Was 2019 a good year for a Ford Ranger?
Yes. 2019 was a solid year for the Ford Ranger, marking a strong relaunch in the United States and notable momentum globally for the model's second generation.
The year brought Ford's long-anticipated return of the Ranger to the U.S. market after an eight-year hiatus, along with the global rollout of a more capable, tech-rich mid-size pickup. The combination of a modern EcoBoost engine, improved payload and towing capabilities, and enthusiastic reception for the off-road-focused Ranger Raptor helped the model regain visibility in a competitive segment. Here is a closer look at how 2019 shaped the Ranger's fortunes across markets and what drove its reception.
Global comeback and market context
Across regions, 2019 marked a coordinated push to relaunch the Ranger as Ford's flagship midsize pickup with improved efficiency, capability, and technology. This included updated interiors, a choice of cab configurations, and options tailored to truck buyers in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Below are the key global milestones for the Ranger in 2019.
- United States reintroduction of the Ranger for the 2019 model year after an eight-year absence.
- Launch of the Ranger Raptor in multiple markets, offering a higher-performance, off-road-oriented variant.
- Introduction of modern powertrains, including a turbocharged EcoBoost engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and expanded cab/trim options.
- Expansion of the Ranger lineup with SuperCrew and extended cab configurations to broaden practicality for work and family use.
- Enhanced media, safety, and connectivity features to align with competitive mid-size pickups.
These milestones collectively reinforced Ranger's global repositioning and Ford's strategy to compete more effectively in the midsize segment, beyond its traditional stronghold in select markets.
U.S. market revival: reception, specs, and impact
In the United States, 2019 represented the Ranger's long-awaited return and a test of whether modern mid-size pickups could entice buyers accustomed to larger trucks. Ford marketed the Ranger as a pragmatic alternative to larger pickups, combining car-like ride quality with real-world capability.
Key aspects that defined the U.S. comeback include the following:
- Turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering competitive acceleration and efficiency for a midsize pickup.
- Payload and towing capabilities that aligned with work duties and weekend adventures, supported by available four-wheel-drive configurations and improved chassis tuning.
- Flexible cabin arrangements, with SuperCrew cab options that offered ample rear-seat space for families and crew members.
- Modern technology and safety features, including Ford’s infotainment and driver-assistance systems designed to appeal to tech-focused buyers.
With these elements, the Ranger established a credible foothold in the U.S. midsize pickup segment during its first year back on sale, drawing attention from both traditional truck buyers and new entrants who valued efficiency and practicality.
Variants, performance and market perception
Beyond the base Ranger, 2019 saw Ford push the model into territory that appealed to performance enthusiasts and work-focused buyers alike. The Ranger Raptor, in particular, showcased the truck's off-road potential with upgraded suspension, chassis tuning, and rugged styling, while the standard Ranger variants offered a balance of capability and comfort for daily driving.
These factors contributed to a generally positive reception in markets where the Ranger had presence, with critics praising ride comfort, modern interior, and the versatility of cab configurations, even as buyers weighed it against rivals like the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and Nissan Frontier.
Design, capability, and technology highlights
Reviewers and buyers highlighted the Ranger's blend of a car-like interior, practical storage, and a capable powertrain lineup. The Ranger's ruggedness, combined with safety and connectivity features, helped it stand out in a crowded field, particularly in regions where mid-size pickups represent a core part of the pickup segment.
Challenges and context
As with any major relaunch, 2019 brought some challenges and market dynamics to monitor. Production ramp-up varied by region, and dealers in some areas faced the usual supply and demand balancing that accompanies a new generation. The Ranger also competed in a segment with established players, requiring Ford to communicate the Ranger's value proposition clearly to buyers who might be considering larger pickups or alternative brands.
In the broader context, 2019 was a year of reaffirmation for the Ranger as Ford's continued commitment to mid-size pickups and a signal that the model would be a steady contributor to the brand's global truck strategy in the years that followed.
Summary
Overall, 2019 was a positive year for the Ford Ranger. It marked the real-world success of the US relaunch and contributed to a stronger global presence for the mid-size pickup, thanks to new powertrains, improved technology, and a high-profile performance variant. While regional results varied and competition remained intense, the year laid a solid foundation for Ranger’s ongoing evolution in markets around the world.
