The excitement surrounding the return of the Ford Ranger has been strong, and after covering the initial announcement we finally had a chance to drive the 2019 Ford Ranger. A few days behind the wheel reminded us why this truck has such appeal.
Responsive Performance
Among mid-size trucks, the new Ranger stands out for its lively performance. Even without checking the numbers, you notice the responsiveness the moment you accelerate. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine paired with the smooth 10-speed automatic gives brisk acceleration while still offering competitive fuel economy — EPA estimates are 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.
Ready for Adventure
We mainly drove the Ranger around freeways and neighborhood streets, but the FX4 package clearly positions the truck for outdoor pursuits. With a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,500 pounds when equipped with the available tow package and a maximum payload of 1,860 pounds, the Ranger is well suited to carry gear and tow sizable trailers.
Best-in-class 7,500 pounds of towing capacity
Ford has partnered with Yakima to offer a suite of accessories that can be added at purchase and rolled into financing. Accessories bought through Ford dealerships include a Ford-backed warranty (3 years or 36,000 miles). Available Yakima accessories include:
- BedRock Heavy Duty (HD) truck bed rack (78-inch HD Crossbar)
The low-profile BedRock rack increases usable cargo capacity by adding a low-height framework above the bed, freeing up storage below. It supports items such as bikes, skis, boats, or rooftop cargo boxes. It is also compatible with the SkyRise medium rooftop tent. - BaseLine tower and JetStream crossbar cab rack
Designed for a clean, secure fit to the vehicle roof, BaseLine is adjustable and pairs with accessories such as the MegaWarrior basket (with light bracket and large stretch net) and the SlimShady awning. - LongArm bed extender with pad
The LongArm extends the truck bed’s effective length by up to four feet. Lightweight and strong, this hitch-mounted aluminum rack carries kayaks, boards, lumber, ladders and more. It adjusts to three load positions and is rated to carry up to 300 pounds in the lower positions. - GateKeeper tailgate pad (Large; fits up to six bikes)
GateKeeper’s durable nylon exterior protects bikes and the soft felt backing protects paint. Integrated SitTight™ bike cradles increase stability and protection, and the HindSight™ tuck-away cover preserves the view for the vehicle’s rearview camera.
Our family of four fit comfortably in the Ranger. Although we were initially hesitant to move from a full-size F-150, the Ranger’s interior felt cozy rather than cramped. The kids appreciated the higher seating position and the improved outward view.
We enjoyed reviewing the base Ranger, but if we were buying one, we would choose the SuperCrew Lariat with the off-road black appearance package. That configuration would be ideal for building a daily driver capable of weekend overlanding and outdoor adventures.