2019 Ford Ranger vs 2019 Ford F-150

The 2019 Ford Ranger marked its return to the U.S. market as a midsize pickup, stepping up significantly from its earlier compact form. It came with dimensions strikingly close to those of the Ford F-150 when the Ranger was last available in the country. Power was also ramped up to match its larger size, boasting a 7,500-pound towing capacity and a 1,860-pound maximum payload. These figures brought it within a couple hundred pounds of the V6 F-150, positioning it nearly as a class leader, only outdone by the more expensive diesel variant of the Colorado. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, powered these impressive capabilities, taking cues from Ford’s Focus RS and Mustang, modified for truck duty. Ford tailored the Ranger for the American market, revising sheet-metal stampings for tighter panel gaps and fortifying the frame to meet U.S. regulations. Starting at a base price of $24,300, with a $495 towing package and a $1,195 destination charge, the Ranger was positioned for fleet duty. This base model, the XL, came equipped with rear-wheel drive, a 6-foot bed, and the SuperCab configuration featuring rear jump seats. Despite its basic nature, it included essential features like a rear-view camera, USB port, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, along with several optional packages to enhance convenience and safety. In contrast, the 2019 Ford F-150’s redesign in 2015 brought notable enhancements like a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine and an aluminum-intensive body not much changed in the following years. General Motors once critiqued the F-150’s use of aluminum, but interestingly, the 2019 Silverado also adopted this material for its hood, doors, and tailgate, making past criticisms somewhat moot. The F-150’s trim levels ranged from the work-oriented XL to the luxurious Limited and off-road-ready Raptor, each catering to diverse needs with varying degrees of features and luxury. For instance, the King Ranch trim, one of the more luxurious options, offered unique interior touches like the Camel Back upholstery and massaging seats, illustrating how the F-150 embraced both work and leisure-oriented users with equal finesse.

The 2019 Ford Ranger's 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, already established in the Focus RS and Mustang, delivered a robust 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, integrated with a shared 10-speed transmission also used in various GM models. Its 23 mpg combined rating (21 city/26 highway) made it competitively efficient, outperforming rivals like the Tacoma's V6. Despite the Ranger feeling a bit underwhelming outside of Sport mode, it could sprint to 60 mph in under seven seconds, a notably impressive feat for a midsize truck. Unfortunately, its steering and braking felt numb, and the suspension, though optimized for road use, felt overly soft on rough terrains, reducing its off-road viability. The 2019 Ford F-150 introduced a new 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V6, offering 250 horsepower and an impressive 440 lb-ft of torque. Although less horsepower than the Ranger, this vessel of torque allowed it to tow up to 11,400 pounds. The lineup of F-150 engines included a 290-hp 3.3-liter V6, a 325-hp 2.7-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost, a more potent 375-hp 3.5-liter EcoBoost, and a solid 395-hp 5.0-liter V8. The 450-hp version of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost was now available in the Limited trim, previously exclusive to the Raptor. With its reflective and smooth acceleration, the F-150’s 10-speed automatic transmission contributed to an efficient drive, with fuel ratings reaching 22 mpg city/30 highway for the diesel and competitive figures for the other engines. Though louder outside, the diesel V6 performed quietly inside the cabin, ensuring a comfortable driving experience.

The 2019 Ford Ranger offered versatility, balancing affordability with a hint of luxury. However, its configuration could limit payload capacity; for instance, opting for the SuperCrew cab or 4WD reduced the maximum from 1,860 to around 1,600 pounds, matching the V6 F-150’s lower threshold. The SuperCab configuration was less suitable for passengers, better reserved for luggage or smaller pets. Notably, the softer suspension tuning, while providing a comfortable ride on smooth roads, led to a floaty feeling on uneven surfaces, sometimes causing nausea for passengers on longer journeys. Conversely, the 2019 Ford F-150’s range of configurations—from single cab to SuperCrew—delivered vast flexibility. The SuperCrew variant our review looked at excelled in cabin space. It had a cavernous interior with ample legroom, deep cupholders, a massive center console, and large door bins that could accommodate substantial water bottles. The rear bench’s ability to fold up created a sprawling load floor for voluminous cargo, making the F-150 particularly practical for families or workers needing significant interior storage.

The 2019 Ford Ranger ranged widely in its technological offerings. The basic XL trim, despite being minimalistic, still included useful tech like a rear-view camera, USB port, aux jack, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Higher trims introduced options akin to more luxurious models, featuring Ford’s Sync3 system, which was user-friendly and capable of near-Level 2 autonomy safety systems. Notably, the Ranger could be equipped with a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and an optional premium Bang & Olufsen stereo, enhancing entertainment on the go. In the 2019 Ford F-150, tech features varied significantly by trim. The base XL model housed Ford’s basic Sync infotainment with a 4.2-inch screen, while the XLT and higher trims gained the more competent Sync3 system, characterized by an intuitive 8-inch color touchscreen with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Our King Ranch trim test vehicle featured advanced connectivity, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and a B&O Play premium sound system by Harman, ensuring top-tier audio quality. Apple’s iOS 12 update also allowed CarPlay users to benefit from third-party navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze, significantly improving usability.

The 2019 Ford F-150 came with an encompassing suite of standard safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. Higher trims offered a 360-degree camera system, providing a comprehensive view for safe maneuvering in tight spaces. Driver-assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert were available across the lineup, catering to various safety needs and enhancing driver confidence and situational awareness.