2019 Ford Ranger gets new face and twin-turbo engine

While the arrival of the Ranger Raptor is the star of Ford Philippines’ feast, the unexpected reveal of the normie Rangers isn’t something to forget about. Ford PH's standing best-seller for 2018 gets a new fascia, along with a pleasant surprise under the hood.

How pleasant, you ask? Let’s just say that the top-spec Ranger Wildtrak variant gets the same power plant as what the Ranger Raptor has inside. Let that sink in.

For the model year 2019, the Ranger emerges with three variants: XLS, XLT, and the Wildtrak. The XLS and XLT carry over the 158-hp, 385 Nm torque 2.2L diesel engine from the outgoing Rangers. The 4x2 Wildtrak variants, on the other hand, is now equipped with a 2.0L turbodiesel that puts out 178 hp and 420 Nm of torque, available in both 10-speed automatic or 6-speed manual.

Here's the clincher: the 4x4 Wildtrak gets two turbos, enabling it to produce 210 hp and 500 Nm of torque which is sent to all wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox This makes the 4x4 Wildtrak a viable option if you want the Ranger Raptor’s engine performance but not the kits and its price tag.

Now, before you cringe and decide to form a picket in front of Ford to tell them to bring back the bigger five-cylinder engine, let me remind you that the outgoing 3.2L Duratorq diesel engine churned out 200 hp and 470 Nm of torque. A simple math will tell that the new 2.0L twin-turbo is more powerful, while the 2.0L single turbo isn't far behind.

The refreshed Ranger looks almost the same as the outgoing one, except for the obvious differences such as the revamped bumper and redesigned chrome grille. There are also some few updates on the Wildtrak, which now has HID headlights and Everest-esque daytime running lights. The rear-end has been updated, as well, with the addition of the EZ Lift Tailgate system that assists you in closing the pickup’s tailgate – available in Wildtrak and XLT variants only.

The Ranger XLT and XLS gets a simpler design for its bumper but inherits the restyled grille. The XLT exclusively gets projector headlamps and front fog lamps.

While the changes in the exterior are obvious, the updates inside aren’t as abounding. The homeward feeling that we loved is intact, as well as the upscale treatment in materials that the Ranger has been known for. The Wildtrak variants are still distinct with the Wildtrak logos and contrasting stitches. Of course, the eight-inch SYNC 3 infotainment system is still there to complete the overall posh-looking cabin of the Ranger, while the XLT and XLS variants get a smaller 4.2-inch TFT display head unit.

The 2019 Ford Ranger is available in eight variants, which you can buy in Absolute Black, Cool White, Aluminum Metallic, Meteor Grey, Blue Reflex, Sunset Red, Diffused Silver, and Saber. Here are the prices of each variant:

2.0 Biturbo Wildtrak 4×4 AT – P1,695,000

2.0 Wildtrak 4×2 AT – P1,455,000

2.0 Wildtrak 4×2 MT – P1,390,000

2.2 XLT 4×2 AT – P1,233,000

2.2 XLT 4×2 MT – P1,173,000

2.2 XLS 4×4 MT – P1,178,000

2.2 XLS 4×2 AT – P1,089,000

2.2 XLS 4×2 MT – P1,029,000