The Ford Ranger was a popular compact pickup truck widely available from the 1980s through 2011. Since that time, new models have only been manufactured for Ford’s international markets. However, the Ranger is poised to make a comeback in the form of the 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor. At Loganville Ford, we’re excited to see the manufacturer once again offering a mid-size pickup truck in America. Here, you can see what makes the return of the Ranger something worth anticipating.
Customer Choice
As pickup trucks escalate into bigger and bigger models, it’s significant that Ford is preparing to bring a mid-size option back to the market. The Ranger hasn’t been available in the United States for seven years, and we welcome the opportunity for customers to exercise more choice when it comes to selecting the model that’s right for them. By all accounts, the 2019 Ranger Raptor will combine the powerful capability of larger Fords with a smaller, more accessible body.
Engine and Power
According to a test model spotted at Ford’s facility in Australia, the 2019 Ranger Raptor seems based largely on the current international version of the popular pickup. This means that the new Ranger is expected to have a 3.2-liter or 3.5-liter V6 engine under its hood, and drivers will be able to tap into this power with a convenient 10-speed automatic transmission. A diesel version of the Ranger Raptor is also expected to be in development. Intrepid drivers are sure to relish the opportunity to put this engine to work in a variety of off-road scenarios.
Performance
The 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor shares some similarities with the F-150 Raptor; its steel front bumper, tow hook, and thick skid plate are expected to carry over from this model. The design of the bumper, as with the F-150 Raptor, is raised in an effort to facilitate better off-road driving. Similarly, the impressively-sized tires are sure to offer excellent traction and control both on and off the highway. We fully expect Ford to deliver a selection of trim options that will further outfit the Ranger Raptor for enhanced off-road performance.
Price Point and Availability
Based on sales of the current Ranger worldwide, as well as on similar offerings from the manufacturer’s competitors, it is likely that the 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor will be available starting around $25,000. However, we expect to see higher levels of trim, as well as off-roading feature packages, that may elevate the price of certain versions to around $40,000. While official details remain vague, the Ranger Raptor may be available to drivers as early as late 2018.
There are a lot of questions about the return of the Ranger to the American market, but this enduring pickup is sure to see a newfound surge in popularity when it arrives. We’re eagerly awaiting the vehicle’s official unveiling, but one thing is certain: you’ll be able to see the 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor for yourself at Loganville Ford as soon as it becomes available.
“Ford Ranger 2012 3” by Kārlis Dambrāns used under license CC BY 2.0
