We know for a fact the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and 2019 Ram 1500 will make their appearances at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit come January, but it seems Ford isn’t arriving empty-handed either. There is a very strong chance the all-new Ford Ranger will make its first public appearance.
The 2019 Ranger is a major milestone for Ford, having been absent from the mid-size pickup segment since discontinuing the last-generation Ranger in 2011. This new pickup will be larger than the 2011 Ranger found here in North America, as it’s based on the global T6 Ranger platform. It will compete directly with the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma.
Ford’s plans for a Raptor version of the Ranger are a poorly kept secret, but it’s unknown if that hard-core off-roader will debut as a 2019 version or come later. Ford has also been seen testing an FX4 version, which will slot between the standard 4WD Ranger and the Ranger Raptor.
Continue reading for more information.
Possible Powertrains
The 2019 Ford Ranger pickup will have several engine and transmission choices to choose from. The standard engine will likely be a four-cylinder EcoBoost mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Customers wanting more power can opt for a V-6, likely the same 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 available in the F-150. With 325 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque, this will likely be the range-topping engine. Ford could also include the F-150’s new 3.3-liter V-6. This naturally aspirated engine makes 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque – still respectable numbers for a mid-size truck. We expect Ford to include its new 10-speed automatic transmission in the Ranger, as well.
Trim Levels & Cabs
Ford has kept its trim levels pretty consistent over the years, so expect the XL, XLT, and Lariat trims to be offered on the 2018 Ranger. Higher trims like the King Ranch, Limited, and Platinum could also be present. The aforementioned FX4 will continue being an option package for those needing a bit more capability than the standard 4WD system provides. The package will likely include underbody skid plates, upgraded shock absorbers, and an electronically locking rear differential. Expect some unique bodywork and badges on FX4 models, as well.
Of course, the most anticipated model will be the Ranger Raptor. This mid-size truck will be a desert bomber just like the F-150 Raptor. Long-travel suspension with Fox Racing shocks, thick skid plates, a locking rear differential and a Torsen limited-slip front differential are all expected. As for power, Ford could use the F-150’s standard-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. This high-tech engine kicks out an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. That would give the Ranger Raptor an incredible power-to-weight ratio.
As for pricing, expect Ford to match what its competitors are charging. The Chevy Colorado starts at $20,200 and goes to the mid-$40,000 range with the Colorado ZR2, the macho off-road package that will directly compete with the Ranger Raptor. The Toyota Tacoma starts around $25,000 for the base SR trim and extends to $43,500 for the Tacoma TRD-Pro, another direct competitor to the Ranger Raptor.
We should know more information in the coming weeks about the 2019 Ford Ranger’s debut, so stay tuned to TopSpeed.com for the latest news and information.
References
Ford Ranger
Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Ford Ranger.
Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor.
Read more Detroit Auto Show news.