2019 Ford Ranger revealed for the United States – 2.3 litre EcoBoost, 10-speed automatic, standard AEB

Last year, Ford announced that it would be bringing back the Ranger nameplate to the United States, using the bones of the current T6 model sold in the rest of the world. Now, the Blue Oval has revealed exactly what kind of midsize pick-up truck North American buyers will get when it goes on sale there in early 2019, plus preliminary specifications and equipment.

As expected, the Stateside model takes after the Ranger we get, but with a few subtle changes. At the front, the bumper is now made of steel and is connected directly to the frame of the vehicle, as is usual on American trucks. There’s also a new hexagonal grille – with twin bars on the range-topping Lariat variants – as well as the Ranger name stamped on the tailgate.

Rounding off the exterior updates are the optional LED head- and tail lights, the former incorporating LED daytime running lights. Buyers can also specify puddle lights and cargo bed lighting, along with a Smart Trailer Tow connector that alerts the driver of faulty trailer connections.

Few changes can be found on the inside, with the same upgraded dashboard and twin-LCD instrument cluster introduced on the facelifted T6; however, the gearlever now sports shift buttons akin to what you’d find on the Fiesta. The optional SYNC 3 infotainment system and eight-inch central screen remains, but now receives Amazon’s Alexa personal assistant functionality as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other optional features include FordPass Connect 4G LTE with a WiFi hotspot for up to 10 devices, plus AC outlets for charging laptops and a B&O Play premium sound system. The American Ranger is available in three variants – XL, XLT and the aforementioned Lariat – with Chrome and Sport trims throwing in bright or dark chrome grille, bumpers and door mirrors.

All Ranger models will receive a 2.3 litre EcoBoost four-cylinder petrol engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, both sourced from the Mustang. No output figures have been released just yet, but expect them to be some way down the pony car’s 310 hp and 475 Nm. This engine and gearbox combination could be offered as one of the powertrain options on the Ranger Raptor that will be introduced soon.

Both rear- and four-wheel drive models get Dana AdvanTEK axles (independent at the front and solid at the rear), while an electronic locking rear differential is available as an option. Also available is the FX4 Off-Road Package with off-road-tuned dampers, all-terrain tyres, a heavy-gauge steel front sump guard and skid plates mounted to the frame of the vehicle.

The pack also throws in a couple of electronic off-road toys, including the Terrain Management System already seen on the Everest SUV. The system, which adjusts throttle response, gearing and vehicle controls to suit the given terrain or weather condition, has four drive modes – normal; grass, gravel and snow; mud and ruts; and sand – selectable using a rotary dial next to the gearlever.

A new addition is Trail Control, a form of low-speed cruise control that takes care of acceleration and braking on rough terrain, in a similar manner to Jaguar Land Rover’s All Surface Progress Control (ASPC). This, Ford says, allows drivers to focus on steering along the course.

Safety-wise, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) comes as standard with every Ranger, while XLT models and up gain Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), reverse sensors and a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) that Ford claims is the the first in its class. Pedestrian Detection and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) are offered on the Lariat variant.

North American Rangers will be built at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant starting from the end of the year. Those for the rest of the world will continue to be built at the AutoAlliance Thailand factory in Rayong, and a facelift is in the works for international models, too.

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