Road Review: The Ranger (and the Bronco) Returns

Known primarily for its best-selling F-150, Ford is no stranger to the pickup truck scene. This year, the company is looking to shake up the compact-truck market with the re-introduction of the Ford Ranger. The Ranger’s advent was way back in 1983, and while it had a decent run, it’s been out of production since 2011. The 2019 Ranger represents a new era for Ford’s truck lineup as the company hopes to battle its way to the top of the compact market like it has done so handily in the full-size market.

Most appealing

• A 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine (see more below) provides an impressive combined 26 mpg on the entry-level 4X2 model. The engine delivers 270-horsepower and 310-lb. feet of torque, which is a best-in-class showing. This is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth gear shifts and impressive power for an enjoyable driving experience.
• With a payload of up to 1,860 pounds and towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds, this truck is a true workhorse.
• Thanks to a terrific terrain management system, you can adjust the vehicle’s steering, traction, and throttle response with the touch of a button. This system is reminiscent of luxury brand Land Rover’s hallmark terrain system and allows you to choose between Sand, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud-Ruts, and a Normal setting to ensure that the truck is prepared to get you over these various topographies.
• Technological integration hits a high note with Ford’s SYNC3 system. It’s intuitive and user-friendly, with an 8-inch touchscreen that operates much like a tablet. With the increasingly ubiquitous Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections, and an integrated Waze app, you’ll have facile access to all the information and entertainment you desire.
• Active safety features in the standard Ford 360 package (Lariat and XLT models) include pre-collision assistance with emergency braking, blind spot warning with cross-traffic alert (even when hauling a trailer), and a lane-keeping system, which will nudge you to take a break by displaying a coffee cup icon should you stray from your lane too many times.

Room for improvement

• The Ranger is a little more expensive than other trucks in its class. This really hits home if you want a 4X4 with a SuperCrew cab—that configuration starts close to $40,000, which is a lot of green for a vehicle you’ll quickly want to rough up on some adventurous terrain.
• Although I didn’t drive the entry-level SuperCab model, its two rear seats are said to be exceedingly small, which means that paying more for the SuperCrew might be a necessity for those who frequently have multiple passengers.
• The sideview mirror controls are haphazardly tucked to the left of the steering wheel, in an unusual spot that’s tricky to access.

Best for who?

The 2019 Ford Ranger starts at $24,300 for the entry-level 4X2 SuperCab and at $39,760 as tested for the SuperCrew 4X4 Lariat model. It’s a welcome entry to this smallish segment of compact trucks and deserves a look, particularly for adventure-seeking and active folks who would like greater hauling capacities, as well as superior off-road capabilities. Want to see how the Ranger compares to the Tacoma or Chevy Colorado? Call AAA Colorado AutoSource to arrange a test drive of all three. 866-975-9585 or visit AAA.com/carbuying.

Improving engine efficiency

Ford’s EcoBoost engine first appeared in a handful of models starting in 2009 as a means of maintaining power, while trying to meet new fuel-efficiency standards. A turbocharger and direct fuel injection (DI) were the drivers (pun intended) behind the technology, as DI eliminates one step of fuel injection to deliver cooled air directly to the combustion chamber. This makes things more “Eco,” or efficient, while the turbocharger forces more air into the engine, which provides the “Boost.”

Worth the wait

Courtesy of Ford Motor Company

My husband had a Ford Bronco when he was in high school. I didn’t know him back then, but I’m guessing that I would have had to compete against that car for his attention. He still gets a twinkle in his eye when affectionately relaying stories of his misspent youth in that Bronco. It’s not a coincidence, at least for him, that the car happened to share a name with his favorite Colorado sports team. For those like my husband, who nostalgically long for the days of powerful Broncos (both the vehicular and the football kind), there’s a solution on the horizon— at least for the vehicle.

An all-new Ford Bronco is slated to appear for model year 2020. It will be built on the same platform at the Ford Ranger and have a hybrid model on offer. Giddy up! It promises to be a wild ride!