2019 Ford Ranger unleashes more capability & gets segment first 10-speed transmission

Ford Ranger is back and more capable than ever before thanks in part to some help from its highly successful global counterpart and its big brother, F-150.

While there was no talk of a Ranger Raptor at the recent unveiling in Dearborn, Michigan, the 2019 Ranger will come in an entry-level XL, mid-level XLT and high-level Lariat trim series with available chrome and sport appearance and FX off-road packages, and in SuperCab or SuperCrew cab configurations.

But perhaps the most interesting news is that Ford’s latest midsize truck will come standard with a second-generation 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine paired up with Ford’s segment-exclusive 10-speed transmission.

“We think when you put a 10-speed transmission SelectShift behind a 2.3 EcoBoost we’re essentially going to deliver a truck that gives capability, confidence similar essentially to the bigger engines in the segment with the efficiency of the smaller engine. That’s our target. That’s what we’re going to try and do,” said Ford Chief Program Engineer Rick Bolt.

While Bolt wouldn’t divulge any performance numbers yet on the powertrain, he did say that Ford is aiming for best-in-class torque with its 2.3-liter among small gassers in the midsize segment, while at the same time cashing in on the fuel efficiency of a four-cylinder engine. But don’t let its small size fool you. Ford North America Product Communications Manager Mike Levine reminded reporters of skeptics who bristled at the thought of a 2.7-liter EcoBoost powering an F-150.

“People thought how could a 2.7-liter power a full-size truck?” Levine said.

Pairing that engine up with a 10-speed transmission quieted a lot of critics.