2019 Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCrew FX4 4×4
A 2019 Ford Ranger SuperCrew 4×4 with the FX4 Off-Road package has all you need. Around town or off the road, it does the job. The best part is that you can build one your way, depending on the options and amenities available on each, at all three trim levels – XL, XLT and Lariat.
A bold statement you say? Yes, it is, and based on multiple drive opportunities over several months, our choice is the top trim Lariat.
We tested Ranger Lariat again recently – a 4×2 SuperCab and 4×4 SuperCrew. In few words, skip the SuperCab.
Frankly, we are not sure why it is offered. SuperCab is rated for four passengers. In our reality, not so – unless two of them are under 5-foot-tall and weigh 100 pounds or less. We address that issue with more detail in our earlier review of the Ranger Lariat 4×2 SuperCab.
Both Ranger 4×2 and 4×4 tow up to 7,500 pounds. With 4×2 you get a city or highway truck that tows well. By making it a 4×4, you have an adventuring truck (and city truck) that tows well.
SuperCrew is rated for five – we call it really four. At just $1,675 more, make yours the SuperCrew and have room to haul four comfortably – plus that trailer to your special adventure place.
Making it the top-trim Lariat and you get added convenience features and options like the Bang and Olufsen Premium Audio.
It will price over $40,000, but fit nicely in your garage. From that garage, you will cruise handsomely around town plus be the rugged yet comfortable ride you need when deep in the outback.
One truck – two purposes.
2019 Ranger SuperCrew Lariat 4×4 – As Tested
Our test Ranger Lariat SuperCrew FX4 4×4 (MSRP $38,385) came in their bright and bold Lightning Blue color with a Black interior.
It was well-equipped starting with the Lariat Technology package that included the new Sync3 infotainment system with Bang and Olufson 675-watt audio and 10 speakers, SirusXM and HD radio, Navigation and remote start.
Optional features also included a Sport Appearance Package, FX4 Off-Road Package, Adaptive Cruise Control, Spray-in Bedliner, Electronic Locking Differential, Trailer Tow Package and 17-inch Magnetic painted aluminum wheels mounted with 265/65R17 all-terrain tires.
With delivery, our 2019 Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCrew FX4 4×4 priced at $44,960.
Exterior
Exterior elements of our Ranger Lariat SuperCrew 4×4 included Daytime Running Lights, LED Fog Lamps, Automatic LED Headlamps with Auto/High/Beam, tow hooks, LED Tail Lamps and Power Heated Folding Side Mirrors.
The cargo bed had a Power Tailgate Lock and featured 43.3 cubic feet of cargo space with load capacity of 1,560 pounds.
Interior
Ranger offers two interior colors – Black or a Medium Stone. The quality of the materials inside is very good, but the Black (or Ebony as they call it) does not show it off well. When shopping for your Ford Ranger, we recommend a color combination that includes the Medium Stone.
Our Lariat SuperCrew 4×4 featured dual Ebony leather-trimmed bucket seats with 8-way power adjustment and matching leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Other features of note included Ambient Lighting, Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control, rear window defroster, remote start, keyless entry, remote tailgate lock, dual power points and 110V power outlet.
Technology and Infotainment
The Ford Sync3 system in our Lariat SuperCrew 4×4 included an 8-inch LCD Center Stack Touchscreen with swipe and pinch-to-zoom, voice activated Touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
Also included was the FordPass Connect system with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot able to connect up to 10 devices.
Powertrain and Mechanical
All Rangers feature the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque.
It is mated to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. With Ranger weighing in at just over 4,000 pounds, the combination is very responsive for city and highway driving.
From an earlier opportunity for testing off-road, we found – when combined with the 4×4 drive system and FX4 Off-Road package – that the 10-speed SelectShift also handles multiple terrain challenges effectively.
Fuel economy ratings for the 4×4 configuration are 22/24 mpg city/highway and 22 mpg combined. With the 18-gallon fuel tank, a 4×4 Ranger has a combined range right at 400 miles.
Our Ranger Lariat 4×4 SuperCrew – underneath – featured an independent front wishbone suspension, monotube shocks and parabolic rear leaf springs.
Other elements included Electric Power Assisted Rack and Pinion Steering and Four-Wheel Power disc brakes. A good ride for a mid-size pickup.
A Ranger tows too – very competently we would add. Equipped with the integrated Tow Package and Trailer Sway Control, our Lariat 4×4 was tow rated for 7,500 pounds.
The Ford CoPilot 360 Driver assist and safety technology included BLIS Blind Spot information with CrossTraffic Alert, Trailer Tow Monitoring, Lane Keeping System with Lane Keeping Aid and Driver Alert, Pre-Collision Assist with Emergency Braking including Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Dynamic Brake Support, Forward and Reverse Sensing and a Rear-View Camera with dynamic guidelines.
FX4 Off-Road Chops
Fitted with the FX4 Off-Road package, our Ranger Lariat SuperCrew 4×4 had all the adventuring capability an owner would want. It has the same platform basics as a 4×2 including the high-strength frame with steel front and rear bumpers, short overhangs front and rear and Dana Trac-Lok differentials.
Where it differs is the added ground clearance – to 8.9-inches – and the elements of the FX4 Off-Road Package necessary to meet off-road adventuring challenges. They included Electronic Locking Differential, Front Tow Hooks, Off-Road Tuned Suspension, Front Steel Bash Plate, Skid Plates for fuel tank, transfer case and front differential plus the 265/65 R17 A/T OWL tires better suited for the rugged terrain challenges of the outback.
Elements of the FX4 Package include Ford’s Terrain Management System and Trail Control technology supported by an Off-Road Management Screen in the driver information cluster.
The shift-on-the-fly Terrain Management System (similar to Raptor) has four distinct drive modes. They are: Normal, Grass, Gravel and Snow, Mud and Ruts and Sand.
A new Trail Control technology replaces Hill-Descent and Crawl Control features found on competitors. Initiating the technology and setting a desired speed to maintain (up to 20 mph) on the Terrain Management Screen – the technology takes over acceleration and braking for the driver allowing them to focus on the terrain and steering.
Forward Visibility Challenge
We think Ford should add their forward-facing camera system either to the FX4 Package or as a stand-alone option. In more extreme off-roading – rock crawling for sure – the ability to view the terrain just in front real time would measurably enhance the experience and improve safety for this, otherwise, very capable truck.
2019 Ford Ranger Lineup
Ford Ranger for 2019 comes in three trim levels, two cab styles, one powertrain and two drive trains.
Review the lineup and specifications or build one yourself at https://www.ford.com/trucks/ranger/.
Adventuring Accessories Available
To support adventuring in any of the Ranger models, Ford has an excellent list of accessory partners offering a wide assortment of gear to enhance the adventure experience in a 2019 Ranger.
They include the likes of Yakima, Thule, Bushwacker, Gatorback, Rigid, Covercraft, Warn and more including Ford. Accessories range from racks of all types that accommodate every kind of recreational equipment; plus, tents, tonneau covers, storage boxes, cargo baskets, lighting, splash guards, fender flares and more.
Go to the Ford Accessories store on line to review the adventuring gear for Ranger available directly from Ford.
KEY DATA (vehicle tested)
- Model: Escape
- Trim: Lariat SuperCrew
- Class: Pickup Truck
- Segment: Mid-Size
- Seating: Five
- MSRP: $38,385
- As Tested: $44,960 (delivered)
- Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4
- Horsepower: 270
- Torque: 310 lb.-ft. .
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drive System: 4×4
- Ground Clearance 8.9 – inches
- Wheel size 17-inch
- Tow Capacity 7,500 lbs
- Fuel Economy 20/24/22 mpg city/highway/combined
