Power Ranger: Ford Releases Specs for New Midsize Pickup

As the 2019 Ranger creeps closer to dealer lots, Ford has pulled back the curtain on the one remaining mystery surrounding the reborn midsize pickup: what to expect from its turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder.

It’s the only engine available to Ranger buyers, and it’s mated solely to a 10-speed automatic. That’s five more speeds than one could get in the departing 2012 Ranger. Using the previous-gen model as a comparison, the four-cylinder 2019 Ranger makes nearly double the horsepower from the same displacement, and more than doubles the torque rating of its predecessor.

For this application, Ford didn’t endow the engine with quite the same output as the one found in the Mustang EcoBoost. The Ranger’s 2.3-liter makes 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is a considerable leg up even from the previous-gen Ranger’s 4.0-liter V6. That mill made 207 hp and 238 lb-ft.

Going back 20 years, the 5.4-liter V8 found in the F-150 cranked out 220 hp and 290 lb-ft. Even the top-flight 5.4-liter V8 fell 10 hp short of the 2019 Ranger’s engine, though it bests the EcoBoost by 35 lb-ft. Direct injection and turbocharging truly works wonders.

The Blue Oval claims a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds when equipped with the optional tow package and trailer brake controller. Compared to the domestic competition, that’s 500 pounds more than a Chevrolet Colorado with the 3.6-liter V6, and 200 lbs less than a Duramax diesel model. Those two engines make 275 lb-ft and 369 lb-ft, respectively. A Toyota Tacoma V6 puts out 265 lb-ft.

Maximum payload for the Ranger is 1,860 pounds, which also tops offerings from GM and Toyota.

There’s still no word on what mill might power the off-road Ranger Raptor when it inevitably appears, but Ford still hasn’t officially announced the model for the American market. Maybe the Mustang EcoBoost’s 310 hp and 350 lb-ft could set up shop under the Ranger’s hood.

If the 2019 Ranger’s power sounds appealing, you’d best decide whether its price leaves you feeling just as good. Read about that here. Production kicks off later this year, with the Ranger making its way to dealers early next year.

[Image: Ford Motor Company]