2019 Ford Ranger vs 2019 RAM 1500

In 2019, the Ford Ranger made its return to the US market as a midsize truck, shedding its previous compact pickup label. Surprisingly, its dimensions were nearly on par with the older versions of the F-150. This modern iteration of the Ranger came with a remarkable towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,860 pounds, making it just shy of the numbers produced by the V6 F-150. The Ranger's performance was driven by a robust 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, capable of producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Ford tailored the Ranger for the American market with some slight modifications, including tighter panel gaps and fortified frame bumpers. Starting at $24,300, the Ranger was positioned for fleet duty, with options to enhance its towing capabilities and other features. The base XL trim included rear-wheel drive (RWD), a 6-foot bed, and a SuperCab configuration with rear jump seats, and it came with standard features like a rear-view camera, USB port, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Additional packages were available to upgrade cruise control, power side-view mirrors, and more.

The XLT trim, starting at $27,940, added 17-inch alloy wheels, a 4.2-inch center screen with Ford Sync, and a host of other upgrades like a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. For those wanting even more luxury, the Lariat trim at $32,210 offered features such as LED lights, leather upholstery, dual-zone auto climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2019 RAM 1500 underwent a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. Maintaining its big-rig aesthetic, the RAM 1500 felt commanding yet manageable, unlike its wider competitor, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. RAM's new design shifted away from the old crosshair grille, providing each trim level with a unique grille design.

The RAM 1500's interior showcased dramatic, contoured planes, with different sections for touchscreen controls, radio/climate controls, and rotary shifter. The Tradesman trim remained a rugged work truck with standard features like heavy-duty shock absorbers, coil-spring rear suspension, and a Class III trailer hitch. As you moved up the trims from Big Horn to Limited, each offered progressively more luxurious features.

Our test vehicle, the Laramie, featured power side mirrors with turn signals, upgraded LED taillights, remote keyless entry, and leather seating with heated front seats. High-end trims like the Longhorn and Limited added even more luxury with features such as 20-inch wheels, advanced interior materials, and a massive 12-inch touchscreen.

Under the hood, the 2019 Ford Ranger housed a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that had proven its capability in models like the Focus RS and the Mustang. Modified for truck duty, it delivered 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which occasionally felt sluggish outside its Sport mode but provided impressive acceleration, hitting 60 mph in under 7 seconds.

With an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, the Ranger outperformed many of its competitors, offering 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. However, its real disadvantage lay in its steering and braking, which lacked a responsive feel. The suspension, tuned for road comfort, struggled with more rugged off-road conditions.

The 2019 RAM 1500, meanwhile, offered more variety in its engine options. The base 3.6-liter V6 came with eTorque, a mild-hybrid system that added 90 lb-ft of torque on top of its 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. For those craving more power, the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 offered 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, with an optional eTorque system adding up to 130 extra lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Driving the RAM 1500 felt effortless, with heavily boosted steering and a tight turning radius. The V8 engine provided linear and strong power delivery, making the truck feel nimble despite its size. The RAM excelled in everyday driving, offering a smooth ride, responsive handling, and composed braking. It also proved to be a workhorse, capable of towing up to 12,750 pounds with the eTorque V8.

Fuel economy for the non-eTorque V8 was estimated at 15 mpg city, 21 highway, and 17 combined with 4WD, with similarly modest returns for RWD.

The 2019 Ford Ranger catered to a wide range of needs, offering configurations tailored for affordability or luxury. Its SuperCab configuration was limited in rear-seat space, making it more suitable for cargo than passengers. The softer suspension also caused some discomfort on uneven roads, which was a drawback for long drives.

In comparison, the RAM 1500 excelled in practicality, featuring an array of storage options both in the cabin and the truck bed. The rear doors opened nearly 90 degrees, making it easier to load large items, and the seats offered unique reclining features. RAM's center console was incredibly versatile, able to accommodate everything from work tools to tablets.

The RAM 1500 also boasted a substantial payload capacity, with more than enough utility to meet the demands of both work and family life. The Laramie trim we drove came with thoughtful touches like adjustable pedals and dual gloveboxes, enhancing day-to-day practicality.

The 2019 Ford Ranger's base XL trim included essential tech features such as a rear-view camera, USB port, Aux jack, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Higher trims could be equipped with the Sync3 infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and an optional Bang & Olufsen stereo system.

For the 2019 RAM 1500, the highlight was its available 12-inch touchscreen, configured in a portrait layout like a Tesla's. Even without this massive screen, the Laramie trim's 8.4-inch touchscreen, equipped with Uconnect's fourth-generation software, provided exceptional usability and responsiveness. Uconnect was lauded for its simplicity, featuring dock icons for easy navigation through media, radio, climate, and more. The system's crisp graphics and tablet-like functionality set a high bar for truck infotainment.

Safety features for the 2019 Ford Ranger included a rear-view camera and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Ford had not yet released test data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at the time of review. However, there was one significant recall concerning the shifter's wiring sub-harness installation that could cause shifting out of Park without the vehicle being on.

The 2019 RAM 1500 came loaded with standard safety features like a full array of airbags, electronic parking brake, integrated trailer-sway control, hill-start assist, and a reversing camera. For higher trims like the Laramie, options included a 360-degree camera and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection. Advanced driver-assistance features like forward-collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, dynamic cruise control, and parking sensors were available on all but the base Tradesman trim.