2019 Ford Ranger or Ford F-150?
The 2019 Ford Ranger is back from its overseas trip. Now that it's stateside, many are probably wondering whether they should stick with the tried-and-true Ford F-150 or try the compact Ranger. So we whipped up this comparison guide to explore the differences between these two fixtures of Ford's storied history.
Obviously, the F-150 is bigger than the all-new Ford Ranger. But by exactly how much? The Ford F-150 is anywhere from 150 to 1,000 pounds heavier than the Ranger. Surprisingly, however, the Ford Ranger is a little broader than the F-150, but, not surprisingly, less tall than its automotive sibling by about 5 inches. Length varies, depending on the bed you choose. The Ford F-150 comes with a 5.5-, 6.5-, or 8-foot bed length while the Ranger offers a 5- or 6-foot bed. Obviously, that impacts how much you can store and haul. But if you're worried about head- and legroom in the cabin, don't be. The F-150 and Ranger offer almost the same amount in the front. If you're worried about the back seat passengers, there's about 3 extra inches of legroom in the Ford F-150 SuperCab and SuperCrew than equivalent Rangers.
Price: 2019 Ford Ranger
One advantage of the Ford Ranger is its price. The 2019 Ranger starts at just $24,000, with the top-tier Ranger Lariat starting at $32,210. We like standard tech features like USB port, six-speaker stereo, built-in Wi-Fi hot spot, and voice-controlled SYNC infotainment system with a 4.2-inch display screen. If you want the SYNC3 infotainment, (which is a great system), you need to step up to the XLT trim level for $27,940 and dole out another $995. At that point, you're paying a little more than the Ford F-150 base trim, but you're sitting on a whole lot of tech.
The 2019 Ford F-150 starts at $28,155. There are few amenities at this workaday trim level, though standard features include automatic high beams, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a rearview camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist. If you want the SYNC3 infotainment system, step up to the F-150 XLT trim, starting at $34,165. The most expensive, fully-loaded F-150s go for over $65,000.
Fuel Economy: 2019 Ford Ranger
The 2019 Ford Ranger is a thriftier truck than the Ford F-150. Weighing hundreds of pounds less has a lot to do with that. If you want the convenience of a truck but also a daily driver, the Ford Ranger is a better bet, with 21 city miles and 26 highway miles per gallon. By comparison, the Ford F-150 gets 19 city and 25 highway mpg. You'll save hundreds of dollars in fuel costs over the course of a year by choosing the Ford Ranger.
Some people need the better hauling and towing potential of the Ford F-150. But if you need an all-purpose vehicle with the benefits of a truck bed, the Ford Ranger will serve you better.