2019 Ford Ranger SuperCrew review: Good enough, but far from great

General impression The internal impression is not up to the mark. Strong fuel economy. Suspension needs work. Pros Powerful engine Safety Technology Towing

The Ford Ranger took a pause in the US market, but it was still alive around the world. It's been nearly a decade since the Ford Ranger hit the showroom floor. The mid-size truck market is sizzling right now, and Ford has decided it's time to own some of this hot segment. The big players are Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon and Honda Ridgeline. There's even a new jeep pickup. So Ford is hoping for good things from the new Ranger, but can they deliver?

This week we drove a 2019 Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCrew 4×4 which is the top trim.

Ford Ranger: what's new in 2019?

The 2019 Ford Ranger is brand new, at least here in the US market. It's been called the baby F-150 and could be mistaken for its big brother - let's just say these days trucks (even midsize ones) are bigger than they used to be. Like the F-150, the Ranger has a high strength steel frame and an EcoBoost engine. Available in SuperCab or SuperCrew configuration, the Ranger has three familiar trim levels: XL, XLT and Lariat.

Chrome and Sport Appearance packages are available, as well as the new FX2 package.

2019 Ford Ranger FX2.

Features & Options: Healthy Blend

Our Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCrew 4×4 ($ 38 385) comes standard with front and rear parking sensors, fog lights, 110-volt outlet, auxiliary USB port, keyless entry, remote tailgate lock, Wi-Fi hotspot 4G and stereo with six speakers. The top-trim Lariat also gets 18-inch alloy wheels; LED headlights and taillights; LED cargo light; front seats with electric drive and heating; leather upholstery; and dual-zone automatic climate control. Tech features include an eight-inch central touchscreen with Ford Sync 3 interface, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It also comes with the Ford Co-Pilot360 Safety Kit, which provides lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.

This Lariat tester comes with an optional technology package ($1,795); FX4 Off-Road Package ($1,295); Sport Look Package ($895); trailer package ($495); and spray in bed linen ($ 495). Total MSRP including destination: $44,960. By contrast, the 2019 Ford Ranger starts at $ 24,300.

2019 Ford Ranger.

Interior highlights: some good, some not so good

Our Lariat Ranger came with inconsistent build quality. For example, the leather seats and soft-touch materials are nice, but we think the Lariat has too much plastic for a top trim model. However, the driver's seat is comfortably positioned, unlike the Toyota Tacoma, which lowers the seat bases below the floor. We were able to find the perfect driving position in our eight-way power-adjustable Ranger. Similarly, the telescoping steering wheel also offers a good range of adjustment. Legroom is excellent up front for tall riders and there's plenty of elbow room and headroom.

There is a small basket for your mobile phone, and the automatic shifter and parking brake handle are traditional. The Lariat's touchscreen is larger (eight inches) and intuitive for the most part. The controls are generally easy to understand, but there are too many small buttons on the climate control menu. With advances in the midsize truck segment today, the Ranger's interior seems to come in the middle of the pack.

The SuperCrew offers plenty of back seat space for adults, and there won't be any complaints on longer trips. The SuperCrew comes with a five-foot bed that can come in handy for weekend projects; but its short length and narrow width will limit what you can carry. You can choose a longer six foot box if needed.

2019 Ford Ranger interior layout.

2019 Ford Ranger: Engine and Fuel Specs

The 2019 Ford Ranger is equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. The four-cylinder turbo creates 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. torque; it is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. When equipped with a towing package and trailer brake controller, the 2019 Ranger has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. The maximum payload when properly equipped is 1860 lbs.

EPA fuel mileage ratings come in at 20/24 city/highway and 22 combined mpg. Against the competition, the 2019 Ford Ranger comes out on top.

Driving dynamics: erratic and difficult

The seats are comfortable, visibility is good, and the cabin is generally quiet, but we felt a palpable wobble when hitting uneven ground. The Ranger's suspension needs more damping and has a fair amount of erratic bouncing that can make passengers feel uncomfortable as the cabin rocks back and forth. Ranger 2019 works well on the open road as long as the road is flat and smooth. In tight corners, the truck will track well, but body roll is obvious.

The 2019 Ford Ranger is equipped with double wishbone suspension, monotube dampers and parabolic leaf springs. Under load, it's probably perfect. However, when our test drive was unloaded, we found ourselves a little scattered by the bumps in the road.

Driving dynamics: silver trims

The Ranger's 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine has plenty of torque if you need to tow a small trailer. We tested the Ranger at altitude where you need a turbo engine due to thin air. The mid-size pickup had plenty of umm to get us through slower traffic and highways. We switched the transmission to sport mode for quicker shifts on the tight mountain roads near Denver and found it enjoyable.

The 10-speed automatic transmission works well and works for us in the mountains, never looking for the right gear. This transmission contributes to the fuel efficiency of the Ranger, which we can confirm during the ride. With a maximum towing capacity of 7500 pounds. The 2019 Ford Ranger can pull and pull its midsize rivals; selling point if you have a small trailer.

For off-road use, the FX4's affordable package makes it one of the best on the market. It adds off-road shocks, all-terrain tires, and a terrain management system. We recommend the FX4 package for those who live where snow and ice are common. The added ability will provide peace of mind when the old man hits winter.

We recommend the FX4 package for the 2019 Ford Ranger.

Related: Does your new Ford have enough factory warranty to meet your driving needs?

Conclusion: not the best thing about sliced bread

We weren't overly impressed with the 2019 Ford Ranger's interior or suspension. We liked the feel of the engine and transmission, as well as the extra torque for traction and towing at height. Ranger also offers the latest in security and communications technology. However, the new Ranger is far from hitting the midsize truck market, which is rife with strong competition.