Ford revives the Ranger pickup

This new USA market 2019 Ford Ranger is largely a "massaged" version of the truck that has been available in the rest of the world for the past six years.

A few days ago, we predicted that there might be a new Ford Mustang Bullitt unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show, and we were right.

Ford eliminated the Ranger compact truck from its USA lineup in 2011 because, it said, customers weren't interested enough in small trucks to sustain the business. But Ford pulled it from the market because gas prices were high and it saw demand dwindling.Now, Ford says there's rising demand for a smaller, more maneuverable and more affordable truck than its massive F-150.

Ford isn't revealing output numbers yet, but the new ranger will have a 2.3 liter EcoBoost engine with a ten-speed transmission. Speaking off, there are XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels, along with Chrome and Sport visual appearance packages.

"Ranger has always held a special place in the hearts of truck fans", added Thai-Tang.

The frame is mostly made out of high-strength steels, and the front and rear bumpers are also steel, so no F-150 advanced aluminum construction, but under the hood resides a version of the Ford turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four engine, mated to a high-end 10-speed automatic gearbox. It has a terrain management system that automatically adjusts the transmission and vehicle controls for driving in snow, mud or sand.

It's absence has been felt by fans in the U.S., while sales of other manufacturers' mid-sized trucks, such as the Chevy Colorado, forced Ford into rethink.

The FX4 Off-Road Package introduces Fords all-new Trail Control technology.

Running gear will include shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive, a locking electronic differential and Dana axles. It will also have both 2 and 4 door models.

The OEM noted that the Ranger will incorporate a range of driver-assist, passenger convenience, and connectivity technologies.

The new Ranger will have the same underlying engineering as the upcoming Bronco SUV that will be off road capable, which will be available starting in 2020.

Lots of modern entertainment and connectivity options will be available, like Ford's SYNC3 system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

As with all new Fords, the Sync3 will be available, and FordPass with Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing users to connect up to 10 devices within a 50 feet radius of the vehicle. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions.