Ford Ranger made the come back on the US soil and the new generation version is heavily based on the global model. The Blue Oval Brand has recently started the production at the Michigan Assembly Plant and the new Ranger-based Bronco SUV will also share the production lines with the mid-size truck.
The new Ranger makes the return as the 2019 version and the new generation debuts with the single engine option and in two cab styles. There is no regular cab and Ford said also that the Raptor version, available in global markets, isn’t in the plan for the US launch. Still, the new Ranger offers a long list of options and modern safety features.
As for the 2020 Ford Ranger, the brand will expand the options range further and could also add a new engine alternative. The diesel engine would boost the towing and efficiency of the mid-size truck but no confirmation from the company yet. We should also expect additional trim option and more color combinations.
2020 Ford Ranger: Design
Ford used the global Ranger model as the base for the new version in the US and two models share the platform which design dates back to 2011. The new Ranger is significantly smaller than the fast-selling F-150 and unlike the aluminum-bodied full-size model, the Ranger has the steel body panels.
The design and form are also familiar from the global version. The Ranger has the grille style as on Ford’s SUV models and modern headlights. The swollen fender flares and raked windshield also have an effect on the model’s style.
The new 2020 Ford Ranger version won’t come with the radical changes on the exterior design and as Ford said there won’t be the more rugged and capable Raptor version for the new model year. Ford will likely expand the body color pallet and possibly add the new trim option with the unique styling details. The truck will start with the 16-inch wheels and upgrade to 18-inch units in upper grades.
Interior, Equipment:
The Ranger will return with the two four-door cab styles and 5- and 6-foot bed options. Both cabs provide the seat for five and no signs that the regular cab version will join the range.
Inside the cabin, the ranger will start with the cloth upholstery, power windows, air conditioning, four speakers, and will also offer a rearview camera, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The current 3.5-inch screen in the base version could be upgraded while the Sync 3 interface with the 8-inch touchscreen will be available in upper grades.
The higher-specs versions will add alloy wheels, fog lights, more speakers, Wi-Fi, remote tailgate, keyless entry, etc. The front and rear parking sensors will also be available above the base version as well as automatic high beams, and more. The top-tier version will upgrade with the leather upholstery, power and heated front seats, etc.
2020 Ford Ranger: Performance
Ford delivers most of its models with multiple engine options and the half-ton F-150 provides a wide range of the turbocharged units including also the turbodiesel and non-turbo gasoline unit with the hybrid version in the works.
However, the Ranger restarted in the US with a single powertrain. A 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-4 engine makes 270 hp and torque of 310 pound-feet. The engine is in the combination with the 10-speed automatic transmission.
Ford offers the rear-wheel drive as standard and the all-wheel drive with the low range gearing. All Rangers will come with the Dana locking rear differential while will be available with the electronic locking differential. The Off-road FX4 package will boost the performance with the upgraded shocks and tires, a terrain management system, skid plates, a crawl control, etc.
The 2.3-liter powered Ranger will tow up to 7, 500 pounds and carry in the cargo bed up to 1, 860 pounds. The fuel economy will be 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg highway. With the four-wheel drive, the truck will return 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Ford will surely expand the powertrain range in future but no signs from the brand when and what options will join the lineup. The diesel unit should appear during the life cycle and a 3.2-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel from the Ford Transit could be the choice. Ford could also add a more capable EcoBoost and the 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel from the global Raptor version would be the strong side of the truck.
2020 Ford Ranger: Arrival, Price
The 2020 Ford Ranger will hit the market in early 2020. The price should again start around $24, 000. Additional equipment and luxuries will lift the price in the thirties.
Will the 2020 ranger have a sun roof, heated and cooled seats and steering wheel?