Meet the 2019 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab. Photo by Erica Mueller
When it comes to bringing back memories, Ford nails it.
How long has it been since Ford Ranger pickup truck stopped coming around? This little truck, discontinued in the US and Canada in 2011 has made a comeback and Ranger fans are ecstatic. After 8 years, one of the most popular midsize trucks in America is back. Say hello to the 2019 Ford Ranger pickup truck.
If you didn’t grow up with or own the original Ranger, chances are you know someone who did. In addition to being a popular personal vehicle, the Ford Ranger pickup truck was commonly found in company fleets. And now, the older models that are still on the road are often owned by contractors and farmers due to their versatility and dependability.
While I’m sure fleets will be sporting the new Ranger, I think this new generation of the Ford Ranger will be more popular with adventure types, small families, and urban dwellers. The size is just right for getting in and out of tight spaces, and with the available 4-wheel drive you’ll be able to go just about anywhere.
This is one vehicle I have had my eye on since Ford announced they were bringing it back and I had seen it on display at auto shows but had yet to experience it for myself. So I was very excited to drive it for a week and learn all about it.
Shall we?
Who This Truck is For:
- Adventurers and outdoorswomen who are ready to go camping, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or skiing at a moments notice.
- Urban dwellers who like the look and functionality of a truck, but find a full-size truck impractical on narrow city streets.
- Small families who need a truck, but not a lot of bed space
Related: This small pick up truck is built for big adventure: The Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger pickup truck is ready for adventure. Photo by Erica Mueller
What This Truck Costs:
- The XL (base model) starts at just $25,495.
- The XLT is a midrange trim level that begins at $29,135.
- And, the Lariat edition, which brings a luxury interior to this little-truck-that-could starts at $33,405.
The 2019 Ford Ranger XLT we drove was the two-wheel drive super cab with a 6′ bed. This means it had the short back door and very basic back seats. For me personally, this wouldn’t work… I would want the larger more comfortable rear seating offered in the super crew, but of course, I’d have to give up another foot of bed space to get it. So, It’s all about compromise… which do you want more? Passenger space or bed space?
Everything you need, within arm’s reach. Photo by Erica Mueller
Small in Size But Not Lacking in Capability
Next to its big brother, the F-150, the Ford Ranger pickup truck might look small, but it’s big on attitude and functionality and boasts the best fuel economy for a gasoline-powered midsize pickup truck. You really can’t beat 21-26 miles per gallon for a little truck that’s capable of exploring the great outdoors, or just getting you to work and back.
Need to pull a trailer? The 2019 Ford Ranger has a towing capacity of 7,500lb and can haul around 1,860lb in the bed. That means all those outdoor projects you’ve been wanting to do, the couch you need to haul, and the utility trailer full of lawn care equipment are as good as handled. Like to explore the great outdoors? Load the bed up with your kayaks, skis, boards or camping gear, grab some friends and go!
And if you’re looking for safety features, the Ford Ranger pickup truck has them all.
- auto start/stop
- blindspot detection and cross traffic alert
- lane keeping system
- pre-collision assist with anti-lock breaks
- reverse sensing and backup camera
- tire pressure monitoring
- …and more
You can also add adaptive cruise control, electronic locking rear differential for off-roading, a trailer tow package, and remote start.
Related: Why girls love trucks, and which are the best for you
The SuperCab has a surprising amount of room in it! Photo by Erica Mueller
What About the Interior of the 2019 Ford Ranger Pickup Truck?
Let’s start with “you have options” cause the XLT I drove was pretty bare bones. We’re talking cloth seats, quite a bit of plastic, and rear seats that reminded me of those tiny boards covered in cloth in my dad’s old truck that we called “jump seats.” And all that is totally fine for a work truck! In fact, I thought the front seats were quite comfortable and I enjoyed the back-to-basics feel of the tactile knobs and buttons vs. having everything on-screen.
But what if you want more?
That’s where the Lariat trim comes in. I’ve seen this trim on this truck and it is beautiful. All leather seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel, electric seats, electronic climate control system, and ambient lighting are just a few of the features of this trim upgrade.
A Truck That Does it All … Except Bust Your Budget
For those who want a truck, but don’t actually need the full size or want to plop down $50-$70 grand, the Ford Ranger pickup truck is looking like a really good deal! We like that you can get it pretty bare bones, or opt for a completely loaded truck and still stay within budget.
And with the two cab sizes available you get to choose whether you get a little work truck, or a new pickup for the family and the start of your own Ranger memories.
2019 Ford Ranger Monroney
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