“2020 Ford Ranger SuperCrew 4×4 Lariat”
Ford’s Ranger Enhances Upper Trim Levels
The Ford Ranger began life as a compact truck in 1983, as a replacement for the Ford Courier (1972-1982). By 2006, all Ford compact trucks became known simply as Rangers. U.S and Canadian production was halted in 2011, when Ford began building a mid-size Ranger for global sales.
OVERVIEW
The Ford Ranger nameplate has been resurrected, returning as a mid-sized pickup truck built on a high-strength steel frame, powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine. The 2020 Ranger is available in either a SuperCab or SuperCrew configuration, and It comes in either a 4×2 or 4×4 drive format with Dana AdvanTEK independent front and solid rear axles with electronic locking. It is available in three levels of trim: the base XL; upscale XLT; and flagship Lariat. Chrome and Sport Appearance Packages continue as optionally available features.
EFFICIENT POWER
The longitudinally front mounted 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engines mates to a smooth 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.The engine produces 270 horsepower at 5,500 rpm along with 310 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, and it comes with auto stop/start and direct injection.
VISUAL APPEAL
The Ranger’s body displays a muscular image and with a high beltline, while the aft raked grille and windshield contribute to an athletic flavor adding to enhanced aerodynamics and minimized wind noise. Short overhangs fore and aft provide better approach and departure angles for off-road adventures. An available FX4 Off-Road Package features off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, frame-mounted heavy-gauge steel front bash and skid plates, a rear locking differential, and Its rugged steel bumper with available integrated trailer hitch receiver that allows for towing campers, ATVs or watercraft up to 7,500 pounds.
AS TESTED
My test 2020 Ford Ranger was a SuperCrew model in a 4×4 configuration (FX4 Off Road Package) and Lariat trim with a five foot cargo box, a trailer tow package and a 26.8-inch wheelbase. The exterior wore a Rapid Red metallic tinted clearcoat with contrasting Black trim elements, while the interior was finished in Medium Stone leather tones. The base sticker read $38,675., while added optional fare and destination and delivery charges elevated the final total to $47,305. My tester came with a spray-in-bedliner and locking folding hard tonneau cover and a host of other features.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
A vast improvement over the very first Rangers, the 2020 examples deliver a wealth of creature comforts. The comfortable and supportive eight-way power driver and passenger heated seats come with power lumbar, and there’s a leather wrapped steering wheel and leather-trimmed gear shift knob, a FordPass Connect 4G Wi-Fi modem with SYNC, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot for personal devices, and intelligent access with push button start. There’s also a host of safety and security features as well as a complete suite of driver assist technological features such as Ford C-Pilot 360. Infotainment is covered by SYNC3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and two smart-charging ports.
PERFORMANCE
The 2020 Ford Ranger was designed, engineered and has been tested to F-150 standards, and is rated as the most fuel-efficient gas-powered midsize pickup in America – with an EPA-estimated city fuel economy rating and an unsurpassed EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating.
The 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline four cylinder delivers power equal to many V-6s providing a strong linear acceleration through its 10 gears with smooth transitions. It is stable on the road and capable of conquering challenging off-road scenarios equally well. Drive modes include electronic shift-on-the-fly 2WD, 4Lo and 4Hi modes and the innovative Terrain Management System provides four distinct settings: Normal, Snow/Grass/ Gravel, Mud and Ruts, and Sand and Trail Control for ideal off-road duty. Handling characteristics are on par with a sedan or mid-size SUV.
OUR CONCLUSION
The 2020 Ford Ranger’s continues to fill a void in Ford’s hauler stable, since obviously not everybody needs a full size pickup. It is a worthy addition to the mid-size truck resurgence. The only shortcomings noted were that the rear seat legroom is limited with tall front seat occupants. Bottom line, the Ranger’s mid-size status represents a viable alternative in terms of size and feature content.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2020 Ford Ranger SuperCrew 4×4 Lariat
Base Price: $38,675.
Price as Tested: $47,305.
Engine Type and Size: 2.3-liter , DOHC, 16-valve EcoBoost inline four-cylinder with auto stop/start and direct injection.
Horsepower (bhp): 270 @ 5,500 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 310 @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed SelectShift automatic.
Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / FX4 Offroad 4×4.
Suspension: Front -Short and long arm independent with tubular stabilizer bar.
Rear – Hotchkiss-type non-independent live,leaf springs and outboard shock absorbers.
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs with four-sensor, four-channel ABS and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control.
Tires: Hankook DynaPro ATM 265/60 R18 110T mounted on six-“Geo”-spoke machine face alloy wheels with Black painted inners.
Wheelbase: 126.8 inches
Length Overall: 210.8 inches
Width: 85.8 inches –
Height: 77.8 inches
Curb Weight: 4,441 lbs.
Turning Circle: 41.99 ft.
Approach Angle: 28.7 degrees
Departure Angle: 25.4 degrees
Ramp Breakover Angle: 21.5 degrees
Minimum Ground Clearance: 8.9 inches
Fuel Capacity: 18 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 20 mpg city / 24-mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: Not listed
0 – 60 mph: Not tested
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