U.S.-Specs 2019 Ford Ranger Introduced: Meet The Truck With Mustang’s Guts


The U.S.-specs 2019 Ford Ranger has finally come back home. The mid-size pickup truck is revealed at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show as it’s promised earlier, though the car manufacturer somehow managed to forget to reveal everything.

2019-ford-ranger

On Performance

According to Blue Oval, the 2019 Ranger will use a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four engine, as we’ve announced earlier. The unit will come in a pair with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, but we still don’t know how many ponies will be under the hood. If the Mustang’s engine doesn’t change anything, it’s going to produce 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. This is basically more than enough for the mid-size truck. Ford’s hasn’t said anything regarding the future abilities neither. Still, they’ve mentioned that the pickup should be able to tow ATVs, watercraft, or campers.

The U.S. Ford Ranger isn’t using an all-new platform. No, it has been supported by the same one which underpins the Australian version of the truck. However, the carmaker made some changes to the architecture along with a few parts borrowed from the larger F150. Plus, the new Ranger hosts a double wishbone front suspension and parabolic rear leaf springs, which sounds very promising.

Ford hasn’t revealed bed length at this point. What we know so far is that there will be SuperCab and the larger SuperCrew models, as well as XL, XLT and Lariat trim levels with Chrome and Sport appearance packages. There’s also going to be the special and likely the most interesting FX Off-Road package.

2019-ford-ranger rear

Off-Road

The off-roader will feature some amazing extras, such as skid plates, knobby tires, off-road-tuned shocks, and suspension. Blue Oval will add standard Terrain Management System and a new Trail Control system, which will make the model extra capable. Basically, the Terrain Management System improves throttle and transmission systems when it’s needed. It includes a range of settings which adjust the truck to grass, gravel, snow, mud, ruts, and sand.

As for the Trail Control, well, this is actually a special, low-speed cruise control setup, which controls both braking and acceleration. More precisely, it sends power or hits the brake to the appropriate wheel individually.

2019-ford-ranger interior

Inside

The carmaker has introduced the complete cabin. The mid-size truck offers room for five people and the amazing Sync 3 infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen. The setup supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto of course, but that’s not going to be everything from the Sync 3. No, it’s also mated to the Amazon Alexa personal assistant and navigation. The pickup hosts the familiar FordPass Connect 4G LTE link with a Wi-Fi access for up to 10 devices. Bang & Olufsen Play audio system is standard, while the instrument cluster uses two LCDs.

2019-ford-ranger seats

Safety Features

The 2019 Ford Ranger features really remarkable safety features, though many of them are optional only. More precisely, the forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking is standard for every trim. On the other hand, active lane control, lane departure warning, rear park assist, and blind-spot monitors are standard with XLT and Lariat models, while the Lariat also features adaptive cruise control and a pre-collision assist system with pedestrian detection.

Yes, we’ve almost forgotten to mention one of the most important details. According to Ford, the all-new Ranger will use Dana Trac-Lok differentials and an electrically locking rear diff for both 2WD and 4WD models.

That’s pretty much everything for now. Stay tuned for new updates.

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