The Ford Ranger has been around for 30 years
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck that has been around for about 30 years. Ford ended production of the pickup for North America in 2011, however, continued in other countries. Whilst the plant in Minneapolis closed, Ford in Argentina were working on the next model (the Ranger T6). It was also still being produced in Europe and in 2015 was the best-selling pickup truck. Here comes the 2019 Ford Ranger for North America.
2019 Ford Ranger Photo: Ford
With other manufacturers such as Chevrolet introducing the Colorado, GMC, the Canyon and Toyota still having the Tacoma in the mid-sized truck class, it’s no surprise Ford is returning with the Ranger. The new truck for North America is set for 2019, although it is planned to be released in China this year.
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- Photos: Ford
Trim levels on the 2019 model will be XL, XLT, and Lariat.
What features can we expect in the 2019 Ford Ranger?
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- Interior Photos: Ford
Overview
- 2.3L EcoBoost® engine
- 10-Speed Automatic transmission
- High-strength steel frame
- SuperCab and SuperCrew Cab configurations (half-size back doors and full-size back doors)
- Front and rear steel bumpers (frame-mounted)
- FX4 Off-Road package will be available (skid plates, upgraded tires, off-road tuned shocks, and suspension)
- Wide approach and departure angles (for off-roading)
- Terrain Management System™ and Trail Control™ available
- Electronic lockable rear axle
So it seems as though from those specs that there is going to be some good off-road features on the truck. Will it be enough to compete with the Colorado ZR2?
4WD Photo: Ford
It looks like the 2019 Ford Ranger will have all the latest in safety technology. Some of those features will depend on trim level.
Safety
- Adaptive Cruise Control (standard on Lariat trim level)
- Pedestrian detection (standard on Lariat)
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Keep Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- Reverse Sensing
- Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage (standard on XLT and Lariat)
- Available SYNC® 3 with Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto
- Ford + Alexa
- Navigation optional
Ford says the Ranger pickup will be specifically designed for the American market. It will be produced at the Michigan Assembly Plant later this year. The truck will be available for purchase in early 2019.
Tradition gear selector vs rotary dial Photo: Ford
Doug and Diane from Jackson, WY
“Ranger has always held a special place in the hearts of truck fans,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford executive vice president, Product Development, and Purchasing. This is evident in Doug and Diane, from Northern Wyoming, who have a 1994 Ford Ranger that they purchased in 1995. They chose to have Ranger based on the size and utility of the vehicle. Diane said, “A pickup is handy, it has held up well”. Both of them are avid outdoor enthusiasts, so the truck has most likely been put through its paces.
They said they have been waiting for the new Ranger to come out to replace theirs. Although, after hearing about the engine (2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost®) they aren’t so sure. They said they will have to find out more about the new Ranger but will also be looking into a Colorado (which currently has 3 engine choices including a diesel option). Ford has a diesel engine option about to be released in the next couple of months for the F-150. They have not released any info suggesting if they will put this diesel option in the Ranger or not.
https://youtu.be/P-XxdvBuJGw
Video: Ford
Ford F-150 What’s New for 2018
“Ford Ranger.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Jan. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Ranger.
OPSITNIK, Liz. “Ford to Stop Making Ranger Small Truck in December.” Cars.usnews.com, U.S. News & World Report, 23 June 2011
“AN AMERICAN FAVORITE REINVENTED: NEW FORD RANGER BRINGS BUILT FORD TOUGH INNOVATION TO U.S. MIDSIZE TRUCK SEGMENT.” An American Favorite Reinvented: New Ford Ranger Brings Built Ford Tough Innovation to U.S. Midsize Truck Segment | Ford Media Center, Ford, 14 Jan. 2018,
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