The Day

Ford Ranger a tough, powerful addition to the midsize truck market

- By Derek Price Cargazing.com

Ford recently revealed the all-new 2019 Ford Ranger for North America, bringing midsize truck fans a new choice from America's truck sales leader – one that's engineered Built Ford Tough and packed with driver-assist technologi­es to make driving easier whether onor off-road.

Production begins late this year at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant as customer demand is growing for midsize trucks. U.S. sales are up 83 percent since 2014 as a new generation of midsize truck buyers seek more maneuverab­le, fuel-efficient pickups.

The 2019 Ford Ranger answers the call with an all-new midsize pickup featuring a new exterior design, chassis and powertrain developed specifical­ly for North American truck customers. Powerful and strong, with a highstreng­th steel frame, Ranger is equipped with a proven 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine mated to the only 10-speed automatic transmissi­on in the segment.

Ranger comes in entry-level XL, mid-level XLT and high-level Lariat trim series with available Chrome and Sport appearance and FX Off-Road packages, and in SuperCab or SuperCrew cab configurat­ions.

TOUGHNESS

Built Ford Tough is engineered in Ranger's DNA – from its high-strength steel frame backbone to its frame-mounted steel front and rear bumpers. Ford engineers put Ranger through the same torture testing as the legendary F-150 goes through.

Even its design is tough. Ranger's muscular body features a high beltline that emphasizes strength, while a raked grille and windshield provide an athletic appearance – designed to aid in aerodynami­cs and reduce wind noise. Short overhangs are functional off-road for clearing obstacles.

From the rear, the Ranger nameplate stamped in the tailgate conveys strength, and the tailgate itself is designed to handle people and cargo. A rugged steel bumper with an available integrated trailer hitch receiver helps make towing campers, ATVs or watercraft a breeze.

CAPABILITY

Ranger is designed for a new generation of midsize truck customers who head off-road to recharge.

Ranger prioritize­s ground clearance to help climb over off-road obstacles. The FX4 OffRoad Package provides additional trail capability with off-road-tuned shocks, all-terrain tires, a frame-mounted heavygauge steel front bash plate, frame-mounted skid plates and FX4 badging.

To give customers a great all-terrain driving experience, Ranger's FX4 Off-Road Package features an innovative Terrain Management System similar to the F-150 Raptor's. It includes four distinct drive modes – normal; grass, gravel and snow; mud and ruts; and sand. The system can shift on the fly to automatica­lly change throttle responsive­ness, transmissi­on gearing and vehicle controls to tailor traction, driveabili­ty and performanc­e to any given terrain or weather condition.

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