This week we say hello to the 2019 Ford Ranger, after it being missing in action for the past six years. The new Ranger is a good alternative for those people who need a truck, but not a full-sized one.
As for the body configuration, you can get a SuperCab with a six-foot bed, or the SuperCrew with a five-foot bed. Ranger comes in three trim levels, the XL, the XLT, and the one I am reviewing, the top of the line Lariat.
All Rangers come with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine that is hooked to a 10-speed automatic. Together they put out 270-horses and 310-pound feet of torque. You can get it in a two-wheel drive or a 4-wheel drive. My tester is a two-wheel drive.
The Ranger looks tough with a fairly large grill, 18” wheels, good ground clearance, fog lamps, tow hooks, and large wheel well flares built into the body. It looks unique, not like just a shrunk down Ford F-150.
Moving to the inside of the cab, you find a clean, well laid out interior. I admit I expected a little more luxury in the Lariat, but it is not bad. There is quite a bit of plastic, but the dash is soft and stitched.
The gauges are easy to read and there are driver info readouts on both sides that are operated from the steering wheel. There is a fairly small center console and ahead of the gearshift is a large button to turn off the start/stop system, and another to turn on the trailer tow package, and you can also turn off the parking sensors and traction control. You’ll also find two USB ports and two 12-volt power outlets.
Center dash you’ll find the Sync 3 color touchscreen. You operate the sound system, climate, Bluetooth, navigation, a host of apps, and vehicle settings. One of the apps is TravelLink, which gives you real-time info on traffic, weather, sports scores, nearby fuel prices, and ski conditions. Years ago the original Sync system got off to a bad start, but today the system works great, it is quick, and extremely easy to operate.
Headroom is very good in the Ranger, and the seats are comfortable.
The back seat of the SuperCrew has good legroom and it has a fold down armrest. Three adults would be tight across the seat, but two adults and a child would be fine. You can fold the back of the seat down, or you fold the bottom of the seat up for more cargo area.
The Ranger Lariat comes well equipped with the Technology Package which has adaptive cruise control and navigation system. It also has LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights. It also has dual power heated seats, sliding rear window, lane keeping system, pre-collision warning with automatic braking, reverse sensors, keyless entry, and remote start.
Options run $4,575 and include: trailer towing package, the 18” wheels, a spray-in bed liner, and the Sport Appearance package.
Driving characteristics of the Ranger are very good, it rides better than I expected, the 10-speed shifts smoothly, and like the F-150, it is very quiet inside.
Fuel economy is 21 in town and 26 on the highway. Total MSRP as equipped is $40,155. If you don’t quite need a full-sized truck, and want something that is easier to park and drive, the 2019 Ranger is exceptional.
