So today I had the opportunity to drive the new 2019 Ranger. Ford offered a drive event where originally they were spose to let you drive up and over a bridge thing, but they changed it and decided to let us take it for a spin on public streets. They also had one to sit in and take a look around. This is my first impressions. I will have another opportunity in a few weeks at the LA auto show.
The truck I drove was a Lariet FX4 Crew cab
Interior: very comfortable, good seating position, and room. Everything is right where you need it, I didn't need to go hunting for any controls. The rear seats are decent. I'm 6'1” and I can fit behind myself, but I wouldn't want to take a long trip. The bottom seat is 1 piece, not a 60/40 which is kinda dumb. That means everyone has to move if you need to get something. There is some storage under there but not much. The rear window is really small. It only maybe 10” tall or so. The slider is really kinda worthless. Desperately needs a powered option.
Exterior: This has a nice look to it. Easy close tailgate. Nice ride height. Plenty of room for bigger tires. Feels simple, but in a good way.
Drive: Power was ok, but I think I'm use to 4, 5 and 6 speed transmissions. Your always pretty low in the RPM's because of so many gears. You don't even notice the trans shifting. These have start/stop technology, and again I didn't even notice it. You do feel the Torque though. I question towing a bit, but I really needed more seat time. It drives super smooth. But stiffer the my ’16 Explorer.
Mileage: Talking we with the Ford guy on the test drive, he said they drove it out here from Michigan. They stopped in Arizona to pick up a trailer. The test drive truck showed average MPG of 21.5 and that's with everyone flooring it, and driving no more then 40mph on the street. He said they got 25 coming out here, but they were pushing it pretty hard and fast driving out here. They were flying through Texas. He said he well excepted it to get 30mpg on the highway.
Feel free to ask any other questions.