The return of the Ford Ranger is upon us, and in bringing the new truck back, Ford decided that it was only going to award it one engine at launch: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and according to a statement released Tuesday morning, some pretty good fuel economy numbers, too.
The 2019 Ranger in rear-wheel-drive delivers 21 miles per gallon in the city, 26 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg combined. According to Ford, that makes it the most fuel-efficient gas-powered midsize pickup truck on sale.
Most people will likely opt for a four-wheel drive truck, and that’s okay, because the numbers there are also pretty solid. The four-wheel-drive Ranger delivers 20 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 22 mpg.
“Midsize truck customers have been asking for a pickup that’s Built Ford Tough,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “And Ranger will deliver with durability, capability and fuel efficiency, while also providing in-city maneuverability and the freedom desired by many midsize pickup truck buyers to go off the grid.”
To achieve these numbers, the 2019 Ranger has Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, start-stop kills the engine at traffic lights to help save fuel.
The choice of running only the 2.3-liter EcoBoost wasn’t just a fuel economy play. The truck is still capable of towing, when properly equipped, 7,500 pounds. That’s best in class, at least until the all-new Jeep Gladiator goes on sale. Oh, and the Ranger will also carry 1,860 pounds of payload.
The new Ranger starts at $25,395 (with the $1,095 destination charge) and is in production now at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant. Expect to see it on dealer lots at the beginning of the year.