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2019 Ford Ranger Supercrew Lariat Review by John Heilig - It's E15 Approved


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THE AUTO PAGE
By John Heilig
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Mid-Atlantic Bureau
The Auto Channel


REVIEWED MODEL: 2019 Ford Ranger Supercrew Lariat

ENGINE: 2.3-liter Ecoboost 4

TRANSMISSION: 10-speed automatic

HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 270 hp @ 5,500 rpm/310 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm

WHEELBASE: 126.8 in.

LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 210.8 x 85.8 x 71.5 in.

TIRES: LT265/65R17

CARGO CAPACITY: 43.3 cu. ft./1,560 lbs.

ECONOMY: 20 mpg city/24 mpg highway/21.9 mpg test

FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 18.0 gal.

CURB WEIGHT: 4,441 lbs.

TOWING CAPACITY: 7,500 lbs.

COMPETITIVE CLASS: Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tacoma

STICKER: $44,960 (includes $1,195 destination, $5,390 options)

BOTTOM LINE: The new Ford Ranger is a nice riding truck, but it’s still a truck.

Ford has brought back the Ranger mid-size pickup to compete with the likes of Chevrolet, Honda, Nissan and Toyota. It’s a segment that has tons of practicality for users who don’t need a full size F-150, but still need a truck.

Ranger offers good ride quality. It isn't a luxury sedan, but still it was the choice over the compact SUV that was also in our driveway. We took the Ranger on a long trip that included Interstates, urban roads and suburban back roads through corn fields. After a day wandering around a large amusement park, the Ranger’s firm (and heated) front seats were a blessing to return to.

There is good power from the 2.3-liter Ecoboost four, which is the only engine offering. It was comfortable “Goldilocks” power for the Ranger, not too much and not too little. The 10-speed automatic transmission was smooth.

While we didn’t use it, our tester was equipped with a trailer tow package ($495) as well as an $895 off-road package. Our primary road surface was Interstate plus other highways.

The navigation system is easy to program using point of interest. It also recalculated quickly when we veered off the prescribed route. In addition there is a nice map display when you aren’t in navigation mode.

The driver faces a clear instrument panel with all the information you need, and the extra stuff is definitely subordinate. For example, there is a large central analog speedometer. Off to the left is an information panel and a tiny bar graph tachometer. On the right is a display with audio selection, a digital clock, compass and outside temperature.

In the center of the dash is the infotainment screen with a full menu of options.

Internal storage consists of a tray at the top of the dash, a cubby at the base of the center stack with a USB connection. Trail control, auto stop/start, locking rear differential, trailer tow, park assist and traction control switches are on the center console along with 4WD controls.

Rear seat legroom is tight with assist handles over the rear doors to aid entry and exit. They could use the same over the front doors for front passengers. In the back of the center console are two USB outlets plus 110-volt AC.

The five-foot cargo bed is a practical size. We took the Ranger to our local compost area with a load of grass and leaves. On the ride back, two of the containers had migrated to the center of the rear bed, but they were still within reach. They wouldn’t have been in a full-size truck. The cargo bed had a spray-in bed liner ($495) and six tie-downs.

Overall, the Ranger is a welcome return to the market with good practical size and utility.

(c) 2019 The Auto Page Syndicate