Bold, Black and Bad - Ranger Pickup Black Appearance Package

Ford’s new Black Appearance Package adds more “in your face” to new Ranger pickup

By Martha Hindes
Senior Editor
Michigan Bureau
The Auto Channel

It wasn’t too long ago that the future looked bleak for pickup trucks that were a little undersized. All three American-branded companies had said goodbye to the quarter horse-sized residents in their stables as they concentrated on more Clydesdale-proportioned versions. Only a few offshore-named samples remained. The idea seemed to be that U.S. buyers didn’t want to downsize.

Workhorses (aka work trucks) needed the grunt to do their job. And anyone who bought one still could have all the lux, hi tech amenities and panache found on most luxury cars if they wanted to upgrade.

Mileage and safety had improved substantially. The world was good. Except for one factor. There was a market out there for a smaller truck, that would carry smaller loads, that could fit in a more limited parking space, that could go almost anywhere there was a road, or where there wasn’t one. And that one could customize, that said “Hey, this is me!”

So much for yesterday. It didn’t take long after Ford reintroduced its new-generation, mid-size Ranger pickup that went on sale in January, to discover just how many buyers wanted to say, “Hey, this is me!”

Ford no longer gives sales numbers monthly, but indicates orders for the Ranger are “flying” out of the showrooms, off the lots, off the shelf so to speak (use your own similitude) since it went on sale in January. If anyone doubted it would be a statement vehicle, Ford's report that two-thirds of the orders in its first few months include Ford’s bold Sport or Chrome Appearance packages is a pretty good indication.

With that kind of incentive, is it any doubt that Ford now is launching a Black Appearance Package for those who want more “in your face.”

The new appearance package ($1,995 and available for delivery by early summer) includes some aggressive focal points, a black grille, running boards and accented wheels among them designed to make such body colors and body color bumpers as Pepper Red and Lightening Blue – or any other body color – “pop,” according to Ford. That also confirms that the Ranger is, in Ford terms, an “adventure” vehicle.

“Having the right gear matters and so does the right look,” said Ford truck group marketing manager. Todd Eckert, in announcing the new package. “Like the rest of their gear, Ranger customers are choosing the option that best fits their adventures.”

Adding the bold and bad attitude includes such trim features as high-gloss black-painted 18-inch aluminum wheels with black center caps, black running boards, mirrors, sill plate and black bash plate on the FX4 Off-Road Package. There’s also a black lower valance and spray-in bed liner.

And when you have the moxie to add more badass visuals to the off-road 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, four-wheel drive mode, and 10-speed automatic, that’s pretty much a guarantee this adventure vehicle is looking for its next venture.

Oh, and way back when, the story goes, Ford founder Henry Ford would only sell a vehicle if it was painted black. Seems he was way ahead of the curve.

The new Black Appearance Package gives Ranger customers another option – $1,995(plus tax) – and can be ordered at dealers now, with deliveries targeted to begin in early summer.

Available with any color, the Black Appearance includes:

Black-painted grille
Body-color bumpers
High-gloss black-painted 18-inch aluminum wheels with black center caps
Black running boards
Black spray-in bed liner
Black fender vent surround
Black mirrors
Black sill plate
Black bash plate on FX4 Off-Road Package
Black lower valance

Official 2020 Ford Ranger Black Package Announcement

Ranger buyers now have another choice to customize their truck with the new Black Appearance Package; more than two-thirds of all-new 2019 Ford Ranger pickups flying out of showrooms are optioned with an appearance package
Ranger Black Appearance Package features an aggressive look with a black grille, running boards, accented wheels and more, making body colors like Hot Pepper Red and Lightning Blue pop
Ranger fans can order the Black Appearance Package for their trucks now, with deliveries starting in early summer

DEARBORN, Mich., March 25, 2019 – With the all-new Ford Ranger off to a strong start since the first trucks went on sale in January, Ford is already introducing a new Black Appearance Package, helping buyers further customize their Ranger to match their unique personal style.

More than two-thirds of all-new Ranger pickups are leaving showrooms optioned with either the Sport Appearance Package that adds unique wheels and Magnetic Gray-painted accents, or the Chrome Appearance Package with bright chrome wheels and chrome body accents.

The new Black Appearance Package gives Ranger customers a bold and stylish new option.

“Like the rest of their gear, Ranger customers are choosing the option that best fits their adventures,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Having the right gear matters and so does the right look. The Black Appearance Package adds aggressive style to the adventures our customers embark on.”

Available with any Ranger body color, the Black Appearance Package’s aggressive look will help the truck stand out on the beach or in the backcountry. Its standard features include:

Black-painted grille
Body-color bumpers
High-gloss black-painted 18-inch aluminum wheels with black center caps
Black running boards
Black spray-in bed liner
Black fender vent surround
Black mirrors
Black sill plate
Black bash plate on FX4 Off-Road Package
Black lower valance

The Ranger Black Appearance Package is available as an option for $1,995 (excludes taxes) and can be ordered at dealers now, with deliveries targeted to begin in early summer.

Built Ford Tough and ready for adventure

In addition to individual style, the all-new Ford Ranger answers the call from truck customers looking for an affordable, rugged and maneuverable midsize pickup that’s Built Ford Tough. Torture-tested alongside Ford F-150 trucks, Ranger quality starts with a high-strength steel frame backbone, proven Ford-built 2.3-liter EcoBoost^® engine and class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, Ranger blends comfort and functionality with room for up to five people, their gear and accessories. The center stack includes an 8-inch touch screen for the available SYNC^® 3 system, while the instrument cluster features productivity screens for real-time vehicle and audio information plus available navigation.

Ranger incorporates advanced passenger convenience and connectivity features, plus smart driver-assist technologies including standard automatic emergency braking. Ford Co-Pilot360^™ technologies like Lane-Keeping System and class-exclusive Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage are standard on XLT and Lariat trim levels. Additional driver-assist technologies including adaptive cruise control and forward and reverse sensing systems are available on both XLT and Lariat.