When you think about the rivalry between the Ford and Chevrolet, what comes to your mind is Mustang versus Camaro. However, that has changed over the years with the rise in popularity of the SUVs and trucks. The Mustang and the Camaro will go on fighting in times to come, but when the 2019 Ford Ranger arrives, it will compete against the Chevrolet Colorado for the throne of the best-selling pickup in the US. The Toyota Tacoma will also be involved in this battle and so will many other trucks. But what do we expect from the upcoming Ranger?
The 2019 Ford Ranger is going to be a traditional body-on-frame truck which is based on the platform which underpins the global version of that model. For those who don’t know, the Ranger lived on across the ocean even though it was discontinued in the US several years ago. There was a rumor before that saying that F-100 was to replace the popular Ranger, but luckily that didn’t happen, and Ford brings it back home.
Engines
The 2018 Ford F-150 is going to come with a diesel engine, just like the rivalry Chevy Colorado, but the units for the 2019 Ranger will be slightly different. The new model is going to include at least one EcoBoost gas-powered variant, whereas the base unit could be the company’s 2.5-liter naturally aspirated I4. In the Fusion, this powerplant produces 175 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque.
It is not a bad way to start a range, but most people will opt for a stronger engine. The new F-150 is going to borrow its 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 which delivers 280 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. Just for comparison, the Colorado uses a 3.6-liter V6 that generates 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. Last but not least, the Ranger might be equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo-4 which is rated at 310 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, while a 2.7-liter EcoBoost turbo-six and a diesel unit are a possibility.
No Regular Cab
Since no Ranger competition comes with a regular-cab body style, we also expect Ford’s pickup to start off with the SuperCab two-door body style which will be in the low $20,000 range. If you add several thousand dollars, you will end up with a four-door SuperCrew model.
Towing
If Ford thinks to attack the truck segment in the US, its Ranger must come with the great towing ability. The 2017 Colorado equipped with a V6 can tow up to 7,000 pounds, whereas the Colorado with diesel reaches 7,700 pounds. The Tacoma is slightly weaker but still pretty good with 6,800 pounds of towing capacity. The Ranger is expected to tow at least 7,000 pounds in the right configuration.
Equipment
The upper trims will be available with an 8.0-inch touchscreen which comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Among standard equipment, we expect to see a rearview camera, LED headlights, LED lighting, while in the range-topper, heated/ventilated seats may be offered. Ford did an excellent job in terms of features in the F-150 and Fusion, so we are positive they will repeat the success with the Ranger as well.
Safety
Safety is usually overshadowed by capability when we talk about trucks, which is precisely a chance for Ford to separate itself from the rivals. The Ranger sold in Europe comes with a full suite of safety tech such as emergency braking assist and lane keeping assist systems. The NHTSA has given both the 2017 Tacoma and 2017 Colorado four stars out of five.
Raptor
Is Ford going to introduce the Ranger Raptor and take on the Colorado ZR2 and the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon? It is too early to talks about it, but Blue Oval may as well add the Ranger Raptor to the range a year or two after the original vehicle is introduced.
