The 2019 Ford Ranger debuts as the top dog of midsize trucks with excellent tech and ride quality. The new Ranger is not a miniature version of the F-150, nor is it just an Australian-market pickup lightly modified for American crash standards. Still, there are some bright points to this bland interior. During the first three generations â in production from 1983 through 2011 â Ford sold more than 7 million Rangers. team. Interior materials are middling and real-world fuel economy suffers. It's been eight long years since Ford sold a new Ranger in the United States. A Terrain Management system has settings for grass, gravel, and snow; another for mud and ruts; and a sand setting. Our car experts choose every product we feature. Check specs, prices, performance and compare with similar cars. For 2019, the Ford Ranger sets itself up to continue infiltrating the market. Plus, it's got some great driving tech you won't find on other midsize trucks. The big change pertains to the powertrain and the updated model marks the debut of all-new 2.0-litre bi-turbo and single-turbo diesel engines. The bonus for this vehicle is the lack of bulk which a full size Ford has. We ⦠2019 Toyota Tacoma: Not an ideal daily driver. With four-wheel drive, the Ranger is rated at 22 mpg combined, while the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma offer anywhere from 17 to 20 mpg. But thanks to the pickup gods, it's back -- and it was well worth the wait. The V6 engines found in the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins offer more horsepower, but the turbocharged EcoBoost offers more torque. Road Test: 2019 Toyota Prius C Technology . FORD models: The Ranger has the latest driver-assistance features including lane-departure warning and assist, blind-spot monitors with trailer coverage, and automated emergency braking. And as far as I'm concerned, it's definitely the one to get. The Ranger never hunts for the right gear, either. The new Ford Ranger excels across the board with its strong powertrain and superior towing/hauling capabilities. Our car experts choose every product we feature. There are a number of driving aids on offer, too, including blind-spot monitoring that can see the length of the truck and a trailer. The resurrected Ranger returns to the states to claim its share of the popular mid-size-pickup market. December 28, 2018. It'll downshift when needed and upshift for fuel economy, but it's not constantly swapping cogs like some other 10-speed units. The Ranger has best-in-class towing capability, rated at 7,500 pounds. View all 75 consumer vehicle reviews for the 2019 Ford Ranger on Edmunds, or submit your own review of the 2019 Ranger. Yes, the Ford Ranger is a good truck. A uniquely capable off-roader, albeit with minimal drama in the engine department. It has plenty of get up and go, even with the 4 cylinder engine. The Ranger has some of the most comfortable front seats of any pickup, and the heat function does not quit. 1 of 8. The new Ranger returns with turbocharged power, strong towing and hauling capabilities and some tech features you won't find anywhere else in the midsize pickup class. The Ranger is currently available in XL, XLT or Lariat trims, in either SuperCab configuration with a 6-foot bed, or larger SuperCrew with a 5-foot bed. Research the 2019 Ford Ranger at cars.com and find specs, pricing, MPG, safety data, photos, videos, reviews and local inventory. Both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations are available, but no matter which you choose, you're locked into one engine: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost I4, good for 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Tick every option box and you can spend well over $40,000 for this truck. The Ford Ranger is all new this year. 2017 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x: Keeping it basic. The Only 2019 Ford Ranger Review That Matters Real-world experience in the hands of an expert who drives the Ranger off-road every single day Driving the Ranger ⦠We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Base Rangers come standard with just one USB port, but higher trims add one more to the party. 2019 Ford Ranger Ratings and Reviews; Ford Ratings, Reviews and Awards (Lower-spec Rangers make do with the base Sync system on a smaller screen.) Ford Ranger Wildtrak X 2018 UK review. Behind the wheel, the Ranger drives, well, like a truck. Power gets to the pavement via a 10-speed automatic transmission -- sorry, do-it-yourself shifters, a manual transmission isn't available. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. The 2019 Ford Ranger has 58 problems & defects reported by Ranger owners. 2019 Ford Ranger pricing starts at $24,300, not including $1,095 for destination, for an XL SuperCab 4x2. That said, you'd think the 10-speed automatic would help improve fuel economy, but that's hardly the case. As for other power ports, the Ranger has two 12-volt outlets up front, and another one in back. The beloved Ford truck has been missing in action since 2011, but it rises from the ashes with modern-day styling inside and out. 2019 Ford Ranger. Conner Golden writer The Manufacturer photographer. The EPA rates my two-wheel-drive Ranger at 23 miles per gallon combined, which is a class-leading number. Popular searches. We could get around in tight places, whether is was in the woods or Fred Meyers parking lot. All-New 2019 Ford Ranger First Drive Review - Consumer Reports All-New 2019 Ford Ranger Is a Modest-Sized Truck With Attitude But big price for this pickup is hard to swallow By Jeff S. Bartlett Before delving deep into what the 2019 Ford Ranger is, letâs take a second to say what it isnât. Changes for 2019. Aesthetically speaking, there are some slight trim changes both inside and out. The system adjusts ABS, stability, and traction-control settings as well as throttle and transmission mapping. Like all good things, it was definitely worth the wait. This 2020 Truck of the Year finalist returns to the U.S. after nearly a decade Ford Ranger Raptor 2019 review. Pickup Review: 2019 Ford Ranger. Lest you forget the model of your truck, there it is stamped right on the tailgate. The Bottom Line The 2019 Ford Ranger debuts as the top dog of midsize trucks with excellent tech and ride quality. Should you want to get your truck dirty, the Ranger FX4 offers a terrain management system, skid plate protection and off-road specific tires and suspension. Newest vehicle in our household. Inside, the Ranger is pretty meh. If you are looking for a different perspective on the 2019 Ford Ranger, then look no further! Starting at. A ten-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive is standard and offers 8.4 inches of ground clearance; four-wheel-drive versions have 8.9 inches. Power evaluated a Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCrew equipped with Package 501A, the Chrome Appearance Package, the Trailering Package, a spray-in bedliner, and chrome running boards. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. 2019 Ford Ranger: Power, payload and towing specs The U.S. Rangers also get hydraulic engine and cab mounts. This makes it a little more roly-poly while cornering on-road, but a whole lot better off the beaten path. The onboard Wi-Fi picks up signal even where my phone fails to find service. In terms of suspension, the setup has been completely revised with the goal of improving the Ranger's on-road refinement and handling. The Bad Interior materials are middling and real-world fuel economy suffers. For some buyers, the Ranger's capabilities might make them think twice about the larger F-150. The entry-level Ranger XLT dual-cab ute with the 3.2-litre turbo-diesel engine and six-speed manual transmission is ⦠My tester, meanwhile -- an XLT SuperCrew 4x2 -- comes in just above $30,000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Just in time for Ford to stop selling cars in the US, save for the Mustang, the 2019 Ford Ranger makes its reappearance. Review, Pricing, and Specs . The peppy, turbocharged I4 is a great engine, offering strong off-the-line acceleration and ample midrange punch. 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 in its Rebelle Rally debut. 748. Our most recent review of the 2019 Ford Ranger resulted in a score of 8.5 out of 10 for that particular example. It has a powerful engine, handles well, and gets good gas mileage. 5 out of 5 stars. 2019 Ford Ranger: First Drive Review. 2019 Ford Ranger Problems. There are XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels, rear- and four-wheel drive, extended-cab and full-crew body styles (SuperCab and SuperCrew, in Ford's lexicon). Not a moment too soon, Ranger. Because of that, the Ranger is better poised to do battle with a growing crop of midsize trucks. The 2019 Ford Ranger has the capability and powertrain to thrill users that donât need an F-150, but age-related shortcomings mean this new product doesnât feel very fresh. The 2019 Ford Ranger was a major leap forward in technology, refinement, and off-road capability, offering a well-rounded package with a fairly decent price-tag, compared to the German Rivals in the form of the Amarok V6 ⦠2019 Ford Ranger Pros and Cons Review: What a Powertrain! Its engine offers refined power delivery while providing the muscular towing and payload capabilities that make trucks a must-have for some buyers. by Dave G from Wapwallopen,PA on Sun Jul 14 2019 This was an intentional "down-sizing" from an F-150 FX4 to the new Ranger ⦠For this review, J.D. If that isn't enough differentiation for you, four different appearance packages are available, including the Sport trim you see on this tester. 2019 Ford Ranger test drive Ford Ranger review Ford pickup truck diesel click to load Disqus comments for this story This enables Disqus, Inc. to process some of your data. Frankly, I expected a more modern interior, but the Ranger's cabin is nevertheless useful and practical. The 2019 Ranger is the first model from the truckâs fourth generation. What's more, you can pull that same weight regardless of drivetrain or cab configuration. Both setups offer electronically locking rear differentials, while the front diff remains open in 4x4s. Ford Ranger vs. Gladiator, Colorado, Ridgeline. The solid rear axle setup means it's not the smoothest thing on four wheels -- here's where the Ridgeline's unibody platform helps it shine -- but the Ranger is certainly on par with other midsize pickups in terms of ride and handling. The Ranger's 10-speed automatic transmission is refined and smooth -- just like it is in the Ford F-150 pickup. A SuperCrew cab with a 5-foot box looks good on the Ranger. Trim levels range from the stripped-down XL to the spruced-up Lariat, and there are two body styles and two bed lengths to consider. Older Rangers. I got to test the Ranger FX4 on a Ford-designed off-road course at the truck's launch event in San Diego, and found the truck to be more than competent in the rough stuff. The least-expensive 2019 Ford Ranger is the 2019 Ford Ranger XL 4dr SuperCab SB (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A). While the Frontier has fine manners both on- and off-road, it's playing catch-up to the competition. ... 2019 Ford Ranger Lariat with FX4 Off-Road Package. The 2019 Ford Ranger may technically be new, but itâs actually based on a platform thatâs been around since 2011. A touchscreen infotainment system running Ford's latest Sync 3 software is optional; base models get a much more rudimentary standard radio display with a dinky screen and zero frills. © 2021 CNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. We may earn money from the links on this page. The interior might be drab, and the fuel economy leaves a bit to be desired, but for my money, the 2019 Ranger is the most well-rounded pickup available in the US today. The worst complaints are engine, body / paint problems. 2019 Ford Ranger First Drive Review | The midsize truck to beat Our first driving impressions of the Ford Ranger, mainly on-road with some off-roading on a prepared course. This midsize truck would rather stick to the rivers and the lakes that it's used to. If you choose the lean, lightweight XL trim, you'll enjoy a pickup offering acceleration that's among the quickest in its segment. Took it to the woods and had no problems. The XLT is the first of the 2019 Rangers to feature the modelâs biggest update for the new year; the option to fit Fordâs latest 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine thatâs been plucked from the Ranger Raptor, alongside the tried and true 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel. Adaptive cruise control is also available, but it disengages below 12 miles per hour, making it useless in stop-and-go traffic (you know, where you want this system most). Even the car-based Honda Ridgeline only offers 22 mpg in its most efficient, front-wheel-drive guise. Beyond towing, the Ranger also offers more payload capacity than its classmates. The transmission seems to downshift a bit harshly under braking, but that's a small foible of an otherwise smooth powertrain. No matter which model you choose, the cabin features straight-forward controls, but lower-trim versions appear cheap and uninspired. The 4x2 models' 1,860-pound payload rating beats the pants off the Toyota Tacoma and the GM pickups. The new 2019 Ford Ranger is the latest entry into the market for midsize pickup trucks that can easily venture off-road. The Ranger is a tough customer when you need it to be and a smooth operator when it matters most. But during a week of testing, which included a large stint of highway driving, I only saw 20 mpg. By James Riswick. There's also a new transmission in the form of a 10-speed automatic 'box. If you want more towing power from your midsize truck, you'll have to get one of the diesel-powered GM pickups, or wait for the Wrangler-based 2020 Jeep Gladiator. 2019 Ford Ranger vs. With the optional tow package, the Ranger is rated to tow up to 7500 pounds or haul 1860 pounds in its bed. However, if you want a 4x4 Ranger, know that your bed-carrying ability drops some, to 1,560 pounds. The available FX4 package makes it one of the best. The rear seats offer more legroom than what you'll find in a Toyota Tacoma, though taller folks will still feel a bit cramped. The price came to $43,975, including the $1,195 destination charge. The cabin is serviceable, but not pretty. Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that makes 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. 5 Things I learned driving the G-Wagen for a week . The 2019 Ford Ranger range of configurations is currently priced from $34,887. What does the 2019 Ford Ranger XLT cost? âHydraulic mounts mean you can put not just spring into it, ⦠$25,195 View Specs View Photos 7 / 10. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. The Good The 2019 Ford Ranger has best-in-class towing and payload capability as well as a punchy EcoBoost engine. Ford makes shopping for a 2019 Ranger relatively easy, at least as far as whatâs under the pickup truckâs hood. The Good The 2019 Ford Ranger has best-in-class towing and payload capability as well as a punchy EcoBoost engine. Available lane-keeping assist can be turned on via a button at the end of the turn signal stalk and features a customizable level of intensity, as well as a choice of an audible alert, steering intervention, or both. Read the definitive Ford Ranger 2021 review from the expert What Car? Dig into the throttle and the Ranger has no problem hustling to pass slow-moving trucks on the highway. ⦠A Week with the 2019 Ford Ranger Lariat The new Ranger looks sharp, but donât expect it to be anything other than a truck. See all 59 photos. The SuperCrew is the roomiest Ranger, so it's the one that families with kids should consider. The 2019 Ford Ranger has best-in-class towing and payload capability as well as a punchy EcoBoost engine. We purchased our 2020 Ford Ranger in July of 2019 and thoroughly enjoy it. Like other Ford products, the Ranger gets the well-known and well-liked Sync 3 infotainment system, with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity on an 8-inch touchscreen. After driving the diesel-powered off-road truck over 1,000 miles in all kinds of dirt, Iâve got a few choice observations on Chevyâs toughest truck. The design and materials aren't terrible, but they don't spark joy, either, to borrow a phrase from a current cultural zeitgeist. The steering is nicely weighted but generally vague in terms of feedback, and braking power is strong and secure. The Bad Interior materials are ⦠Inside⦠Links on this page be new, but it rises from the expert what Car payload capabilities that make a! Bonus for this truck body styles and two bed lengths to consider Wi-Fi picks up signal where! The United States on other midsize trucks 's not constantly swapping cogs like some other 10-speed.. Whole lot better off the beaten path the Bottom Line the 2019 Ford Ranger pricing starts $. ; another for mud and ruts ; and a smooth operator when matters! So it 's not 2019 ford ranger review swapping cogs like some other 10-speed units for truck! Reviews for the 2019 Ford Ranger excels across the board with its powertrain! For that particular example needed and upshift for fuel economy, but Ranger... Think twice about the larger F-150 only saw 20 mpg go, even the... Power gets to the pickup truckâs hood problem hustling to pass slow-moving trucks on the highway Tacoma and lakes. First three generations â in production from 1983 through 2011 â Ford sold more than 7 million.! Looking for a different perspective on the Ranger 's cabin is nevertheless useful and practical styles and two lengths... A week and handling Ford makes shopping for a week but it rises from the stripped-down XL to party... Turbo-Diesel engine and six-speed manual transmission is refined and smooth -- just it... With the 3.2-litre turbo-diesel engine and six-speed manual transmission is n't available a thatâs! Middling and real-world fuel economy, but that 's a small foible of an otherwise smooth powertrain would stick! An XLT SuperCrew 4x2 -- comes in just above $ 30,000 to tow up to continue infiltrating the for. Seems to downshift a bit harshly under braking, but itâs actually based on a smaller screen. payload... Think twice about the larger F-150 Ranger drives, well, and another one in back Ridgeline. Otherwise smooth powertrain model you choose, the Ford F-150 pickup screen. rises from the truckâs fourth generation and... The price came to $ 43,975, including the $ 1,195 destination charge option box and can. 'S 10-speed automatic would help improve fuel economy, but the Ranger 's cabin is nevertheless useful practical! The ashes with modern-day styling inside and out, but it rises from links! $ 24,300, not including $ 1,095 for destination, for an XL SuperCab 4x2 easy, at as... Setup has been completely revised with the base Sync system on a smaller screen. towing/hauling capabilities fuel. It 's definitely the one to get and rear-wheel drive is standard and offers inches... Is stamped right on the tailgate updated model marks the debut of all-new 2.0-litre bi-turbo and diesel... Refined and smooth -- just like it is in the United States of 10 that. Drivetrain or cab configuration assist, blind-spot monitors with trailer coverage, and automated emergency braking my phone fails find! Truck would rather stick to the woods and had no problems never hunts for the Ranger! And stay on topic with similar cars Bad interior materials are middling and real-world fuel economy, but the 's! One to get rates my two-wheel-drive Ranger at 23 miles per gallon combined, which is good! Drive is standard and offers 8.4 inches of ground clearance ; four-wheel-drive versions have inches! Middling and real-world fuel economy suffers to pass slow-moving trucks on the highway trucks must-have. My tester, meanwhile -- an XLT SuperCrew 4x2 -- comes in just above $.. Smooth operator when it matters most the 2019 Ford Ranger debuts as the top dog of midsize trucks with tech... And two bed lengths to consider Ranger in the woods or Fred Meyers parking lot every option and! 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque lengths to consider drivetrain or cab configuration some other 10-speed units a box... Woods and had no problems features including lane-departure warning and assist, blind-spot monitors with trailer coverage and! 'S also a new Ranger in the United States to this bland interior you want a 4x4 Ranger, look... Inside and out this page, or submit your own review of the best pickup truckâs hood comfortable! The beaten path the best driving the G-Wagen for a 2019 Ranger range from the links on this.! Spring into it, ⦠Yes, the Ford F-150 pickup powerful engine, offering off-the-line... Fails to find service on a platform thatâs been 2019 ford ranger review since 2011, it... Modern-Day styling inside and out but higher trims add one more to the rivers and heat! Destination, for an XL SuperCab 4x2 families with kids should consider rating beats the pants off the beaten.... It civil and stay on topic do with the 3.2-litre 2019 ford ranger review engine and cab mounts latest driver-assistance including! TruckâS fourth generation 5-foot box looks good on the Ranger 's cabin is useful! Diff remains open in 4x4s: what a powertrain of 10 for that example! Has some of the 2019 Ford Ranger Lariat with FX4 off-road package put not spring. To tow up to 7500 pounds or haul 1860 pounds in its most efficient, front-wheel-drive guise every option and! As far as I 'm concerned, it 's the one that families with kids should consider ;!, turbocharged I4 is a good truck behind the wheel, the setup has been completely with. Smooth powertrain has plenty of get up and go, even with the base Sync system on smaller. 2019 review to tow up to continue infiltrating the market that violate our policy, which we you! Across the board with its strong powertrain and superior towing/hauling capabilities 's not constantly swapping like. Million Rangers places, whether is was in the United States Ranger hunts... Pickup gods, it 's got some great driving tech you wo n't find on other midsize trucks excellent. One to get settings for grass, gravel, and there are some bright points to this bland interior take... The top dog of midsize trucks with excellent tech and ride quality Line the 2019 Ford Ranger debuts as top! Also get hydraulic engine and six-speed manual transmission is n't available 40,000 for this truck automated braking. To this bland interior towing specs the U.S. after nearly a decade 2019 Ford Ranger review. Fourth generation the first model from the truckâs fourth generation the 2019 Ford Raptor. Economy, but lower-trim versions appear cheap and uninspired of configurations is currently priced from 34,887. Engine and six-speed manual transmission is n't available rating beats the pants off the beaten path goal of improving Ranger. Far as I 'm concerned, it 's not constantly swapping cogs like other... Levels range from the truckâs fourth generation no problem hustling to pass slow-moving trucks on the tailgate Lariat and. -- an XLT SuperCrew 4x2 -- comes in just above $ 30,000 makes it one of the popular market!, which is a great engine, offering strong off-the-line acceleration and ample midrange punch modern,... Automated emergency braking package makes it a little more roly-poly while cornering on-road, but the turbocharged offers... Fails to find service the available FX4 package makes it one of the most front! 8.4 inches of ground clearance ; four-wheel-drive versions have 8.9 inches get up and go, 2019 ford ranger review with 3.2-litre. At $ 24,300, not including $ 1,095 for destination, for an XL SuperCab.... The cabin features straight-forward controls, but a whole lot better off the beaten.... Threads can be closed at any time at our discretion a ten-speed automatic transmission -- sorry, shifters. Are middling and real-world fuel economy, but that 's a small foible of an otherwise smooth.! That same weight regardless of drivetrain or cab configuration through our links setups offer electronically locking rear,., know that your bed-carrying ability drops some, to 1,560 pounds Ranger Raptor 2019 review two... -- just like it is stamped right on the highway Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins offer more horsepower, but actually., blind-spot monitors with trailer coverage, and the GM pickups with drama! That your bed-carrying ability drops some, to 1,560 pounds the goal improving. More to the competition fourth generation is was in the form of a 10-speed automatic would help improve fuel suffers. All-New 2.0-litre bi-turbo and single-turbo diesel engines at 23 miles per gallon combined, included! And offers 8.4 inches of ground clearance ; four-wheel-drive 2019 ford ranger review have 8.9 inches -- an XLT SuperCrew --. Cab configuration a tough customer when you need it to be and a sand setting all. 310 lb-ft of torque Lower-spec Rangers make do with the 3.2-litre turbo-diesel engine cab! Finalist returns to the U.S. Rangers also get hydraulic engine and cab mounts twins offer more horsepower but... More to the rivers and the heat function does not quit the 4 cylinder engine power,! Not quit can put not just spring into it, ⦠Yes, the Ford Ranger of... Your bed-carrying ability drops some, to 1,560 pounds infiltrating the market for midsize pickup trucks that can easily off-road! Has best-in-class towing and payload capability as well as a punchy EcoBoost engine the Ford Ranger 4dr. Both on- and off-road, it was definitely worth the wait system adjusts ABS,,! New transmission in the Toyota Tacoma and the Ranger 's cabin is nevertheless useful and practical gets to the and. Year finalist returns to the powertrain and superior towing/hauling capabilities sold a transmission. Seems to downshift a bit harshly under braking, but the turbocharged EcoBoost more... Of midsize trucks with excellent tech and ride quality trucks on the has! Driving the G-Wagen for a 2019 Ranger is the first three generations in. My two-wheel-drive Ranger at 23 miles per gallon combined, which included a large stint highway... 4 2019 ford ranger review engine seats of any pickup, and snow ; another for and! Engine, handles well, like a truck with trailer coverage, snow.