NAIAS2018

At a Glance: 2019 Ford Edge ST

January 25, 2018 by admin 9 Comments

Ford Performance serves up an Edge ST model.

Ford Performance has done it again. This time, Ford’s performance division sets its eyes on the company’s midsize, two-row SUV, the Ford Edge. As they’ve done with more than a dozen models in recent years, the engineers and designers transformed a not-so-ordinary model into something extraordinary — the 2019 Ford Edge ST.

Highlights of the 2019 Ford Edge ST

What’s so special about the 2019 Ford Edge ST? A number of things, including the following:

1. Turbocharged V6 engine. Ford has offered a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine with the Edge since 2015. The Edge ST gets that same engine, but it is specially tuned to deliver 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque (up from 315 hp/350 lb.-ft.) Consider it an extra kick to get you moving and staying ahead of similar SUVs while on the road. All-wheel drive ensures that this burly SUV stays planted as you carve corners.

2. Quick shifting transmission. You’ll find one transmission choice with the Edge ST: an 8-speed automatic. What we know about this unit is that it is quick shifting. You can let it shift itself or move up and down the gear range by means of the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

3. Sport-tuned suspension. All-wheel drive is, of course, only one part of the handling equation for the Edge ST. An enhanced suspension system with improved handling and braking are other factors. You’ll also find a sport mode, allowing for more aggressive throttle response and shifting patterns. Here, gears are held near redline while performing cornering maneuvering, along with sharper engine braking and a more vibrant exhaust note.

4. New and unique styling. The 2019 Edge is a refresh, but the Edge ST has its own design cues, including a wide mesh grille to optimize cooling, deep side skirts and dual-exhaust outlets. It also has available 21-inch wheels unique to this model. Inside, you’ll find a unique design cues on the steering wheel, seat back and scuff plates. Ford Performance left little doubt that this model is special.

5. Expanded driver-assist features. If you’re looking for driver-assist features with the Edge ST (or any Edge model for that matter), you won’t be disappointed. Standard equipment includes forward collision warning with dynamic brake support, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection; blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping alert and assist, automatic high beams and hill start assist. Also available are adaptive cruise control with full stop and resume, lane centering, evasive steering assist and post-collision braking.

2019 Ford Edge ST

6. Cutting-edge technologies. As expected, you’ll find a long list of technologies with the Edge ST, including FordPass Connect tied in with the SYNC telematics system. Available for five years from the time of purchase, the system supplies smartphone-controlled connectivity, including vehicle status, lock and unlock doors, remote start and vehicle locator. Bundled with this is a Wi-Fi hotspot for connecting upwards of 10 devices. Other available features include a wireless charging station, a premium 12-speaker audio system and an 8-inch touchscreen.

Ford Performance Models

The 2019 Ford Edge ST extends Ford Performance’s influence to its first SUV. That makes sense, given the popularity of utility vehicles. It puts the Edge up against some of the higher performing Jeep Grand Cherokee models, with room to go higher. Imagine a Ford that takes on the likes of the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk.

As for pricing, that information should roll out closer to the 2019 Edge’s release this summer. In the meantime, there are plenty of 2018s to consider as well as the current stock of Ford Performance models.

2019 Ford Edge ST

Hyundai Veloster N: Namyang Performance

January 24, 2018 by admin 4 Comments

Veloster N brings Hyundai’s performance division to North America.

“N” stands for Namyang, the location of Hyundai Motor’s global research and development (R&D) Center in Korea. The “N” also represents Hyundai’s performance division, the automaker’s equivalent of Ford’s ST and Volkswagen’s GTI lines. Starting this year, the first model bearing that appellation rolls out when the 2019 Veloster N debuts.

2019 Hyundai Veloster N

The Veloster N represents the apex of the 2019 Veloster line, which also includes Veloster, Veloster Turbo and Veloster R-Spec models. The Veloster makes its return after a brief one-year hiatus. Indeed, although there was no 2018 model, the 2019 Veloster arrives in the first quarter. However, you’ll have to wait until near the end of the calendar year for the Veloster N as production begins in September at Hyundai’s Ulsan manufacturing plant.

The Veloster is a compact, three-door coupe with one rear door located on the passenger side. Yes, it is a quirky design, but it works. As for the “N” it builds on that style by adding an exclusive N-design front fascia and grille with functioning front air duct to augment brake cooling.

2019 Hyundai Veloster N

Along the sides, the Veloster N supplies unique rocker side sills along with available 19-inch machine-finished alloy wheels. The wheels are shod within Michelin SuperSport summer tires for the 18-inch design and Pirelli P-Zero summer tires with the 19-inch wheels. From the rear, you’ll find an N-design rear spoiler, an integrated rear diffuser and a high-flow dual exhaust system.

Inside, the Veloster N delivers such exclusive features as N-design cloth sport seats with performance-focused bolstering. Other N-exclusive designs extend to the door sills, steering wheel, shift knob and instrument cluster. A blue accent theme runs throughout the cabin.

Veloster N: Under the Hood

Hyundai fans will be delighted to know that just not any turbocharged engine sits under the hood of the Veloster N. Here, you’ll find a larger engine than the standard

Hyundai Veloster Dissection: All-New Second-Generation Model

, this one displacing at 2.0 liters. The performance numbers are the current estimates, but Hyundai’s target is 275 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque from 1,450 to 4,700 rpm. Hyundai pairs this engine with a short-throw 6-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev-matching capability.

2019 Hyundai Veloster N

The high performance numbers put the Veloster N well above the Golf GTI (220 hp/258 lb.-ft.), but just behind the Golf R (292 hp/280 lb.-ft.). One can imagine that an all-wheel drive Veloster version is waiting in the wings. If so, the Golf R and Focus RS make for ripe targets. Yes, Auto Trends does see this happening!

Suspension and Braking

Of course, with all that power, the hot hatchback’s steering and handling attributes must hold up. To that end, Hyundai ensures the Veloster N stays planted with its electronically controlled suspension and differential, with the latter imbued with torque vectoring to keep it fixed to the pavement when carving corners and taking on twisty roads.

You’ll find 13-inch rotors up front and 11.8-inch rotors at the rear. If you’re a track maven, then opt for the available 13.6-inch rotors for the front and 12.4-inch rotors for the rear. Controlling it all is the N Grin Control System, a drive control selection system with Normal, Sport, N, Eco and N Custom.

2019 Hyundai Veloster N

Bringing Back the Veloster

If you can’t wait until late this year for the Veloster N, the other Veloster models begin arriving in the coming months. A pair of 1.6-liter engines are in the offing, the standard engine makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, while the Veloster Turbo makes 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

All in all, the next-generation Veloster offers a big improvement over the original model and is also tasked with bringing Namyang goodness the brand.

2019 Hyundai Veloster N

Photos copyright Hyundai Motors.

At a Glance: 2019 Kia Forte

January 23, 2018 by admin 7 Comments

Kia’s Forte compact sedan is big on style.

Son of a Stinger! At first glance, the 2019 Kia Forte looks a lot like the premium Kia Stinger performance sedan. Those ported design elements provide the Forte with perhaps the most handsome sheet metal amongst small cars, something certain to capture the attention of car shoppers.

Kia used the occasion of the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit to debut the Forte sedan, now entering its third generation. As before, three trims are for the choosing: LX, S and EX. Pricing details will come later this year — likely closer to when the model goes on sale. In the interim, we should learn more about the Forte5 hatchback.

2019 Kia Forte

As for the model at hand, there’s plenty of details available front and center, including the following:

1. The Affordable Stinger

With a base price coming in at $32,800, the 2018 Stinger is beyond the reach of many mainstream car shoppers. The Stinger’s price, however, is very reasonable when stacking it against luxury models such as the BMW 3 Series or Cadillac ATS. But we’re talking about the 2019 Forte, a sedan that will cost half as much, while taking on such segment stalwarts as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra. So, what you have here is a budget sedan with a premium look. My, look how far we come from the econoboxes prevalent in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s!

2. Longer, Taller and Wider

Today’s compact sedans rival the size of midsize models from about 15 years ago. All manufacturers, Kia included, have adopted longer platforms, while delivering more powerful and efficient models. Engineering changes and the expanded use of lightweight materials are behind the effort. Consumers are the winners because they get more car for the money.

3. Kia’s First CVT

We don’t have full information yet about the powertrains available with the 2019 Forte. What we do know is the base model comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. We also know the very first continuously variable automatic transmission offered by Kia sends power to the front wheels. This is an important move for the automaker as a CVT is more efficient than a cog-driven unit and should raise fuel economy by about 3 mpg to 35 mpg according to a Kia estimate.

4. Standard and available technologies

Compact mainstream models include technologies luxury manufacturers were just beginning to offer five years ago. Besides that, some of the tech features such as smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are free. You can’t say that about BMW, which charges $300 for CarPlay. The 2019 Forte also presents an 8-inch color touchscreen and that’s quite a bit larger than what you’d find in this class, especially for standard equipment. An available wireless charging tray is compatible with Android devices and for Apple iPhones from the 8 Series on up.

2019 Kia Forte

5. Driver-Assist Technologies for the Masses

We’ve been seeing so-called driver-assist technologies moves down from more expensive models to mainstream vehicles and that’s always a good thing. The 2019 Forte delivers standard blind-spot collision warning and smart cruise control. Available features include forward collision-avoidance assist and smart cruise control, the latter useful for maintaining proper and safe distances between vehicles no matter the speed.

Kia Continues to Impress

From a journalist’s perspective, Kia has certainly impressed me with what it has done these past five to 10 years to its product line. Although tied in with Hyundai as part of the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, Kia has its own take on the platforms it shares with some models unique to itself, including the Sedona minivan and Soul multi-purpose vehicle.

2019 Kia Forte

New Toyota Avalon Demonstrates Commitment to a Languishing Segment

January 22, 2018 by admin 6 Comments

The Road to Avalon comes paved with handsome intentions.

2019 Toyota Avalon (l) and Avalon Hybrid (r) models.

Sales of large sedans have tanked in recent years, falling faster than other car segments as consumers beat feet to crossovers. Manufacturers such as Hyundai (Azera) have abandoned the segment while others, such as Ford (Taurus) and GM (Chevrolet Impala and Buick LaCrosse), may follow.

Toyota, fresh on the heels of an all-new midsize Camry sedan is staying with its Avalon entry and has, in fact, developed the next-generation model to roll out in the second quarter. Despite sales falling by a third last year, Toyota believes this American designed and built sedan has a following worth preserving.

2019 Toyota Avalon and a Detroit Debut

At the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the 2019 Avalon made its debut. Based on the automaker’s TNGA K Sedan Platform, representing a stretched variant of the Camry’s architecture, is what supports the new model. The big sedan comes with a multi-link rear suspension and the brand’s first adaptive variable suspension. Updated powertrains, the latest technologies and a standard driver-assist package are among the Avalon’s chief highlights.

The Avalon’s new look is stunning, offering a handsome, low-slung layout that runs contrary to the model’s more pedestrian expression to date. It’s a purposeful change, aligning with the language Toyota describes for its “mid premium” sedan — perhaps to position it better to take on the threatened LaCrosse.

Notably, from front to back the Avalon looks very much like a Lexus, which has us wondering where the automaker will go with the similar ES sedan.

But Lexus is not the focal point of this story, Toyota is. And that has us digging for information that may perhaps shed some light on where this front-wheel drive only sedan is heading. Indeed, what still has us scratching our heads is why an all-wheel drive option isn’t offered, as Ford and Buick supply.

Standard and Hybrid Powertrains

The two powertrain choices offer a familiar displacement, but they reflect a generational shift too. As before, you’ll find gas-powered and hybrid variants of the Avalon with a 3.5-liter V6 engine moving the standard sedan. Power routes to the front wheels by means of an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Toyota hasn’t released performance numbers yet, but in the 2018 Camry, the V6 packs 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Thus, it seems reasonable to deduce the 2019 Avalon will deliver similar numbers.

The Avalon Hybrid continues with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine. In the Camry Hybrid, it combines with the electric generator to deliver 208 total system horsepower. Here, the drivetrain utilizes a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Key Features and Highlights

1. Choose a grade

Beginning in 2019, the Avalon expands to four grades for the standard model and three for the hybrid. The all-new XSE kicks things off, followed by the Touring, XLE and Limited. The hybrid comes in XSE, XLE and Limited grades. Trim differentiation includes engineered wood on base models and real wood on the Limited. Aluminum pieces grace XSE and Touring models, while all models either have SofTex (imitation leather) or real leather seats. Color choices and quilting set apart the top trims from the rest.

2. Standard technology features

Premium tech features grace the 2019 Avalon. Toyota’s Entune 3.0 telematics system represents next-generation connectivity by means of Bluetooth hands-free calling, music streaming and Siri Eyes Free. Integrated navigation with maps, traffic reports, fuel price comparison and other apps extends its usefulness. HD Radio, satellite radio and Scout GPS are part of the JBL audio system with eight, 12 or 14 speakers, depending on the trim.

3. Capacitive touchscreen

All models receive Toyota’s 9-inch capacitive touchscreen center console display where pinched and flicked commands control the screen, just as you do on your smartphone or other personal devices. Toyota says the system operates faster than the outgoing arrangement with improved voice recognition.

4. Smartphone connectivity

One sore point with Toyota products in recent years has been smartphone connectivity. This year, Toyota begins to rectify the problem by adding Apple CarPlay, but not Android Auto. Toyota must have found a way to protect propriety information from Apple, but not Android. At least for now.

5. Standard and available safety technologies

Under the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) umbrella, Toyota bundles a suite of driver-assist safety technologies. TSS-P comes standard, allowing the Avalon to outperform its rivals. The package includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist and automatic high beams. But that’s not all! You’ll also find blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and a back guide monitor. Separately, Toyota also offers a panoramic view monitor and what the automaker calls “intelligence clearance sonar,” which includes a rear cross traffic braking system.

6. Improved driving dynamics

Most 2019 Avalon models have a three-mode drive select diet — Eco, Sport and Normal. Touring models come with Eco, Normal, Sport/Sport+ and Custom modes. The all-new adaptive variable suspension system, exclusive to the Touring edition, brings in real-time damping control for improved controllability and sharp handling. The system controls shock responsiveness at the corners, detecting sudden changes in vehicle movement and road conditions to ensure a smooth ride.

Late Spring Arrival

With a thorough overhaul of its flagship sedan, Toyota serves notice that it hasn’t abandoned the segment. Indeed, Toyota may be gauging a gradual shift in consumer sentiment away from crossovers and back toward cars. Even if consumer tastes do not shift, the automaker remains poised to capture customers left hanging by competitors who exit the market. In this case, the pie may yet shrink, but Toyota’s slice stands to widen.

Refreshed Jeep Cherokee Includes New Turbo Engine

January 19, 2018 by admin 4 Comments

Updated Jeep Cherokee delivers style and performance.

2019 Jeep Cherokee in Trailhawk and Limited garb.

Ever since its 2014 return, the Jeep Cherokee has established and maintained a strong beachhead in the highly competitive small-to-midsize SUV segment. Notwithstanding its polarizing front fascia, the Cherokee has successfully played on both its name and rugged off-road capabilities to stand out. For 2019, an updated Cherokee arrives, delivering a refreshed nose and a new turbo engine to go with it.

NAIAS2018 Jeep Cherokee Debut

Jeep introduced the 2019 Cherokee at the North American International Auto Show in January, two months after debuting the all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler in Los Angeles. Together, the two models should help Jeep stabilize sales after the automaker trimmed fleet sales by 60 percent in 2017, resulting in a double-digit loss in the US market. Overall, Jeep global sales rose in 2017.

The refreshed Jeep, now entering its sixth model year brings with it a much more pleasing and streamlined front end, aligning with the style of the smaller Compass and larger Grand Cherokee. Instead of delivering separate lighting elements for the headlamps and daytime running lights, the updated fascia includes both in one assembly. The recognizable seven-vertical-slat Jeep grille is also present as are new fog lights and a new hood.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. — The water-fording Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.

Three Engines, Including a New Turbo

But what’s new under the hood may excite Jeep fans the most. Specifically, an available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque expands the engine lineup from two to three.

The new engine comes with start-stop technology and joins the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque as well as the 3.2-liter V6, generating 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission works alongside all three engines; front-wheel drive comes standard, while all- or four-wheel drive can also be had.

Charting the Changes

Other changes include exterior, interior and tech updates, such as the following:

2019 Jeep Cherokee turbo engine — The Cherokee’s new turbo engine.

Redesigned liftgate. The Cherokee’s lightweight composite liftgate features an integrated light bar with a better-positioned release handle. Also, a handsfree option automatically opens same when an individual performs a kicking motion underneath with a key fob in hand.

Multiple wheel choices. You’ll find five wheel choices with the 2019 Cherokee, including 19-inch premium polished aluminum wheel on Overland models.

Enhanced Active Drive I system. Jeep calls its three “Active Drive” systems “four-wheel drive,” but what you’re getting is an enhanced all-wheel-drive system that mimics some of the capabilities of four-wheel drive. The base Active Drive I system features the latest rear-drive module, weighing less for improved performance and fuel efficiency. You still have your choice of Active Drive II and Active Drive Lock, the latter with a mechanical locking rear differential.

Refreshed center console. Jeep updated the center console to move the media center rearward along with an enlarged front storage pocket, USB port and available 115-volt outlet. The interior also benefits from a pair of new color themes, depending on the trim. Three updated UConnect infotainment systems are also available, including one with navigation.

Prices and Availability

Jeep has yet to announce pricing for the 2019 Cherokee available in Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Overland and Trailhawk grades. That will soon change as the refreshed model arrives in Jeep showrooms later this quarter. Indeed, production is already underway at Jeep’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois.

The Cherokee’s competitive set includes the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Equinox, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, Dodge Journey, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Outback and the Kia Sportage. All models offer standard front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive except for the Subaru with full-time all-wheel drive.

See Also — One Week With the 2017 Jeep New Compass

Photos copyright Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

New 2019 Ram 1500 Includes Mild Hybrid Drivetrains

January 16, 2018 by admin 6 Comments

FCA’s bestselling vehicle bar none.

2019 Ram 1500 Rebel (l) and Limited editions (r).

For the first time, Ram 1500/2500/3500 sales crossed the 500,000-unit threshold in 2017. Beyond that important number is an interesting fact: the current-generation model was nearing the end of its life cycle. Usually, product sales begin to fizzle late in a model run. Not so with the Ram 1500.

Fiat Chrysler took a big gamble when it discontinued its compact (Dodge Dart) and midsize (Chrysler 200) sedans to concentrate on its best sellers, namely Ram and Jeep models. Combined, the two brands offer FCA a powerful 1-2 punch, enabling the automaker to harness current market forces.

The 2019 Ram 1500 rolled out at the 2018 International Auto Show in Detroit this week, revealing a new model laden with a sophisticated design, expanded safety features, updated technologies and more room. From bumper to bumper, the new model measures nine inches longer than the one it replaced.

The following are among the top highlights of the new Ram:

1. Lighter, longer and wider. Pickup truck manufacturers continue to look for ways to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics. Ram claims an overall weight reduction of up to 225 pounds on a frame that utilizes 98 percent high-strength steel. The weight loss has no impact on the truck’s overall footprint, however. In fact, the 2019 Ram’s wheelbase is up to four inches longer (crew cab models), with width increased by .5 inches and the bed height raised by 1.5 inches. The longer wheelbase translates into a larger cabin providing improved space for rear seating passengers. The rear seats can also recline by up to 8 degrees.

2. Hybrid is standard. The new two main engines for the Ram 1500 are now part of a mild hybrid system known as eTorque. The automaker claims both drivetrains increase fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent, numbers the EPA must still confirm. The system blends a belt-drive motor generator unit with a 48-volt battery pack to control the start/stop function, boost torque and advance brake energy regeneration. As a result, eTorque adds up to 90 pounds of torque to the 3.6-liter V6 engine and 130 pounds to the 5.7-liter V8. Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

2019 Ram 1500 Rebel — Off-road adventuring with the Ram 1500 Rebel.

3. Improved payload and towing. There is one constant we see with pickup trucks nearly everywhere: improved payload and towing from generation to generation and sometimes within that same generation. For 2019, maximum payload is up to 2,300 pounds and maximum trailer towing climbs to 12,750 pounds. Gooseneck or fifth-wheel towing numbers are not yet known, but will come in somewhere above 30,000 pounds. Yes, that’s 15 tons of towing on select models when properly equipped.

4. Safety features galore. Ram has long made a big deal about its safety and security features, counting more than 100 that are standard or available with its truck. For 2019, the Ram brings adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and ready alert braking to the line. The adaptive cruise control system comes with Stop, Go and Hold, enabling the Ram to come to a full stop behind the vehicle in front and automatically resume its speed when the vehicle ahead begins moving. An available adaptive front lighting system points headlamps in the direction the vehicle is planning to go, ensuring improved visibility around curves and on turns.

5. Segment-leading tech features. Full-size pickup trucks are big on available tech features, but the 2019 Ram seems to have jumped ahead of the competition. The new truck has a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with split-screen capabilities. This means you can display two functions at once, such as navigation and audio. You’ll also find a 360-degree Surround View Camera with a bird’s eye outlook of the vehicle, the latest UConnect interface, and an available 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

6. Two are better than one. FCA’s ditching of two car models frees up capacity elsewhere. This allows the automaker to build both the current and upcoming generation Ram models concurrently. With production of the 2019 Ram beginning this month, you’ll find two Ram 1500 models in showrooms for up to a year. The added capacity could help FCA increase market share and narrow the 85,000-unit gap between itself and the No. 2 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. It is a risky move for FCA, but one the automaker believes will pay big dividends.

Onward and Upward

The new Ram comes to the market as truck sales continue to rise. Indeed, for 2017, pickup truck sales rose by 4.8 percent in a market that was down 1.8 percent. Sales may decline again slightly in 2018 as forecast, but continued growth for the truck segment seems likely. With a new sales threshold behind it, Ram remains focused on taking its pickup deeper into unchartered territory.

As for prices, we expect that information just ahead of the new truck’s release. Further, Ram made no mention of the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine, although we expect it will return.

See Also — Ford Ranger Fun Facts

Ford Ranger Fun Facts

January 15, 2018 by admin 8 Comments

An all-new Ford Ranger debuts at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Following an eight-year hiatus, the Ford Ranger pickup truck makes its return. The new model was unveiled over the weekend at the Detroit auto show, coming in larger than before. It will join a segment led by the Toyota Tacoma and comprised also of the Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier and GMC Canyon. A Jeep model will follow in about a year.

To mark this auspicious occasion, we’ll take a look at certain “fun facts” about the Ranger: past, present and future.

1973 Ford F-100 Ranger — The 1973 Ford F-100 is outfitted in Ranger trim.

Heritage Ford Rangers

1. Ranger Name. Ford sold the compact Ranger pickup truck for 29 model years from 1983 to 2011. But it wasn’t the first time “Ranger” found its way on a Ford model. Indeed, from 1967 to 1981, Ranger was an upper trim level on the Ford F-100/150. In 1980, for example, Ford offered Ranger and Ranger XLT models (style side and flare side), in addition to a Ranger Lariat trim.

1972 Ford Courier pickup truck. — Ford’s captive Mazda-supplied Courier.

2. Courier Predecessor. In the early 1970s, America’s car manufacturers were faced with the rise of low-cost Japanese imports, including pickup trucks. Caught without models to compete, each manufacturer began partnering with a Japanese rival to import a truck rebadged as their own. Beginning in 1972 and lasting until the Ranger’s debut, the tiny Mazda-supplied Courier gave Ford time to develop its own small pickup truck.

3. 1983 Ford Ranger. Ford released the Ranger early in the 1982 calendar year as a 1983 model year truck. The new truck offered six- and seven-foot beds, three engine choices — 2.0-liter four-cylinder (paired with a four-speed manual gearbox) and 2.8-liter V6 gas engines and a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel (paired with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions). This regular-cab only model offered rear-wheel drive (4×2) initially, followed by four-wheel drive (4×4) later in the model year.

1983 Ford Ranger

4. Two Generations. Although offered for 29 years, the original Ford Ranger spanned just two generations. The first generation covered 10 years from 1983 to 1992, and included a refresh in 1989. The second generation spanned 19 years, 1993 to 2011, and delivered an update in 1998. Noteworthy changes incorporated a SuperCab (extended) cab model in 1986, an extended wheelbase in 1998, and various engine and transmission improvements throughout.

5. Competitive Set. All through the Ranger’s long history, the little Ford competed against numerous models, including the Nissan Pickup, Mitsubishi Mighty Max, Chevrolet S10 and GMC S15, Isuzu Pickup, Toyota Truck and Dodge Dakota early on. Gradually, the herd thinned as most smaller competitors left the market and manufacturers began building larger models, such as the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Nissan Frontier. In an interesting turnabout, Mazda, which originally supplied Ford with a pickup truck, sold its own Ranger-derived B-Series from 1993 through 2009.

2011 Ford Ranger — One of the last Ford Rangers built before this model was canceled.

The Intervening Years

Ford’s exit from the small pickup truck market disappointed many, especially Ranger enthusiasts. Likewise, GM also took a break from the market after 2012, but with one important distinction: the automaker promised new Chevrolet and GMC models by 2015.

Ford left the segment as demand for small pickup trucks continued to decline. Even the remaining Toyota and Nissan models were languishing, last updated in 2005 or earlier.

But Ford didn’t abandon the Ranger entirely. Instead, they simply left the US market. An all-new Ranger designed and engineered in Australia rolled out in 2012, but it was for international markets only. The reason? Ford considered it too large for the US market, coming in at 90 percent of the F-150’s size.

2019 Ford Ranger

Return of the Ford Ranger

At the January 2018 Detroit auto show, Ford unveiled an all-new Ranger for the North American market. The turnabout was not unexpected, but it did reveal that automakers will sometimes reverse course, especially when given compelling reasons to do so.

1. Revived Segment. After years of decline, the medium-sized pickup truck market began to rebound in 2015. Credit GM for all-new Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon models introduced in 2015 with reviving the market. Not only did customers gravitate to the new trucks (without harming full-size truck sales), but it reinvigorated sales for competing Toyota and Nissan models. In 2015, the first full year of the GM medium-sized pickup trucks, sales topped 114,000 units. Last year, the duo registered 145,000 sales. Ford’s decision to jump back in likely had much to do with how the market improved in 2015.

2. 2019 Ford Ranger. Ford says the new model is not the same vehicle as the global Ranger, rather the automaker designed and engineered it for the North American market. It is also the first crew cab (SuperCrew) Ranger (international markets have had one since 1998), a SuperCab is the other body style. Available in XL, XLT and Lariat trims, Ford plans to offer just one powertrain choice at first: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Competing models supply two or more engines, including both inline fours and V6s. GM also supplies a turbodiesel. Standard and available 2019` Ranger equipment will include a Wi-Fi hotspot, driver-assist technologies and an off-road FX4 package.

3. Ford Bronco. Following the 2019 Ranger is a second Ford model, the 2020 Bronco. We know very little about this traditional body-on-frame SUV, a vehicle that will compete against the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Wrangler. With Nissan considering bringing back the Xterra, the traditional SUV market may be in for a similar revival. Off-road fun, anyone?

Market Challenges

One of challenges in bringing the Ford Ranger back to the US market is to avoid having customers leave the profitable F-150 for the new model. At the same time, Ford has the opportunity to capture existing Ranger owners who might want to purchase new, but aren’t interested in the F-Series. Ford will, of course, seek conquest customers as part of its Ranger marketing initiative.

Photo Credits

1972 Ford Courier, copyright Mr. Choppers via Wikipedia. Creative Commons 3.0 license.

2011 Ford Ranger (white), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — public domain.

2019 Ford Ranger photos and video, 1983 Ranger ad and 1973 Ford F-100 copyright Ford Motor Company.