Ford Ranger 2019 to 2023: what to know before you buy?
Returning to our market in 2019 after an eight-year absence, the Ford Ranger has contributed to a certain renaissance of the midsize pickup segment in North America - a segment where the battle has intensified in 2023-2024 with the arrival of several new-generation models.
The Ranger is one of them, but the one we want to focus on here is the model sold from 2019 to 2023. What do you need to know about it? Here are a few things you might want to know...
First of all, Ford made the surprising decision to offer only one powertrain, but it has to be said that the 2.3-liter turbocharged four - derived from the Mustang - more than makes up for the absence of a V6 with its 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It never really runs out of breath. Its 10-speed automatic gearbox works efficiently and rarely seems to hesitate.
While surprisingly agile on the road, this Ranger offers a solid maximum towing capacity of 7,500 lb - more than the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier, and only 200 lb less than a turbodiesel-powered Chevrolet Colorado. As for fuel consumption, it offers the best average in its class (10.9 L/100 km), and it's especially in the city that you'll benefit compared to V6-powered competitors. Ford doesn't require premium gasoline, which is good for your wallet.
What's more, there is no two-wheel drive variant: all Ranger models operate a 4x4 system. You should also know that the SuperCab (available in XL and XLT versions) comes with a 6-foot body, while the SuperCrew (XLT and Lariat) is more spacious in the rear seats, but reduces the body by one foot.
Speaking of the cabin, the hard plastics of questionable quality are a disappointment, but the well-presented, easy-to-handle infotainment system helps to compensate - at least, with the 8-inch touchscreen and not the 4.2-inch one found in some versions.
Planning frequent off-road driving? If you can't choose a Ranger Raptor with this generation, opt for one with the FX4 package, which includes reworked shocks, a drive mode selector and the Trail Control system.
Otherwise, the Tremor package added in 2021 does even better, with its raised suspension, 32-inch Continental General Grabber A/TX off-road tires, improved approach and departure angles, recalibrated traction control and under-truck skid plates. And let's not forget the two tow hooks at the rear (in addition to the two at the front), the wider fender moldings and the new off-road running boards. The Ranger Tremor doesn't sacrifice payload (1,430 lb) or towing capacity, but does increase average fuel consumption to over 12 L/100 km.
What else? Well, it's worth mentioning in closing that Ford's midsize pickup isn't the most reliable in its class, although its record improved slightly at the end of the generation. If possible, avoid the 2019 model, which is more problematic, particularly in terms of the transmission (developed jointly with GM). A good dozen recalls have been issued, but none major. The most worrisome concerns the Ranger 2022, and relates to a windshield that may be poorly secured and come loose in the event of a collision.
On that note, happy shopping!
