As I mentioned in my introduction thread I had the opportunity to check out the 2019 Ranger in person at the NAIAS this past weekend.
While my pictures are far from professional, maybe some less glamorous photos will give a different perspective.
I will say it is a definite change in purpose from the previous gen and my 2003 Edge.
Interior design and comfort looks like a smaller F150/Escape, which shouldn’t be a surprise. IMO nice to be used as a DD but not overly fancy where you don’t want to take it onto a trail.
Exterior wise looks pretty slick. I don’t think the pictures do it justice, by that I think it looks more aggressive in person then the pictures portray it.
Finally powertrain wise, a 10 speed it pretty insane in a Ranger… or at least a decade ago I would have thought so. While they wouldn’t confirm, doesn’t look like this will ever get a manual though.
The 2.3 EcoBoost is a hell of an upgrade from my old 3.0 and even from the elitist 4.0 (HAHA).
Looking at other variants output (280 Explorer, 285 MKC, 310 Mustang, 350 Focus RS) it’s quite likely to make upwards of 270 hp from the factory *cough tune*
All in all I’m honestly interested and looking forward to test driving one early next year at the local dealership.
*updated links