2019 Ford Ranger - 5 Misses

2019 Ford Ranger - 5 Misses

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Earlier this week we published a list of what we here at SVTP consider to be 5 of the best features of the upcoming 2019 Ford Ranger. However, with the good comes the bad. While this is purely an opinion piece, we believe this list tracks right to the heart of former Ranger owners. Traditionally, Ranger buyers seemed to like their trucks more 'trucky' than most other truck buyers. So it stands to reason our list is made up of those burlier features that make a small truck more capable and engaging. Without further adieu, here is SVTP's list of Five 2019 Ford Ranger Misses.

No Manual Transmission

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Call me a dinosaur, but I like rowing my own gears. I know that I’m part of a dying breed, but I’m a Lifetime Member of the Save the Manuals Foundation. Nothing beats having the extra level of control and engagement with your vehicle that a stick-shift offers. It just makes the combination of man and machine more meaningful.

Now I certainly understand that automatics have progressed to the point that they are superior to a manual in basically every performance metric. Still, if given the option; 9 times out if 10 I’ll choose a manual over a slush-box. Here’s to hoping that the Global Ranger’s manual transmission option will eventually find its way into the US spec model.

No Diesel Engine Option

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It’s no secret that I have a lot of love for compression ignition engines. For some reason the smell of diesel fuel and the clatter of an oil-burner just makes me happy. So it should come as no surprise that I was very disappointed that the Ranger was not introduced with a diesel engine option. The 3.2L Powerstroke is already offered in the Global Ranger in many markets, but it looks like there’s a very real chance that we may miss out on it here. That is doubly disappointing when you consider that the 3.2L diesel is already offered in the US in the full-size Transit van. I’m hoping that Ford listens to us and gives us a powerful diesel option for the Ranger in the very near future.

No FX4 Level II

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This one has special significance to me. Way back in 2002 I purchased the first model year Ford Ranger FX4, before this particularly potent off-road package was given the Level II designation in 2003. The FX4 Level II Ranger was a sweet package that was a step above the standard Off-Road equipped trucks. It featured Bilstein Shocks, Torsen Differential, Thicker Skid Plates, Unique Interior, Manual Transfer-Case, 4.10 Gears, and an F-150 Spec 31-Spline 8.8 Rear Axle. This was the top-dog package on the last generation Ranger, and really the highlight of that generation. While it wasn’t really a Raptor rival, it was a great little truck. I traded my 2002 FX4 Ranger in on my 2004 SVT Lightning, and while I don’t regret that move I do miss that truck. I think Ford is really missing an opportunity here by not giving us an FX4 Level II Ranger, especially if they don’t intend to bring the Ranger Raptor to the US.

No Regular Cab

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There’s probably going to be very few people who feel the same, but I really like a regular cab truck. To me it is the purest form of a pickup truck. It covers everything from a basic work truck to a sporty runabout. However, for over a decade sales of regular cab trucks across all brands have been falling off a cliff; so it’s understandable why Ford will only be selling the extended and crew cab models at launch. The Ranger is available in this configuration in other markets around the world, so it would be nice to have it here. My first vehicle was a regular cab Ford Ranger, and it was awesome. I’d really like to see the US-Spec Ranger include all cab option, so let’s hope we get the regular cab in a model year or two.

No Step-Side Bed

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If the last topic was somewhat controversial, this one is going to be even more so. Simply put, the Ranger needs a step-side bed option. There was a time when every truck manufacturer offered a step-side bed on their trucks, but since the 2010 model year that particular styling option has not been offered by any manufacturer in the US market. The Ford F-150 was the last truck to roll down the production line. The new Ford Ranger has a much more rounded styling than the other current Ford truck models, and a step-side bed would seem to fit pretty well with the overall design. Also, we think it is defiantly time for a new version of the Ford Ranger Splash; and you can’t have a Splash without a step-side bed.
 
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Yeah, I like rowing through the gears too. I don't own a truck so I'm not a very useful opinion here but I much prefer my manual Mustang over an auto, 10 speed or not. And I do love the FX4 trim level on the trucks for sure.

I forgot all about those side step Rangers, that brings back some memories. Those used to be everywhere around me.
 
As a longtime owner of a "compact" pickup, I agree with almost everything on your list.
- Manual trans is a MUST!
- Diesel and FX4 Level II features would be nice upgrades
- I prefer Access/Extended Cab, but definitely understand the desire for a non-Double Cab option
- I can do without Step-Sides
 
They just announced the truck a month ago. How do we know there'll be no FX4 Level II? Give 'em a minute. Jeez. Lol.

Stepside bed option was a joke. My first Ranger had it and it was utterly useless as a truck.

Regular cab is a joke. There's no way you'd be able to sell a 2-seater pickup truck in today's world.

I love manual transmissions too, but with the 10-speed and electronic shifting, nobody is going to miss it.
 
Getting D plan, I was geared up for a retro Bronco but now I'm questioning whether the promo images were way off and it will not be near the same vehicle on the outside. Iow, it'll look like this Ranger.
 
I like the bed space so no step side is a plus to me. And due to pricing, none of it matters since it will be out my budget for a work truck. I dont even know if i want another manual trans vehicle again.
 
They are testing the waters with it right now. Gotta see if it wil sink or swim.
Lol about the stepside beds. My f150s had them and i love the option
 

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