Refreshed Ford Ranger pickup unveiled with new engines

The Ford Ranger pickup has been updated for 2019 with tweaked styling and various upgrades to make it more efficient and improve refinement. The Ranger is Europe’s best-selling pickup, and Ford will hope the tweaks cement its position at the top of the sales charts when it goes on sale in the summer. Prices have yet to be announced.

The Ranger’s headlights now incorporate stylish LED daytime running lights but overall the styling changes aren’t massive. The bonnet, bumpers and imposing front grille have all been redesigned to keep the pickup looking fresh but it still looks very similar to the outgoing model. Two new paint colours have also been made available.

Best pickup trucks

The engine range has been simplified. There’s now only one engine available, a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel, which is available with three different power outputs. The entry-level model delivers 128bhp and plenty of pulling power, which will come in handy if you need to tow a large load. This model manages a claimed 35.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 209g/km, which Ford says is up to 9% more efficient than the current version.

You can also choose a 168bhp version of the same engine, with slightly more torque and slightly higher running costs, or the range-topping bi-turbo 210bhp version. Expect this engine to be limited to the Wildtrak trim level and the Ranger Raptor, which has been developed by Ford’s performance team. A six-speed manual and a 10-speed automatic gearbox, used in the Ford Mustang, will be available, although the latter will be more expensive.

12

High-specced double cab models will feature a host of new upgrades, improving refinement and ease of use. Active Noise Control technology reduces unwanted outside noises, which should make the Ranger more relaxing to drive, and an easy-lift tailgate is available too.

The Ranger is the first pickup to feature pre-collision assistance, pedestrian detection and technology to help you stick to the speed limit as standard. On top of that, you can specify systems such as parking assistance, so squeezing the Ranger into a space won’t be quite so daunting.

Ford says the Ranger is now better connected than ever. For the first time, it will be available with FordPass Connect - offering Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices, remote functions and a ‘find my vehicle’ function amongst other things. That’s alongside the company’s SYNC 3 system that allows you to safely pair your phone with the car’s software.