New 2019 Ford
Ranger Lariat 4WD 4D Crew Cab
The Ranger is a tough customer when you need it to be and a smooth operator when
it matters most. Its engine offers refined power delivery while providing the
muscular towing and payload capabilities that make trucks a must-have for some
buyers. Trim levels range from the stripped-down XL to the spruced-up Lariat,
and there are two body styles and two bed lengths to consider. If you choose the
lean, lightweight XL trim, you'll enjoy a pickup offering acceleration that's
among the quickest in its segment. Base models come equipped with active safety
features that competing models reserve solely for top-dog trim levels. What's
New for 2020? For 2020, a new FX2 package joins the lineup. It's available only
on rear-drive Rangers, and it's geared toward those who like traveling beyond
the paved path. It includes special body-side decals and performance upgrades
such as off-road tires, an electronic-locking rear differential, and a
suspension that's specially tuned for trail-busting. Additionally, the Ranger
now offers a pickup box extender as an accessory, and three new exterior colors
have been added: Iconic Silver, Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, and Race
Red. Ford has dropped Ingot Silver and Hot Pepper Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
from the color lineup. Pricing and Which One to Buy • Ranger XL: $25,305 •
Ranger XLT: $28,460 • Ranger Lariat: $32,500 If performance and value matter
most to you, you'll be happiest with the base-model Ford Ranger XL. It's less
hefty than the other trims, and this translates into tangible benefits when it
comes to acceleration and ride quality. The XL is quicker and smoother than its
heavier, more lavishly equipped siblings in the Ranger lineup. The Ranger XL is
equipped with forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. With
some rivals, these features are available only on the most expensive trims, and
the fact that they're standard on the Ranger's affordable base model speaks to
the truck's value proposition. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Pop the
hood of the 2020 Ford Ranger, and you'll be greeted by a turbocharged 2.3-liter
four-cylinder engine that generates 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
There's enough muscle there to make the Ranger XLT we tested reasonably swift,
and output is silky. Things get even more impressive with the lighter Ranger XL,
which surprised us with its speed and agility when we put it through its paces
at the track. With all Ranger trucks, a 10-speed automatic rules the roost, and
it provides shifts that are smooth and quick. Rear-drive models offer 8.4 inches
of ground clearance, while four-wheel-drive versions offer 8.9 inches. The
Ranger is available with a Terrain Management System that tweaks things like
engine responsiveness and transmission gearing to optimize the truck's
performance on various types of terrain. Four selectable drive modes are
offered: Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. Towing and Payload
Capacity The 2020 Ranger can tow up to 7500 pounds when outfitted with an
optional tow package. The truck's engine remains poised and impressive even when
pulling a heavy trailer. As far as payload capacity goes, the Ranger can handle
up to 1860 pounds. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't yet released
fuel economy ratings for the 2020 Ranger, but we expect the numbers will be
identical to those seen in the 2019 model. That Ranger achieves EPA-rated gas
mileage of up to 21/26 mpg city/highway with rear-wheel drive and 20/24 mpg with
four-wheel drive. We subjected three Rangers to our 200-mile highway
fuel-economy testing. Two of these were crew-cab four-wheel-drive models, and
they achieved 16 mpg and 15 mpg combined after some fairly aggressive driving.
The third version was rear-wheel drive, and it achieved 25 mpg in highway
testing. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The Ranger's cabin design is a bit
mediocre and uninspired, and this is especially apparent in the unadorned base
trim. On the plus side, the cabin's controls are easy to identify and use. The
Ranger is available with either an extended cab (SuperCab) or a crew cab
(SuperCrew).The family-friendly SuperCrew seats five and comes with four
full-size doors, while the SuperCab provides seating for four and has two
smaller half-doors. Both cab styles offer lots of room for adults in both rows
and provide wide door openings for easy ingress and egress. Infotainment and
Connectivity The base-model Ranger is leanly equipped. A four-speaker AM/FM
audio system is standard, along with a single USB port and a Wi-Fi hotspot that
can connect up to 10 devices. The XLT and Lariat trims add features such as
SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration and
an 8.0-inch touchscreen with swipe capability. The options list includes an
integrated navigation system and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features In crash testing conducted by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2020 Ford Ranger earned four
out of a possible five stars overall. The Insurance Institute for Highways
Safety did not name the Ranger a Top Safety Pick. Key safety features include: •
Standard forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection • Standard
automated emergency braking • Available adaptive cruise control • Available
blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert • Available lane-keeping
assistance Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Ford provides the Ranger with a
competitive warranty. Unlike the Toyota Tacoma, the Chevrolet Colorado, and the
GMC Canyon, the Ranger isn't available with complimentary scheduled maintenance.
• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles • Powertrain warranty covers 5
years or 60,000 miles • No complimentary scheduled maintenance