Decades ago, pickups were only meant to do the most demanding tasks that require muscle and heavy load capacities. They were barely meant to offer comfort because back then, it’s all about muscle and hustle for pickup trucks. Now, technology has taken over and the demands were diverted from being just an industrial workhorse to being a comfortable daily driver. Take the 2019 Ford Ranger XLT as an example.
Power and performance are significant aspects of a pickup truck and I know driving around the concrete jungle in a 4x2 pickup truck obviously isn’t like driving a 4x4 off-road. However, apart from the driving experience, cabin comfort and sense of security brought by the vehicle’s technology and safety features are also just as important. Thanks to Ford Philippines, I was able to get an in-depth look at the mid-range XLT variant of the 2019 Ford Ranger.
Technology that does not lack
It seems fair enough if you consider its price, which is why I said it does not lack. Note that the 2019 Ranger XLT has a price tag of P1,233,000, quite competitive in the midsize pickup segment. You may find it over or below your budget but the features live up to the figures. To start, the interior is simply decorated with a 4.2-inch TFT display with SYNC 1.1 system, unfortunately not the SYNC 3. The entertainment system isn’t its strength, I agree, but at least it’s got Bluetooth and steering audio controls.
For added convenience, the cabin features electrochromic rearview mirrors that automatically dim when hit by a light source, such as high beams during night drives. It also does have automatic on/off headlights so you wouldn’t have to worry about driving while unaware that your lights are off. Speaking of automatic, the XLT comes with rain-sensing wipers that turn on when sensors pick up raindrops on the windshield – a cool feature that’s still rarely seen today.
Lastly, the side mirror is power folding, which I can say is a minor detail but could also argue that it is so convenient – especially when parking in tight parking lots and you need a hassle-free way of folding them.
Above mid-range safety
There are dual front airbags for the driver and the passenger, as well as front seatbelt pre-tensioners. Of course, there are the basic tier-1 safety features of this day in age, which are the anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, childproof door locks, and volumetric alarm system. These are not the 2019 Ford Ranger XLT’s strength, though, because if you line it up with some of its closest rivals, it dominates to be the one with cruise control and adjustable speed limiter.
Additional handy features included in the XLT are the rear parking assist and ISOFIX anchors – although it’s quite odd that there’s no seatbelt reminder. There are a few things that were omitted from this variant that belong to the tier 1 to tier 2 of features, such as hill-start assist and electronic stability program. Other than that, I can pretty much say that you get what you pay for.
Specifications
Engine
2.2 LFuel Type
DieselPerformance
158 hp @ 3,200 rpmTransmission
Automatic-
Summary
-
Name Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT 4x2 AT Body Type Pickup Truck Price ₱1,330,000 Transmission Category Automatic -
Engine
-
Engine Size 2.2 L Displacement 2,198 cc Number of Cylinders 4 Number of Valves 16 Transmission Type 6-speed Automatic -
Performance
-
Drivetrain Rear-Wheel Drive Max Output (hp) 158 hp @ 3,200 rpm Max Torque (nm) 385 Nm @ 2,500 rpm -
Economy & Environment
-
Fuel Type Diesel Emissions Standard n/a Fuel Capacity 80.0 L *Combined Fuel Consumption 6.87 km/L *brand manufacturer claim
-
Dimensions
-
Length 5,354 mm Width 1,860 mm Height 1,821 mm Wheelbase 3,220 mm Deck Length 1,422 mm Deck Width 1,574 mm Deck Height 559 mm Payload Capacity 1,120 kg Turning Circle 13 m Ground Clearance 232 mm Trunk Capacity n/a Number of Doors 4 Number of Seats 5 -
Safety & Security
-
Driver's Airbag 1 Front Passenger's Airbag 1 Side Airbag Curtain Airbag Knee Airbag Auto Brake System Electronic Brake Distribution Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) With Electronic Brake Force Distribution
Immobilizer Security Alarm Stability Control Electronic Door Locks Speed Sensing Door Locks ISOFIX Lane Departure Warning System Blind-Spot Detection System -
Features
-
Cruise Control Front Parking Sensors Rear Parking Sensors Leather Upholstery Push Start Button Wheel Size 17 in Wheels Metal Type Alloy Airconditioning System Single-zone Manual Entertainment System 8-inch LCD Touchscreen via 6 speakers Connectivity USB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Navigation Ready Warranty 3 Years (100,000 km) Keyless Entry Roof Rack Sunroof Electric Adjustable Seats Power Steering Power Windows Power Outlet Steering Wheel Audio Control -
Technology
-
Active Park Assist Hill Start Assist AWD Modes n/a Tire Pressure Monitoring Heads-up Display Power Liftgate Start-stop System
Colors
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