2019 Ford Ranger vs 2020 Ford Ranger

The 2019 Ford Ranger marked its return as a midsize truck, closely resembling the dimensions of the older Ford F-150. It boasted a powerful 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, which allowed it to tow up to 3,400 kilograms and carry a maximum payload of 843 kilograms. The Ranger was designed with North American consumers in mind, featuring revised sheet-metal stampings and fortified frames for enhanced durability. The base XL trim offered essential features like 4WD, a rear-view camera, and forward-collision warning, while higher trims like the XLT and Lariat added luxury touches such as leather upholstery and advanced infotainment systems.

The 2020 Ford Ranger continued to build on the previous year's model, offering a larger and more sophisticated design based on the international version. It featured a clean and aggressive appearance, avoiding the bulkier trends of American trucks. Inside, the Ranger's cabin was functional but not overly luxurious, with hard plastics that could withstand wear and tear. The trim levels—XL, XLT, and Lariat—offered varying degrees of comfort and technology, with the Lariat providing upscale features like leather upholstery and ambient lighting. The Ranger also offered several appearance packages and the FX4 Off-Road package for enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2019 Ford Ranger was equipped with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo engine, similar to those found in the Focus RS and Mustang, paired with a 10-speed transmission. It achieved a fuel economy of 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined, outperforming competitors like the Tacoma's V6. The engine was most effective in Sport mode, though the transmission could be reluctant to shift outside of this setting. The Ranger could accelerate to 60 mph in under seven seconds, but its steering and braking were less responsive, and the suspension struggled with off-road conditions.

The 2020 Ford Ranger shared the same 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It maintained a towing capacity of 3,401 kilograms and a payload capacity of 748 kilograms in the SuperCab configuration. The Ranger's ride was stiff, with noticeable chatter and body roll, sacrificing some comfort for capability. The FX4 Off-Road package enhanced its off-road performance with features like an electronically locking rear differential and Trail Control, which managed throttle and braking on trails.

The 2019 Ford Ranger offered versatility, with the SuperCab configuration providing limited rear legroom, suitable for luggage or small pets. The SuperCrew cab, with a larger rear seat, reduced payload capacity but offered more passenger comfort. The Ranger's interior was functional but lacked the style and class of some competitors, and its softer suspension could cause discomfort on rough roads.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab had a 2+2 layout with tight rear seats, accessed via clamshell doors, while the SuperCrew offered a full rear bench for five passengers. Both configurations featured practical storage solutions, including deep door pockets and a centre console bin. The SuperCab paired with a six-foot bed, while the SuperCrew had a five-foot bed, both offering optional features like a remote locking tailgate and LED bed lighting.

The 2019 Ford Ranger's XL trim included basic technology like Bluetooth, a rear-view camera, and forward-collision warning. Higher trims offered the Sync3 infotainment system, which, despite its unappealing look, was user-friendly and capable. The Ranger also featured a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and an optional Bang & Olufsen stereo for enhanced audio quality.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's XL trim had a basic AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth and a USB port, along with FordPass Connect for remote access and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim offered an optional B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen, providing a premium audio experience.

The 2019 Ford Ranger received a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS in most tests, with some exceptions. It had one recall related to the shifter wiring sub-harness. The Ranger included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came with standard airbags, a child-seat anchoring system, and Ford’s CoPilot360 suite, which included features like automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. The XLT trim offered additional safety tech through an available Technology Package. The Ranger earned top scores in most IIHS crash tests and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with one recall related to the transmission gear position.