Ford Ranger 2019: Features explained

Last September, Ford launched the hotly anticipated 2019 version of their best-selling pickup truck in the Philippines. The new model might not look so different, but it was thoroughly revised. It also lost the 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine while gaining a new a 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbo motor.

This certainly seems like a decision that has worked in favor of Ford Philippines, as the new Ranger has become the best selling Ford vehicle in the country in a very short time. Here, let's have a look at some of the best features that the 2019 Ford Ranger comes equipped with.

New more powerful engine

The Ford Ranger range comprises three variants – XLS, XLT, and Wildtrak – if you don’t count the more performance-focused Raptor. The XLS and the XLT variants are equipped with the same 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine which was also available in the last year model.

This mill produces a maximum power output of 160 PS and 385 Nm of peak torque. In its current version, the motor comes mated to either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The new engine is currently only available on the Wildtrak variant.

This is a 2.0-litre turbo diesel EcoBlue engine that is derived from the Raptor, giving it the perfect balance of power torque and fuel efficiency. The engine comes with a single turbocharger in the lower spec Wildtrak variant that can be mated to a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission.

The higher spec Wildtrak variant comes with the same engine as in the Raptor. Here it is clubbed with two turbochargers and a 10-speed automatic transmission to make the best of its 213 PS of peak power and a massive 500 Nm of peak torque. This also gives it a towing capacity of 3500 kg compared to the 2500 kg towing capacity of the other engine. Payload capacity remains the same across the range at 1120 kg.

Better off-road ability

Ford knows that pickup trucks often need to go off the road. And therefore Ford has provided all three variants with a rear locking differential. The top spec variant additionally comes with hill descent control. The 4X4 drivetrains are available on the XLS and Wildtrak variants and drivers can effortlessly shift from a two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive high and low mode through the 4X4 Shift-on-the-fly. The Ranger is known for being rugged and ready for off-roading. The new model can go up to 800 mm underwater and with 230 mm of ground clearance can clear the highest of boulders.

Better equipped interior

Ford challenged the stereotype of the pickup truck as a utility vehicle by making the insides of the Ranger as comfortable and luxurious as a sedan. While every other pickup truck manufacturer has shamelessly followed the example set by Ford, Ford themselves have set higher standards for themselves in terms of cabin practicality and luxury.

So, don’t be amazed to find that all except the base variant comes fitted with a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The new Ranger spec sheet also lists features like - steering mounted audio controls, 6 speakers with Bluetooth connectivity, power adjustable exterior mirrors along with power mirrors and door locks come as standard on all variants.

The infotainment system rivals the best with a 4.2-inch TFT display on the two lower variants and a massive 8-inch TFT display on the higher variants. This is suitably backed up by Ford’s SYNC3 connectivity suite for the Wildtrak and SYNC 1.1 on the lower variants. The Wildtrak is especially filled to the brim with the most advanced features like front and rear parking assist, rearview camera, ambient lighting,

automatic headlights and windshield wipers, dual-zone automatic air conditioner and tailgate assist. The top-spec Wildtrak model is fully equipped with the newest driver aids like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning & lane keeping aid, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, active park assist, and auto high beam control, which are not available even on the Raptor.

With so much going for the Ford Ranger, one would expect it to be prohibitively expensive. But in true Ford fashion, the Ranger is very competitively priced. The Ranger price starts at Php 1.03 million.

The next higher variant starts at Php 1.17 million and the Wildtrak range starts from Php 1.39 million going up to Php 1.7 million. This should give anyone looking for a new pickup truck some serious thought. The new for 2019 Ford Ranger improves on the recipe in every way.

Also Read:- Ford Ranger Variants Explained: Which one should you buy?