2019 Ford Ranger vs 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2019 Ford Ranger marked a notable return to the U.S. market as a midsize pickup, close in dimensions to the older F-150s. This revival saw a significant increase in power to handle its new heft. The Ranger boasted a remarkable 7,500-pound towing capacity and an 1,860-pound maximum payload, nearing the V6 F-150's capabilities. Its 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, propelled it to become a class leader, save for the more expensive turbodiesel-powered Colorado.

For American consumers, Ford made strategic revisions to the Ranger's sheet-metal stampings to ensure tighter panel gaps and fortified its frame to incorporate solid steel bumper mounts for U.S. regulations.

Priced for fleet duty, the base XL trim of the Ranger started at an affordable $24,300, with the capability-enhancing towing package adding $495 and a $1,195 destination charge, bringing the total to $25,990. In its base configuration, buyers would get rear-wheel drive (RWD), a 6-foot bed, and a SuperCab with rear jump seats. Standard features included steel 16-inch wheels, a manual-locking tailgate, cloth upholstery, a basic 4-speaker stereo, rear-view camera, USB port, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

The Ranger offered several packages to enhance its features. For example, the Group 101A package for $1,135 added cruise control, power side-view mirrors, an anti-theft system, and a remote key fob for tailgate locking. The Co-Pilot360 system for $735 brought advanced safety features like auto high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and more.

Upgrading to the XLT trim at $27,940 provided 17-inch alloys, a 4.2-inch center screen with Ford Sync, an extra USB port, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 6-speaker stereo. Additional enhancements included the Ford Sync3 system, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and an optional leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter for $995. Navigation and adaptive cruise control were available for an extra $795.

At the top of the range, the Lariat priced at $32,210 came with LEDs front and back, leather upholstery, dual-zone auto climate control, an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen, and 18-inch alloys.

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty represented the sheer heft and power expected from a full-size pickup. With a lineage traced back to its 2017 redesign, the Super Duty featured a massive dual-bar grille and substantial, squared-off headlights.

Available in six trims—XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited—the F-250 catered to a broad audience. The base XL was a no-frills workhorse, adorned with dark plastic bumpers and grille, and 17-inch steel wheels. The XLT elevated the aesthetics with 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, a chrome grille, and chrome bumpers. The Lariat received a unique black appearance package and different styling elements.

The King Ranch and Platinum trims introduced premium wheels, standout grilles, and distinctive paint schemes, while the Limited trim showcased full body-color bumpers and high-end touches.

Inside, the F-250 offered expansive interiors with plenty of storage and seating space. The second row in the Crew Cab was particularly notable for its roominess. While the XL featured a utilitarian cabin with vinyl seats and crank windows, higher trims boasted the 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Our test model, the Lariat trim, provided a blend of utility and comfort with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch color driver-information screen, and backup sensors. Seats in the Lariat trim were exceptionally plush and supportive, surpassing even those in a 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali.

Moving up the range, the King Ranch introduced a saddle-inspired interior, remote start, and voice-activated navigation. The Platinum trim added 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and massaging 20-way power front seats. The Limited trim, at the top of the lineup, came well-equipped with luxury features like a dual-panel panoramic moonroof.

The 2019 Ford Ranger came equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, making 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine, shared with the Focus RS and Mustang, was modified for truck duty and paired with a 10-speed transmission. The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the Ranger was 23 mpg combined, with 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. This efficiency positioned the Ranger competitively, especially against its main rival, the Tacoma.

Performance-wise, the Ranger's engine was enthusiastic, particularly in Sport mode, where it hit 60 mph in under 7 seconds, with some tests indicating closer to the low 6-second range. However, the 10-speed transmission was somewhat sluggish and less responsive outside of Sport mode.

Handling was adequate but not exceptional, with numb steering and braking. While the suspension provided decent ride comfort on smooth roads, it felt floaty over rougher surfaces, and the Ranger's off-road capability was limited due to insufficient suspension articulation.

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered robust V8 powertrains. The standard 6.2-liter V8 engine produced 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking more power, the available 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 delivered a staggering 450 horsepower and 935 lb-ft of torque, though it was also paired with a 6-speed automatic.

Despite its considerable power, the diesel engine's acceleration was just adequate, lagging behind competitors like the 2020 GMC and Chevy Duramax diesel V8, which featured a 10-speed transmission.

The F-250 Super Duty excelled in towing and hauling capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 18,000 pounds and a 4,270-pound payload capacity. However, without a heavy load, the truck felt over-sprung and could be unwieldy, particularly around corners. The ride was also choppy over bumps when the bed was empty.

In terms of fuel economy, the F-250's trip computer indicated an average of just over 17 mpg during a week of combined city and highway driving, which was impressive for a truck of its size and capabilities.

The 2019 Ford Ranger offered versatility to suit a range of needs. It was ideal for those seeking an affordable pickup that could handle various tasks without the bulk of a full-size truck. However, it had limitations, particularly for off-roading, where the Tacoma excelled.

The Ranger's SuperCab configuration, while useful for cargo or small pets, wasn't suitable for passengers due to its limited rear space. It's essential to note that opting for the SuperCrew cab or 4WD would reduce the maximum payload capacity by a couple of hundred pounds.

Overall, the interior quality was functional but not luxurious, with some competitors offering more stylish and refined cabins. The ride could be unsettling over uneven roads, as the softer suspension tuning caused a floating sensation that made some passengers feel unwell.

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered various cab configurations, including a regular cab with an 8-foot bed, a Super Cab with a standard or long bed, and a Crew Cab with both bed options. Unlike the F-350, the F-250 was available only with a single-rear-wheel setup.

Our Lariat test truck featured the standard bed with a spray-in bed liner, bed LED lights, power outlets, and an adjustable tie-down system. The Super Duty's beds also included Ford's integrated tailgate step, though competitors' integrated bumper steps were preferred for their ease of use and durability.

The 2019 Ford Ranger's base XL trim, while minimal, included a rear-view camera, USB port, Aux jack, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Higher trims could be equipped with more advanced technology to suit various needs.

The Sync3 system, while not visually appealing or exceptionally responsive, was capable and straightforward to use. The inclusion of safety systems meant the Ranger came just shy of Level 2 autonomy. Notable features included a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and an optional Bang & Olufsen stereo, enhancing the driving experience with high-quality audio.

All trims of the 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty included some version of SYNC infotainment. The XL and XLT featured a basic setup with a 4.2-inch LCD screen, USB-C port, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Higher trims boasted the Sync3 system, which included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Though Sync3 was user-friendly, it lacked a consistent home button for quick navigation between features.

The Lariat trim and above came with a premium B&O audio system, including 10 speakers and a subwoofer. Higher trims also offered voice control and navigation, though with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, these functions were already accessible.

The 2019 Ranger had one recall affecting 3,500 vehicles in North America due to improper wiring sub-harness installation, potentially allowing the vehicle to shift out of Park even when turned off.

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty came equipped with comprehensive safety features, including front and side airbags, a reversing camera, traction control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and trailer-sway control.

The XLT and Lariat trims included windshield wipers with headlight activation, while higher trims added automatic high beams. Optional features included lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control (even while towing), and automatic emergency braking.

Our test truck also featured a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. These advanced features, along with dual-view towing mirrors, significantly aided in maneuvering the large vehicle.