A Glimpse at the New Ford Ranger
After a long hiatus, the Ford Ranger roared back into the US market, and the anticipation surrounding its return was palpable. Truck enthusiasts and off-road adventurers alike were eager to see if the resurrected Ranger could live up to the legacy of its predecessors. The new Ford Ranger promises to be off-road ready, and it aims to deliver on that pledge with a combination of robust engineering, intelligent technology, and purpose-built features that make it a formidable contender in the mid-size truck segment.
The new 2019 Ford Ranger boasts a muscular and modern design that hints at its underlying capability. Its bold grille, sculpted lines, and confident stance convey a sense of strength and purpose. Under the hood, the Ranger features a potent engine designed to balance power and efficiency. This engine, a testament to Ford’s engineering prowess, is paired with a responsive transmission, ensuring smooth acceleration and confident performance both on and off the pavement. From its durable construction to its thoughtfully designed interior, the Ranger is a vehicle that blends practicality with a touch of sophistication.
Off-Road Features and Technology
The Ranger isn’t just about looks; it’s engineered to tackle challenging terrain with confidence. A suite of carefully integrated features and technologies work in harmony to enhance its off-road capabilities.
Chassis and Suspension
The foundation of any capable off-roader is a robust chassis, and the Ranger doesn’t disappoint. Its fully boxed frame provides exceptional strength and rigidity, allowing the truck to withstand the stresses of navigating uneven terrain. The suspension system is tuned to provide a balance of comfort and control, absorbing bumps and maintaining composure on rough surfaces. The Ranger offers ample ground clearance, allowing it to clear obstacles with ease. Approach and departure angles, critical for tackling steep inclines and declines, are also carefully optimized to ensure that the Ranger can navigate challenging terrain without scraping or bottoming out.
Terrain Management System
Ford’s Terrain Management System is a sophisticated feature that allows drivers to tailor the Ranger’s performance to different types of terrain. By selecting a specific mode, such as Grass, Gravel, Snow, Mud, or Sand, the system automatically adjusts various parameters, including engine throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control settings, to optimize performance for the given conditions. This intelligent system takes the guesswork out of off-roading, allowing drivers to focus on navigating the trail ahead. The Terrain Management System empowers drivers to conquer a wide range of off-road challenges with confidence and ease.
Electronic Locking Rear Differential
When the going gets tough, the Ranger’s electronic locking rear differential can provide a significant advantage. By mechanically locking the rear wheels together, this feature ensures that power is evenly distributed, even if one wheel loses traction. This can be invaluable when traversing slippery surfaces or navigating rocky terrain, where maintaining momentum is critical. The electronic locking rear differential provides a boost in traction, enabling the Ranger to power through obstacles that might otherwise prove impassable.
Trail Control
Trail Control is a groundbreaking technology that functions like cruise control for off-roading. By setting a desired speed, the system automatically manages the throttle and braking, allowing the driver to focus solely on steering. This can be particularly helpful when navigating technical trails or steep inclines, where precise control is essential. Trail Control takes the stress out of low-speed off-roading, enabling drivers to maintain a steady pace and avoid sudden jerks or stalls. It makes off-roading more accessible and enjoyable for drivers of all skill levels.
Off-Road Data Display
An often overlooked but helpful feature, some Ranger models offer a display showing real-time data vital for off-roading. Metrics like wheel articulation (how much each wheel is moving up and down), and pitch and roll angles (how steep the terrain is), can help the driver make informed decisions to avoid getting stuck or damaging the vehicle. This type of information, previously relegated to hardcore off-road enthusiasts with aftermarket gauges, now comes standard on a pickup truck.
The FX Off-Road Package
For those seeking even greater off-road capability, the new Ford Ranger promises to be off-road ready with the available FX package. This package builds upon the Ranger’s already impressive capabilities with a host of specialized features. It includes off-road tuned suspension for enhanced articulation and control, skid plates to protect vital components from rocks and debris, all-terrain tires for superior grip on loose surfaces, and, most importantly, the Terrain Management System and Trail Control features. The FX Off-Road Package transforms the Ranger into an even more formidable off-road machine, capable of tackling even the most challenging trails.
Competition in the Off-Road Arena
The mid-size truck segment is fiercely competitive, with several models vying for the attention of off-road enthusiasts. While trucks like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Chevrolet Colorado ZR have established a strong presence in the market, the new Ford Ranger promises to be off-road ready, and offers a compelling alternative with its blend of modern technology, robust construction, and carefully considered features. The Ranger’s Terrain Management System and Trail Control features, in particular, set it apart from some of its competitors. While some trucks may offer more aggressive styling or specialized off-road components, the Ranger strikes a balance between capability, practicality, and everyday usability, making it an attractive option for those who want a truck that can handle both the daily commute and weekend adventures.
Real-World Testing and Reviews
The true test of any off-road vehicle is how it performs in the real world. Numerous reviews and real-world tests have put the new Ford Ranger promises to be off-road ready claims to the test. Many reviewers have praised the Ranger’s smooth ride, responsive engine, and user-friendly technology. Some have highlighted the effectiveness of the Terrain Management System and Trail Control features in navigating challenging terrain. While some reviewers have noted that the Ranger’s ground clearance and approach/departure angles aren’t quite as extreme as those of some competitors, they generally agree that the Ranger is a capable and well-rounded off-road truck. One reviewer from a reputable automotive publication noted that “the Ranger tackled rocky trails with surprising ease, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and responsive engine.” Another reviewer commented that “the Terrain Management System made it easy to adapt to changing conditions, allowing me to focus on enjoying the drive.” These testimonials, coupled with other positive reviews, suggest that the Ranger lives up to its promise of being off-road ready.
Conclusion
The return of the Ford Ranger marked a significant moment in the automotive world, and the new Ford Ranger promises to be off-road ready, setting the stage for a compelling contender in the mid-size truck segment. With its robust construction, intelligent technology, and available off-road packages, the Ranger is well-equipped to tackle a wide range of off-road challenges. From its Terrain Management System to its Trail Control feature, the Ranger offers a blend of capability, practicality, and user-friendliness that is sure to appeal to both seasoned off-road enthusiasts and those new to the world of adventure. As the Ranger continues to evolve and improve, it is poised to become a dominant force in the off-road market, solidifying its place as a worthy successor to its legendary predecessors. So, if you’re looking for a truck that can handle both the daily grind and the occasional off-road excursion, the new Ford Ranger promises to be off-road ready and is definitely worth a closer look. Its commitment to delivering both rugged capability and modern features makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile and capable pickup.
