In 2011 the last Ford Ranger rolled off dealership lots across Canada and the United States. While the Ranger continued to be sold in international markets, it has not blazed a trail in our territories for over seven years. 2019 is about to change all that, as your favorite midsize truck comes home to Canada and the United States.
History
In 1983 the Ford Motor Company designed their first compact pickup truck – it was introduced in Canada and the United States as the Ford Ranger. In 1995, they introduced the Ranger to South America. Over its 29-year production, the Ford Ranger maintained the same chassis architecture for three generations. The pickup saw its first redesign in 1993, followed by a smaller design update in 1998. Mid-cycle updates occurred again in 1998, 2001, 2004, and 2006, before the Ranger entered an 8-year hiatus in 2011.
Impact
It’s interesting to look at the Ranger’s impact across the Ford SUV lineup, as it served as the basis and inspiration for several Ford models. The design of the Ford Bronco II, as well as the first two generations of the Ford Explorer and the first generation Ford Explorer Sport Trac mid-size pickup truck were all heavily influenced by the Ranger.
2019 Canadian and United States Model
A fully boxed ladder frame with six crossmembers constitutes the backbone of the all-new Ford Ranger. Although the new truck’s frame appears similar to the international Ranger, the 2019 model has been configured specifically for Canada and the United States. The frame has been modified to provide a sturdy mounting location for the front and rear steel bumpers. An integrated trailer-hitch receiver is available as an option as well. The 2019 Ranger also gets a steel body with an aluminum hood and tailgate, with more tight and consistent panel gaps than the global version. You also get refreshed fascia and lighting elements.
Specs
The 2019 Ford Ranger comes with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, and a 10-speed automatic powertrain. While Ford hasn’t revealed any numbers yet, the Ranger’s 2.3-liter is closely related to the 280-hp 2.3-liter in the current Explorer. The 10-speed automatic transmission can be compared to the one found in the current F-150, however it has been modified to fit in the smaller sized pickup. The Ranger will be available in FX4 and FX2 models, but will also come in different trim level packages to suit your lifestyle.
The Ford Ranger will be available at Koch Ford Lincoln early 2019, save yours here! Come visit us or contact us at (780) 434-8411, and talk with one of our Ford specialists to find out more about the awaited return of the mid-sized compact truck, the 2019 Ford Ranger.
