Tag Archives: pickup truck
5 Reasons We’re Looking Forward To The 2019 Ford Ranger
After a seven-year hiatus, it looks like Ford is back in the midsize truck segment. The 2019 Ford Ranger is no F-150, but it will do just fine to battle it out with the likes of the 2019 Ram 1500 and the Chevrolet Silverado, which, like the Ranger, made its debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
1. Exterior
The 2019 Ranger will be offered in three trim packages and uniquely, two appearance packages. Let’s talk about the trim packages first. The base XL will be produced for fleets, contractors, and anyone who focuses on function rather than form. The mid-grade XLT has more features and it doesn’t look like a work truck. Finally, the Lariat trim is for those looking for everything—luxury, form, ability, etc.
Surprisingly, Ford is not offering a Platinum or Limited trim model to compete with the GMC Canyon Denali. As for the appearance packages, the 2019 Ranger can come in Sport or Chrome packages. There are also two sizes—the SuperCab (extended cab) and the SuperCrew (crew cab).
2. Interior
The super sleek exterior is just about right with what we’re going to find once we go inside. The 2019 Ranger has a dashboard similar to Global T6 Ranger with an 8.0-inch SYNC 3 infotainment system wherein you can control such features as the Ford+Alexa connectivity and the optional B&O sound system. The gear shifter is console mounted and Ford wouldn’t disappoint you with its optional FordPass 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot for 10 devices.
3. Drivetrain
The powertrain is irresistible. It comes with a single engine for now, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder that is similar to the one used by Mustang. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that is standard across all devices. There is an option for either a rear-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive, as well as for an electronic locking rear differential.
4. Safety
Every 2019 Ranger will come standard with Automatic Emergency Braking. The XLT and Lariat trims will come equipped with Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, a Reverse Sensing System, and Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage. Those spending their money on the Lariat trim can also opt for the Pedestrian Detection and Adaptive Cruise Control.
5. Pricing
Expect the Ford prices to be somewhat near its competition. The base XL will most likely sell for $23,000 while the Lariat can have a price tag of $42,000.
2019 Ram 1500 vs Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2018 Ford F-150
Ram 1500
Chevrolet Silverado
Ford F-150
There are a lot of big trucks that have been revealed at the Detroit Auto Show. It’s almost as if the motor show was exclusively organized for pickup trucks like the 2019 Ram 1500, the Chevy Silverado 1500, and the 2018 Ford F-150.
Lighter with Better Aerodynamic
In 2015, the F-150 lost much of its weight. The same can be said this year for the Ram 1500 and the Chevy Silverado 1500. On top of the list is the Silverado, which shed 450 pounds compared to the other V8 models. The Ram 1500, on the other hand, lost 225 pounds. The Ram and the Chevy lost their pounds because of the use of aluminum.
Where it differs is here: the Silverado used aluminum on its hood, doors, and tailgate; the Ram on the hood and the tailgate; and the F-150 used aluminum on all exterior parts for a total weight lost of 732 pounds.
Engines and Transmissions
Both the Ram and the Chevy are being powered by a V8 engine. The Ram has a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that produces 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand, the Silverado again used a 6.2-liter V8. Experts predict that the new Silverado could churn up to 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
Ford F-150 is still using the same 5.0-liter V8 engine, but you now have the option to go with a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This one produces 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.
The Rams will be paired with an eight-speed automatic; a different one will be set for the V6 and the V8. The Silverado will get a 10-speed automatic for its 6.2-liter V8 and diesel. The F-150 will also use a 10-speed automatic transmission.
4 Things We Found Out About The 2019 Ford Ranger
Prototypes for the 2019 Ford Ranger have been spotted, and spy photos prove that the new model will be an “extensive update” of the current model rather than being redesigned for a next-generation model. Ford enthusiasts will not miss out on the aesthetics of the current model since the “new” design will be all too familiar.
1. T6 Platform To Be Used
The US version will differ slightly from the versions that will be sold overseas. According to reports, the 2019 Ranger will differ mechanically and visually, though the size and shape should still be the same—based on a body-on-frame platform codenamed T6.
The T6 platform is being used both by the current Ranger and the Everest model. Along with the new Ranger, Ford engineers are also working on a brand-new Everest. Most of the development are being handled in Ford’s Australian outpost.
2. Gas Options Available
There is no word yet on what kind of engines we’ll see under the hood of the new Ranger. The current one is being powered with two diesel engines: a 2.2-liter inline-4 that can produce 158 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque and a 3.2-liter inline-5 with 197 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque.
For the US market, it is more than likely that the 2019 Ranger will be offered in gasoline options. Yet, we’re still expecting for diesel engines to come and save the day.
3. Ranger Raptor In The Horizon
There are rumors that Ford is working on a new Ranger Raptor as well, but the American automaker has been very silent about the details. The powertrain will most likely be a detuned version of the F-150 Raptor’s 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6. Will it be available in the US? We don’t have word on that yet.
4. Rivals And Launch Dates
The 2019 Ranger will be introduced early next year. It will compete with the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma.
Top 3 Cool Things About The 2017 Toyota Tacoma
Toyota rocked the midsize pickup truck segment last year when it introduced the all-new Tacoma. It will shake things up once again since Tacoma will be welcoming the new 2017 TRD Pro, along with revised value-loaded optional amenity packages for SR5 models.
Here are the three important features of the new Toyota Tacoma:
Brute Strength
The TRD Pro has the strongest foundation seen on any midsize trucks. Thanks to the use of high-strength steel in the frame and body, the TRD Pro can battle it out in terms of durability and performance. It also boasts of a “refined setup,” which means a double wishbone coil-spring front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension with staggered outboard-mounted gas shocks.
There are two available powertrains: the entry-level 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder with VVT-i that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of peak torque and segment-first Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 featuring the Toyota’s innovative VVT-iW technology. The latter can produce 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of peak torque.
Stylist and Functional
The new Tacoma TRD Pro has a stylish yet functional design. It did not go away with its traditional ruggedness as can be seen on the overfenders, the hexagonal grille and tall, muscular hood. The Tacoma sits well above the ground clearance with the wheels ranging from 16 to 18 inches in diameter.
The Tacoma’s exterior palette is available in Black, Blazing Blue Pearl, Barcelona Red Metallic, Inferno, Quicksand, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Cement (TRD Pro only), Silver Sky Metallic, and Super White.
Inside, you can enjoy a host of new features that include: Qi wireless charging, smart key with push-button start, leather-trimmed seats, power tilt/slide moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, enhanced touchscreen audio, and blind-spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert.
Tacoma has Six Model Grades
You can choose from these six: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited and Off-Road TRD Pro. It also has 31 models based on two cab types—either the extended Access Cab or the four-door Double Cab, each of which are available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.
