The only engine available for the 2019 Ford Ranger will be a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder. And even while it’s down on cylinder count from V6 competitors like the Chevy Colorado, Ford claims it beats every other gasoline engine in its class when it comes to sheer torque.
Ford gave out the power figures for the first time today. Other specs included were maximum payload—1,860 pounds—and maximum towing capacity—7,500 pounds—which Ford says is the best in its class for gasoline-powered trucks. By comparison, the 2019 Colorado’s maximum payload with the gas V6 is 1,574 pounds and it can tow up to 7,000 pounds. (Update, 1:20 p.m.: An eagle-eyed reader pointed out that the 2019 Colorado’s max towing capacity is 7,600 pounds 3.6-liter V6, a boost from 2018, according to Chevy’s website. I’ve asked both Ford and Chevy for comment and will update if I hear back. Update, 2:05 p.m.: Chevy responded by saying that the figure on their site was wrong, and that the correct figure for the 2019 Colorado is 7,000 pounds. As you were.)
Back to those horsepower and torque numbers, though, since the 3.6-liter V6 in the 2018 Colorado actually makes 38 more horsepower than Ford says its 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine will.
Despite that, Ford said in a release that the EcoBoost would have “the most engine-turning power of any gas engine in the midsize pickup segment,” apparently a reference to the fact that the Ranger makes 35 more lb-ft of torque than the Colorado’s most powerful gas engine, which is rated at 275 lb-ft of torque. (That truck is also available with a 2.8-liter diesel which makes 369 lb-ft of torque.)
All of the Ranger’s power will go through a 10-speed automatic transmission, and, no matter what the actual numbers turn out to be, we’re still excited for it. Ford said that production will begin later this year at their assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan.
Is the Ranger a Colorado-beater with two fewer cylinders?