel and four-wheel-drive versions. Rear-wheel drive with an open differential comes as standard equipment, but you can find options with electronic locking differentials. The front suspension is a short and long-arm independent and tubular stabilizer bar while the rear suspension features a Hotchkiss-type non-independent life leaf springs and outboard shock absorbers.
Ford Ranger Towing Capacity
The Ford Ranger is capable of towing up to 7,500 pounds with a trailer hitch installed. A ball hitch comes as standard equipment on the Lariat trim level while you can find it on other trim levels when the towing package has been added.
Ford Ranger Seating
You will love the upright seating in the Ford Ranger. When compared to other trucks in its size range, it is much more like sitting on a chair than on the living room sofa, where you have to keep your feet spread out in front of you. Depending on the exact configuration, this vehicle can haul three or four passengers plus the driver.
The driver and front-seat passenger enjoy 39.8 inches of front headroom, 55.8 inches of front hip room, and 43.1 inches of legroom. Rear seat passengers have 39.8 inches of front headroom, 53.5 inches of hip room, and between 30.4 and 34.5 inches of legroom. The SuperCrew features half doors if you usually do not haul passengers. Meanwhile, the SuperCab has full-size doors.
Ford Ranger Cargo Bed Area
The amount of cargo that the truck can holds depends on the exact vehicle configuration. The SuperCrew 4×2 and the SuperCrew 4×4 have a cargo capacity of 43.3 cubic feet. The SuperCrew 4X2 has a maximum payload of 1,770 pounds while the maximum payload in the SuperCrew 4X4 is 1,560 pounds. The SuperCab has a 6-foot truck bed while the SuperCrew has a 5-foot bed.
Ford Ranger Safety Equipment
Each Ford Ranger truck comes with Ford’s CoPilot-360 program, featuring many safety features. These include lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, pre-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera.
Ford Ranger Technology
Once inside the Ford Ranger, you will find a B&O sound system, high-definition radio, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, each vehicle comes with FordPass Connect, which allows you to start, lock, and do other simple operations from your smartphone.
Trim Levels in the Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger comes in three different trim levels. Each has the same engine and transmission. One key difference you will note is that the tires get bigger as the luxury level improves, but each Ford Ranger comes with all-season tires.
Ford Ranger XL
The Ford Ranger XL comes in either a 4×2 or a 4×4 version in six different colors. It has a black front and rear bumper although options are available with a chrome bumper. Ford also offered an optional chrome accent package. This trim level rides on 16-inch alloy wheels. The floors inside the vehicle are black vinyl.
At this trim level, only a basic six-speaker AM/FM radio is included. There is one USB port for charging devices. Additionally, the vehicle can be used as a 4G hotspot. You are sure to love the rearview camera when it is time to back up, especially if you are pulling a trailer.
Ford Ranger XLT
The Ford Ranger XLT is available as either a 4×2 or a 4×4. In addition to the five color choices available at the XL level, a red version is available. The front-and-rear bumpers at this level match the pickup’s body color. Additionally, fog lights and a carbon-mesh grill are added at the XLT level.
One feature that you are sure to love is the power liftgate as it makes putting up and down the tailgate as easy as hitting a button. Especially if you live in a warmer climate, you will appreciate that the back window is tinted a darker color as it will keep some of the heat from building up inside the vehicle. Ford also offered dual climate control at this trim level. Unlike the XLT trim level, this one rides on 17-inch tires.
Once you get inside the XLT, you will discover that it is carpeted throughout. It also has more room for your daily accessories with a storage bin that has been added under the rear seats. Take advantage of the rearview camera to help you safely back up the vehicle.
Ford Ranger Lariat
The Ford Ranger Lariat has the same engine, transmission, and suspension system as the lower trim levels. The company chose to add one new color choice at this level and increase the tire size to 18 inches. The larger tires allow this truck to sit a little further above the ground, so if you often encounter rougher conditions, it may be the right choice. This trim level gets more silver added around the grille. Other body parts, such as the door handles, are painted to match the pickup’s colors.
The Lariat has several changes inside that will make you want to consider this trim level. The ride becomes even more comfortable because of the leather-wrapped bucket seats, and the front seats are heated. Additionally, this is the only trim level to offer power-adjustable seating. The steering wheel is also wrapped in leather. This trim level also gets a push-button start and Intelligent Access.
If you like to use your pickup for fun, this may be the right trim level because you can get Ford’s terrain management system, which allows you to easily tweak the vehicle’s performance based on your current driving conditions from four different settings. Furthermore, Ford has included a ball hitch on the back bumper.
The Verdict
If you love a small pickup truck, then definitely take a look at the Ford Ranger. Reintroduced to the North American market in 2019, this pickup’s engine, suspension, and transmission make it a fun truck to drive around the city. Then, when you are ready to have fun, it can tow your camper, boat, or horse trailer weighing up to 7,500 pounds to your favorite hobby destination.
If you are looking for a basic pickup that is easy to keep clean, consider the XL as it has no carpet. On the other end of the spectrum, you will get the most luxurious ride out of the Lariat. You will love the power liftgate on the XLT and Lariat.
The Ford Ranger is back, and many think that it’s better than ever, but don’t be afraid to see for yourself!
