Whoops: Ford Pulls 2019 Ranger Build and Price Tool From Website, Claims It Made a Mistake

It seemed like Ford Motor Company had answered prayers Tuesday, after an online configurator for the 2019 Ranger pickup finally appeared on the automaker’s consumer website. But, just as quickly as it appeared, Ford pulled it down. Apparently someone goofed up.

A company spokesman told Jalopnik that the posting “was a mistake,” adding that, “the pricing shown is inaccurate.” The build and price tool, the spokesman said, will appear next week.

It’s true that the configurator showed a regular cab selection, but clicking it only took you to the extended SuperCab bodystyle. A fleet or overseas option, maybe? We have to wonder just how different the actual pricing will be compared to what we just saw. So, for the sake of future comparison, here’s what Ford’s now-disappeared site told us (or didn’t) about the 2019 Ranger:

(Note: the following text was about to go live when we learned of Ford’s alleged mistake. Keep in mind that what you read may be completely inaccurate. Time will tell.)

Starting at $24,000 (plus a $1,095 destination fee) for a rear-drive, SuperCab XL model, would-be buyers will find that getting into a Ranger could easily set them back more than $40k, once they reach their desired configuration.

As you’d expect, the base XL is a total stripper, with the only appeal being the model’s newness (to this market, anyway), as well as its 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and 10-speed automatic transmission. While Ford hasn’t revealed the truck’s power specs, that same engine makes up to 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque in other applications. Engine stop-start comes standard.

Anyway, cloth buckets, 16-inch silver steel wheels, and AM/FM stereo rounds out the highlights on this model. Vinyl buckets are available at no extra charge but actual niceties (sliding rear window, power mirrors, cruise control, SYNC, backup camera) will cost you extra. Strangely, the configurator added $300 of unspecified “options” that can’t be erased from the base XL shortly after I started playing with the tool. Base MSRP remains at $24,000, though — over a grand less than the entry-level Toyota Tacoma SR, but four grand more than a less-powerful base Chevrolet Colorado.

Adding capacity, the SuperCrew XL 4×2 rings in at $27,615 after destination, the 4×4 SuperCab stickers for $29,555, and a four-wheel-drive four-door XL tips the financial scales at $31,785. Should the interior prove too spartan, fun things purchased at yard sales can be carted back home in the Ranger’s six- or five-foot box.

Only two vibrant colors exists outside of the XL greyscale, and that’s Lightning Blue and Saber (orange-copper). Alright, onward we go towards volume models with family appeal.

Stepping up to the far more appealing XLT trim, the Ranger dons 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, SYNC, Co-Pilot 360 driver assist features, and two shades of premium cloth. For a 4×2 Supercab, the XLT’s price floor starts at $29,035 after destination. Luxury and technology packages (chrome and towing, too) join a laundry list of options. Still no standard sliding rear window, though, but you’ll be able to add Hot Pepper Red to your paint palette.

As most buyers will gravitate towards a full backseat, the SuperCrew XLT stands to be popular. That model carries a $31,210 price tag, or $35,210 in 4×4 CrewCab guise. Should you choose to check almost every options box available, while forgoing the FX4 package, you’ll be staring down the barrel of a $41,855 after-delivery price tag.

But there’s also the Lariat trim to consider. This snazzy model starts at $33,305 in 4×2 SuperCab clothing, but, as no one would purchase a high-zoot truck in such a configuration, let’s look at our other options. A Lariat 4×2 SuperCrew stickers for $35,480, bringing the trim’s standard leather, SYNC3, push-button ignition, and LED headlamps aboard for the whole family to enjoy. Adding four-wheel drive brings the Monroney to $39,480.

There’s also sport, chrome, and tow packages, should you desire it, as well as White Platinum paint for an extra $595. Outfitting our Lariat with every option — bedliner, technology and sport packages, running boards, etc — brought the price to over $46,000, which would then require tax and admin. Pushing $50k, for sure, but it would be an odd duck who’d choose this configuration over an F-150.

Our own Adam Tonge, who’s waited patiently for the configurator to go live, provided this image as the reason for his newfound Ranger distrust:

There’ll be plenty of food for thought waiting for Ford truck buyers once the Ranger goes on sale this fall.

[Images: Ford Motor Company]