AAA Magazines

Ford Ranger: solid and capable

Photo courtesy of Ford

The Ford Ranger gets the job done but lacks pizzazz.

The midsize Ford Ranger, a rugged-looking pickup with lots of the right stuff, is back in dealer showrooms after an eight-year hiatus. Its 2.3-liter turbocharged inline 4 provides plenty of acceleration and torque, and its 10-speed automatic shifts smoothly. The ride is comfortable—well damped and relatively quiet over broken pavement—although the steering feels heavy and a bit sluggish. Gas mileage, at 21 city/26 highway/23 combined, is best in class.

The Ranger’s roomy cab is best described as utilitarian, with comfortable seats, legible instruments, and a good deal of hard plastic. Both crew-cab and extended-cab versions are available, but forking over the extra $2,220 for the crew-cab version is definitely the way to go, because the extended cab’s backseat is suitable only for cargo and children. An off-road package, a towing package (7,500 pounds max), and 4-wheel drive are options. Forward-collision warning and forward automatic emergency braking are standard, and other advanced safety features are available.

The Ranger is a solid, substantial truck that can handle pickup duties and serve as a capable daily driver, and it will probably run forever. Its biggest shortcoming? Nothing about it feels novel or surprising or exciting. After an eight-year layoff, Ford could have swung for the fences but settled for a line-drive double instead.

Model year: 2019
Vehicle Layout: Midsize pickup, 2.3-liter turbocharged inline 4 (270 hp), 10-speed automatic, RWD 
MSRP, Base Model: $25,500 (base), $35,600 (well equipped)
MPG, City/Hwy/Combined: 21/26/23
Crash-Test Ratings: NHTSA, IIHS: not yet rated
Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
Spare Tire: Full-size spare
Final Assembly: United States

For more reviews, go to AAA.com/CarReviewsEnjoy a no-hassle experience when purchasing a new or used vehicle with AAA’s free Car Buying Service. Go to AAA.com/Auto or call (800) 709-7222.

Follow us on Instagram

Follow AAA Explorer and Westways for the latest on what to see and do.

Read more articles

You'll find more of the articles you love to read at AAA Insider.

Automotive offers & deals

AAA mechanic

AAA Approved Auto Repair

Search approximately 7,000 AAA Approved facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

AAA mobile battery service

AAA Mobile Battery Service

AAA provides a convenient testing and replacement service that comes to you.

NAPA Auto Parts store exterior

Automotive discounts

Use your AAA membership to unlock do-it-yourself car-care discounts.

Teen driver learning to drive

Teen driving resources

AAA cares about your teen’s safety and wants to help them develop safe driving habits.

back to top icon