2019 Ford Ranger test drive review

"KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time" (kngt) 03/21/2019 at 12:22 • Filed to: ford ranger, 2019 ford ranger, ford ranger 2019, 2019 ranger, ford, ranger, test drive, test drives, Oppo review, oppo reviews, midsize trucks, pickup, pickups

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I made a post just yesterday morning saying I needed to test drive one, so I was like what the heck! let’s do it! so stopped by my local Ford dealer during lunch. I really wanted to try this out to know what all the hullabaloo is about. This is the first time I have ever driven a truck, and guess what? I like it. Only ridden in various Rams, F150s, Colorados before. Test drove a top of the line Lariat 4x4 short bed with the Fx4 package in this excellent Orange

Best color, followed by Magnetic

Exterior: I like the way the Ranger looks, if it doesn’t have any Chrome. The size is right, I parked it next to an F150 after the test drive and although it’s not any shorter, it’s lower and narrower which makes driving and parking a breeze. Yes, yes I know midsize trucks have gotten much bigger but it was manageable for someone with zero truck experience.

Interior: Keep in mind this is the loaded Lariat version so everything’s nice inside compared to an XL/XLT. I would say it looks nice even if it may not feel nice when you touch it. Hard plastics are present but are lower in the dash and consoles. Leather seats were comfortable, getting in and out was easy. Visibility is excellent all around. It had all the tech and safety features you needed. The gauges are typical ford with the central speedo and 2 small displays but it is useful and clear. Could they have gone full digital dash, yeah perhaps. Maybe for the refresh. All buttons and controls are easy to reach. Sync 3 is fast and responsive. No complaints. It had the option B&O system sounded very good. I had space to sit behind myself but wish the seats were reclined just a little bit. I have seen complaints the interior feels old but I didn’t have a problem personally. Yeah, If you compare it to the latest Rams yes but I think it is competitive in this class.

Same interior- Press pic for reference

Driving Experience: OK the main thing I wanted to test is how “truckish” this felt. In my limited experience I think this is the least “truckish” of them all, barring the Ridgeline which I assume drives just like a Pilot/Passport. It’s smooth, quiet and very refined, and it handles quite well. The 2.3Ecoboost is a terrific choice by Ford it has excellent low and mid range! But it’s still apparently slower than a Colorado V6 at 6.8 Seconds vs. the Colorado’s nearly 6 second 0-60. Steering is fine, didn’t sway me one way or the other and same thing can be said about the engine noise. Brake pedal felt wooden but brakes were good, gas pedal feel was good, not too sensitive or too tight. On the freeway it’s quiet, for a truck. I have some mixed thoughts about the 10 speed and many reviews say it’s very smooth. It is, when you floor it and it acts like a 6 speed, however in half throttle applications when you’re not committed it does shudder a bit and there is some clunkiness. It’s not perfect and I found the Honda 10 speeds to be much better. But leave it in Drive and it is unobtrusive and you can hardly feel it shift. Sport mode keeps the engine on boil and it’s ready to go and makes it a fun.

I wish this had a 4WD Auto mode because I was in 2WD mode and it lighted up the rear tires when I turned from a stop. I don’t want to bother with manual 4WD H/L etc. but then I realize I am asking for an AWD system not a 4WD system in a truck. Still, I think some trucks have 4WD Auto.

And since it is a truck the suspension does feel different and I can feel the bed jiggle around a bit especially at highway speeds with no load in it. I did feel a little weird because of the way it rides especially after the freeway stint but I guess it’s all in my head and one can get used to it. I don’t know how to explain it as it so different to every other type of vehicle I have ever driven. Motortrend spoke about it in their recent review saying “it’s never settled” and weight in the bed might help but I haven’t driven other trucks and lack experience to compare the feel.

Road and Track summed it up better than I could- “The new Ranger is rather busy over small road ripples, and lateral pavement imperfections like frost heaves or small speedbumps toss you around a bit. There’s only so much good behavior you can coax out of a solid rear axle with leaf springs—the Ranger’s front suspension is as smooth and refined as a crossover, it’s the back end that reminds you that you’re driving a pickup.”

Final thoughts: For me, this is the most amount of “truckishness” I can live with. I can’t possibly tolerate driving something that’s more rough, unrefined, louder, rides higher or rolls more. I’d probably get sick of it real quick.

I do like the Ranger a lot and they’re targeted a younger, more urban consumer who’d use this as an “adventure lifestyle” vehicle and I think they did well, but it’s expensive and I know the argument you can get an F150 for that price but I really don’t want or need. I still must test drive a Colorado/Canyon just to compare and also the Rdigeline !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and I think it will feel more or less the same. I think an XLT trim discounted around $35K is the way to go. I think if you’re in the market and not 100% brand loyal it’s worth a test drive.

How I’d spec it

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/21/2019 at 12:20

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I haven’t driven the new ranger yet but will do so when I get a chance. From driving the new chevy Colorado twice now and having a 2019 Tacoma for 2 days and 500 miles I can say the GM is my favorite hands down. The value is there too now with discounts on the Colorado bringing them to $30k out the door.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 03/21/2019 at 12:21

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Colorado/Canyon is on the list, possibly this summer.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 03/21/2019 at 12:24

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My younger sister bought a brand new Colorado this past weekend. I think she’d cross-shopped the Toyota, but the Colorado started out as a favorite.

Z71 4wd quad cab with tow package and 4wd, so a little more like $37 k.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 03/21/2019 at 12:27

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I’m not sure where all the discounts and rebates are coming from but even 5k off sticker would be great.

https://www.donkchevy.com/VehicleDetails/new-2019-Chevrolet-Colorado-Crew_Cab_Long_Box_4_Wheel_Drive_Z71-Whitefish-MT/3394413513

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/21/2019 at 12:27

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It’s a nice vehicle, I really don’t see any down sides unless you want to tow 20,000 lbs.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 03/21/2019 at 12:31

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As outfitted, her MSRP was something like 41. I don’t know all the details. Hers was, oddly enough, the shortbed.

OPPOsaurus WRX > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/21/2019 at 12:33

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Maybe in a few years I’ll pick one up after the initial excitement has worn off and the depreciation has had its way.  I really liek them though.  

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 03/21/2019 at 12:34

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I’ll never tow, and never haul anything more t han Mulch bags and other stuff from Home Depo t/Lowes.

412GTI > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/21/2019 at 12:40

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Oooh, that color is really nice in the sun! 

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > 412GTI 03/21/2019 at 12:41

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Yup. Pictures don’t do it justice. I love a good orange-dark gray combination

jimz > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/21/2019 at 13:10

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I had one with the 3.2 diesel for a weekend, once. wish that engine was offered here. 

Sovande > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/21/2019 at 13:40

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This is a great review. Makes the Ridgeline sound like a better and better choice.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Sovande 03/21/2019 at 15:08

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Thanks! The ridgeline is really the best choice for “ lifestyle buyer” who I’d be. But the ranger looks better and the engine in great. The Ridgeline is expensive and looks too similar to thr family crossovers pilot and passport. Wish they’d put the RDX 2.0t in that272 hp and 280 lb-ft and 10 speed. V6 is fine but needs low down punch. I am basing my assumptions on having driven the new Passport.

Svend > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/21/2019 at 15:38

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I don’t understand why North America doesn’t get the 2 do or long bed, is it because of the   F150.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Svend 03/21/2019 at 15:47

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Huh. Didn’t know this exists. I guess they want to position this as a family/lifestyle vehicle and not a workhorse that is why.

Svend > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/21/2019 at 15:54

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Ye’, it’s pretty much strictly a work horse.

Sovande > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/21/2019 at 15:57

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I don't need a pickup truck (I guess because I already have two...) but every time I see the Ridgeline I think they seem like a great compromise. Like a nicer, more capable El Camino. 

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/21/2019 at 18:34

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And yet here I sit on Oz and my partner’s dua cab work fleet has been dictated to be filled only with Rangers (cheapest lease costs). Base XL spec. None of the regular users are happy with that as they prefer the Core spec 4cyl Amarok as a vehicle. However, few can put a finger on a specific issue with the Ranger (personally, the visibility is not great compared to other dual cabs) other than the one driver who is demonstrably too short for the vehicle - she can't see much when turning left!!

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Svend 03/21/2019 at 23:18

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because 2 door  sales are tanking. 

Under_Score > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/21/2019 at 23:31

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My dad loves his Canyon. 

M.T. Blake > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/21/2019 at 23:50

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It isn’t a true Ranger unless it has i nboard facing rear seats so you can stare at another cramped person.

M.T. Blake > Svend 03/21/2019 at 23:52

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There is something so epic about the utility of the standard cab. The more I have mine, the more I love it. You can see out of it. Everything is within reach. Over all it’s shorter... on and on I could go!

bhtooefr > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/22/2019 at 00:16

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Also, Americans are huge, and the extended cab frees up a lot of room for that, especially with reclining . (You don’t get an extended cab to use the back seat, you get it to make more room for the front seats.)

Spasoje > Svend 03/22/2019 at 01:52

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T h a t ’ s p r o b a b l y w h y , y e a h . I ’ d a s s u m e t h e d e m a n d f o r r e g u l a r c a b l o n g b o x t r u c k s i s a l r e a d y m e t b y t h e F - 1 5 0 .

nerd_racing > M.T. Blake 03/22/2019 at 09:19

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We had a 1990 ranger extended cab when I was growing up.  I had 2 other sibling.  You know what’s worse than facing each other in the two jumper seats?  Having to sit on the hump in the middle of the cab floor, while your sisters kicked you.  

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Svend 03/22/2019 at 09:25

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They probably just assumed the market doesn’t call for it. The Colorado isn’t available in regular cab either. Idk about the Tacoma, I think it still is but I haven’t seen one at the dealership in years.

Heck the Ram 1500 isn’t available in regular can either.

I think that some models not having a regular cab is that much more reason to other companies to offer it. If the market isn’t flooded with an option and that’s the one you should target. Like the Golf Sport Wagon, I see them everywhere because in the US if you need some where to put a dog crate, and don’t want an SUV It’s pretty much your only choice. 

Svend > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/22/2019 at 09:34

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Shame, I guess. It just takes away the options. 

M.T. Blake > nerd_racing 03/22/2019 at 09:50

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Hahhhahaha. No really, that sucks. You remember that when it comes to inheritance time one day.

We had a 92’ but it was just me in the back. I remember being squished back t here even as a 9 year old. 

nerd_racing > M.T. Blake 03/22/2019 at 10:21

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Especially since I’m the executor of my parents’ estate if anything happens to them!  

HammerheadFistpunch > M.T. Blake 03/22/2019 at 10:51

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I’m glad it’s not a true ranger