Ford Ranger: Pros & cons

2019 Ford Ranger Pros

• Auto emergency braking system
• Tweaked suspension set-up
• Efficient new powertrain. 

Design

The 2019 Ford Ranger retains most of its styling from the pre-update version save for a few tweaks. The use of chrome isn’t over the top and gels well with the butch design. Convenience is given prominence with side steps and rear step bumpers allowing easy ingress and egress from the cabin. 

Interior

Akin to exterior, the 2019 Ford Ranger interior gets subtle changes highlighted by the leather-accented seating that has been standardized. There are several practical utility points inside the cabin such as a small integrated bin on the centre console, oddments tray under the centre console, two cup-holders in front and two on the centre armrest of the second row of the dual-cab. Occupants can store bottle holders on the door pockets during a long ride. 

Exterior

With just a handful of changes, the 2019 Ford Ranger doesn’t look too far apart from the preceding model. Minimal use on chrome on the outside door handles and grille surround matches well with the aggressive styling. One must note though the chrome accented door handles are specific to the XLT trim. Another addition is the redesigned bumper in front. While it receives minor cosmetic tweaks, there is no change in proportions with even the dual cab tub measuring the same as in the previous version. As for 2019 Ford Ranger colours, customers can choose from a variety of colour options including Shadow Black, Meteor Grey, True Red, Arctic White, Blue Lighting and Aluminium Silver shades.

Powertrain

Coming to the 2019 Ford Ranger specs it gets a set of efficient diesel engines that promise punchy performance. Of all three engines, the 2.0-litre unit is the most powerful with 213 PS of power and 500 Nm torque. Barring the other two engines, this unit gets a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The other two engines available on the Ford Ranger line-up includes a 200 PS, 3.2-litre oil burner and a 2.2-litre diesel engine with power rated at 160 PS. A six-speed manual gearbox and a six-speed automatic unit is common to both the units. The pick-up can be had in either a 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains. 

Cargo Hold

The cargo volume of this ute measures 1,549mm in length and 1,560mm in width which drops to 1,139mm when gauged between the wheel arches. Also, it now comes with a canopy. 

Safety

Ford Ranger has been awarded an impressive 5-star rating in the crash test conducted by ANCAP safety entity. The rugged pick-up packs a raft of active safety tech such as six airbags, including curtain-bags. While auto emergency braking (AEB) is standard on Wildtrak, it is optional on the XLT variant. Standardized features comprise reverse camera, hill control assist, rollover mitigation and trailer sway. Tyre pressure monitoring is available with most of the variants in the range, however lane assist is reserved for the XLT Tech Pack. 

Price

The Ford Ranger price justifies its value as compared to other models in the segment, deficient on the feature front concerning safety, comfort and connectivity. This robust and contemporary pick-up by Ford is armed to the teeth and can easily give rivals a run for their money.  

Latest Features

Equipped with plethora of goodies, the pick-up features a touchscreen unit at front which doubles up as a rear camera. This system is supported by Ford’s latest SYNC 3 system compatible with new-age connectivity tech such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, etc. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, power windows, power mirrors, climate control air conditioner, etc. are some of the other prominent bits layered inside. 

Mileage

Talking of the Ford Ranger fuel consumption, the top-spec 2.0-litre variant is rated at 13.5 kmpl. While the 3.2-litre engine has a claimed fuel consumption of 11 kmpl and the 2.2-litre oil burner on the XL dual-cab 4x4 delivers 12.5 kmpl. As compared to the automatic variants, the manual versions offer slightly less with marginal difference in the fuel economy. 

Reliability

There have been issues in the previous versions of Ford Ranger, albeit, the affected models were called back and rectified. Despite these issues, the pick-up has high durability and can fetch good price in the pre-owned market depending on the factors such as mileage and overall condition, etc. 

2019 Ford Ranger Cons

• Expensive higher trims,
• SYNC 3 not perfect
• Jiggly highway ride.

Ford Ranger Problems:

In retrospect, Ford Ranger has had quite a few recalls over the span of nine years (since 2010). It was recalled ten times over issues concerning improperly secured manual shifter cables (2015-2016), poor shifting shaft welds in 2018 and lack of heat shielding near the rear exhaust between 2016 and 2018. Besides, some models encountered problem in the EGR coolers of the pick-up. There have not been much issues relate to gearbox, albeit it is recommended to replace the injector at 100,000km to avert issues. 

People Also Ask Questions:

Does the Ford Ranger price justify its value?

Yes, the 2019 Ford Ranger price justifies its value completely as it includes a plethora of advanced safety, comfort & connectivity tech. 

Of all three engines, which is the most powerful one?

The most powerful engine in the 2019 Ford Ranger line-up is 2.0-litre, turbocharged unit tuned to make 213 PS of power against 500 Nm torque. 

How much is the 2019 Ford Ranger fuel consumption for the 2.0-litre diesel engine?

The top-spec 2.0-litre variant is claimed to return 7.4L/100 km, whereas the 3.2-litre oil burner is rated at 8.9L/100 km and the 2.2-litre unit on the XL dual-cab 4x4 at 8.0L/100 km.

Which is better Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux?

Both the models are quite revered in the segment, however Ford Ranger is more loaded, while Toyota Hilux is not as heavy on the pocket and can even be had with a petrol engine. 

What is the cargo volume of this ute pick-up?

The cargo volume of Ford Ranger is 1,549mm (in length) and 1,560mm (in width) which comes down to 1,139mm between the wheel arches. 

Also read: Ford Ranger Wildtrak X special edition on sale, limited to 1000 units