Ford Ranger has its root traced all the way back to 1958, and after an eight-year hiatus, it is back.
Ranger has been overshadowed by the glory of its stablemate. The F-150 truck have led sales in the industry for 41-years. Last year Ford sold over 900,000 trucks, and Texas was by far the biggest market. Second-place Chevy Silverado sold just over 320,000.
The 2019 SuperCab 5-foot box Lariat with an 126.8-inch wheelbase is powered by a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, accompanied by a 10-speed automatic transmission. Engine performance is boosted by a turbocharger, intercooler, direct injection, and two independent variable cam shafts that can be phased relative to each other. The resulting maximum output is 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque.
Fuel economy estimated for the Ranger is 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, for a combined 23-mpg average.
The Terrain Management System has four settings: Snow/Grass/Gravel, Mud/Rut, Sand, and Normal. These modes change things like throttle response and traction control, plus shift points and steering feel. The system can be used in in 4 High and 4 Low ranges.
The Lariat cockpit is dominated by an 8-inch navigation screen which is quite impressive for its clarity and functionality. The ambient lighting makes it easy on the eyes to look at the Dual 4.2-inch Productivity Screens, heated front bucket seats with leather trim, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Dual-zone auto climate control helps keeping the cabin comfortable and cozy.
8-way power-adjustable front seats with power lumbar support allow for personalized driving comfort, as rear window defroster keeps a clear view behind.
Ranger can haul a best-in-class 1,860 pounds, and tows up to 7,500 pounds when equipped with the $495 Trailer Tow Package.
My Ranger rested stately on 17-inch Magnetic-Painted Aluminum Wheels.
A full LED ensemble of daytime running lights, fog lamps, headlamps, and tail lights are accompanied by front tow hooks and rugged steel bumpers. There are numerous standard safety features like Lane-Keeping System, Forward and Reverse Sensing System, and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking.
The new Ranger has top notch performance off road. It tracks superbly well over steep hills and down trail paths. Yet, there is little road noise on highways. Ranger, though tough, stands proudly strong, but easy to park. It handles beautifully, and appears well-mannered on crowded, busy streets or fast paced thoroughfares.
In 2011, Ford pulled the plug on the Ranger across the globe. How refreshing it is to have the new Ranger in North America eight years later.
The suggested price for the Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCab 4x4 starts at $36,390.
Warranty 3-years/36,000-miles Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty 5-years/60,000-miles Powertrain Warranty 5-years/60,000-miles Roadside Assistance
