2019 Ford Ranger vs 2020 Ford F-150

The 2019 Ford Ranger marked its return as a midsize truck, nearly as large as its bigger sibling, the F-150. With an increased towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a 1,860-pound maximum payload, it gave the V6 F-150 a run for its money. Featuring a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, it delivered a robust 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Ford made some modifications for the American market, like tighter panel gaps and fortified frame enhancements for safety.

Priced affordably at $24,300, the Ranger was set up for fleet duty. Its configuration allowed for RWD, a 6-foot bed, and the SuperCab option, with features like a rear-view camera, USB port, and forward-collision warning. Notable optional packages included Group 101A and Co-Pilot360, which added advanced features like cruise control, lane-keep assist, and trailer tow monitoring. For those looking for more, the XLT and Lariat trims offered additional luxury features, including LED lighting, leather upholstery, and advanced infotainment system upgrades, pushing the price up to over $32,000.

The 2020 Ford F-150 took a different design approach, favoring clean lines and a blocky grille. This restrained design aged well and appealed to buyers even when on its third owner. Inside, the F-150's straightforward layout emphasized durability without leaning too much into luxury, reserving soft-touch materials and leather for higher trims.

The F-150's trims ranged from basic XL to luxurious Limited. Each offered specific features tailored to different needs, from the functional and rugged XL to the opulent King Ranch and Platinum trims. The Raptor version catered to off-road enthusiasts with its enhanced suspension and body design. Additionally, the Limited trim presented a high level of comfort such as a premium leather interior and a dual-panel moonroof, making it an excellent choice for those looking for maximum luxury.

The 2019 Ford Ranger ran on a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine already seen in the Mustang and Focus RS, now adapted for truck duties. Paired with a 10-speed transmission, proved impressive, hitting 60 mph in under 7 seconds. The Ranger boasted an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined. However, the steering and braking were numb, and the truck felt floaty over uneven roads, with limited off-road capabilities due to suspension issues.

The 2020 Ford F-150 offered a variety of powertrains. The XL and XLT came with a 3.3-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 enhanced power to 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, while a 5.0-liter V8 engine provided 395 hp and 400 lb-ft. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 delivered the highest output at 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.

The F-150 could tow up to 12,300 pounds with the proper equipment, achieving leading segment figures. The base V6 powered daily driving scenarios effectively but was not as capable for heavy-duty towing. Higher trims included more powerful engines with better towing capabilities. The driving experience was remarkably refined, with responsive steering and an adaptable ride across various terrains. The Raptor trim specifically catered to off-road enthusiasts with its specialized suspension and terrain management system, making it uniquely versatile compared to the Ranger.

The 2019 Ford Ranger provided a choice between affordability and luxury without the bulk of larger trucks. The SuperCab configuration was suitable only for luggage or small pets due to limited rear seat space. However, adding a SuperCrew cab or 4WD reduced the payload capacity by a couple of hundred pounds. Driving comfort was a bit compromised as passengers experienced some motion sickness on uneven roads.

The 2020 Ford F-150, by contrast, offered three cab sizes and three bed sizes, including the Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew, coupled with 5.5-, 6.5-, and 8-foot bed options. The SuperCrew excelled in cabin space, with extensive rear-seat legroom and fold-up rear seats that increased storage space within the cab. The SuperCab’s rear half-doors could become annoying if frequent rear access was needed. The F-150 was intelligently designed with multiple cubbies, cupholders, deep door pockets, and a large center console storage bin, ensuring practicality and user-friendly storage solutions.

In 2019, the Ranger's XL trim featured basics like a rear-view camera, USB port, Aux jack, and safety features including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The higher trims enabled customization with the Sync3 system, which, despite not being visually appealing, was easy to use. Available technologies, like a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and a Bang & Olufsen stereo system, improved comfort.

For 2020, the F-150's base XL trim included a basic AM/FM radio and auxiliary input jack, with the option to upgrade to the SYNC infotainment system. Higher trims added the SYNC 3 system, enabling features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and enhanced voice recognition. The system was lauded for being user-friendly with easy navigation. The FordPass app further enhanced this tech suite, allowing remote operations via a smartphone. Advanced audio options were also available, including a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Safety data for the 2019 Ford Ranger was not available from NHTSA or IIHS. There was one recall for an improperly installed wiring sub-harness for the shifter, affecting 3,500 North American vehicles.

The 2020 Ford F-150 fared better in safety with comprehensive features. Standard safety equipment included multiple airbags, curve control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and other advanced systems. Available driver-assist technologies under the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite added functions like automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control. The 2020 F-150 SuperCrew earned five stars from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, making it a safer pick in this comparison.