ford was early to abandon the mid-size pickup truck market by killing the ranger in the u.s., and now it's getting back in late — the category has heated up with new and redesigned entries. but the brand has at least one new thing to brag about: when the 2019 ranger hits dealers in january, ford claims its fuel efficiency bests any mid-size pickup with a gasoline used engine .
by the numbers, ford pegs the ranger's epa-estimated ratings at 21/26/23 mpg city/highway/combined for two-wheel-drive rangers and 20/24/22 mpg with four-wheel drive. that beats rivals including the chevrolet colorado (17 to 22 mpg combined, depending on variant) and toyota tacoma (18 to 21 mpg combined, depending on variant) with gas used engine .
the ranger also ties the combined epa ratings for the available diesel two-wheel-drive (23 mpg) and four-wheel-drive (22 mpg) colorado, though it falls short of the diesel's highway mileage. but it's worth noting that as of this writing, diesel fuel costs some 30 percent more nationwide on average than the 87-octane gasoline the ranger recommends. see epa ratings for the colorado gas and diesel here and tacoma here. the epa has yet to post the ranger's ratings.
all rangers at launch will employ a 270-horsepower, turbocharged ecoboost four-cylinder used engine with 310 pounds-feet of torque - figures that also grant bragging rights over at least the four-cylinder gasoline competition. the used engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
related: we test-drove the all-new 2019 ford ranger (and you can, too)
ford has said it hopes to market the pickup to individuals with active lifestyles, noting a partnership with outdoor gear maker yakima to sell a variety of lifestyle add-ons through its dealers. but high efficiency without the expense of a diesel upgrade might also give the ranger added appeal to work-truck customers.
the ranger hits dealers ahead of another new choice for pickup shoppers: the forthcoming 2020 jeep gladiator, unveiled at the recent 2018 los angeles auto show. you can see their specs compared here. the trucks add to a competitive set that also includes the honda ridgeline, nissan frontier and colorado sibling gmc canyon.
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