The long incubation of Ford’s upcoming mid-size Ranger takes another baby step forward with the appearance of these spy shots, taken in Michigan.
This truck is clearly a base XL model, prowling the streets without a box. This could spell the upcoming availability of a chassis cab edition or could simply be a development mule stripped down for testing purposes.
Your author is banking on the former, given that Chevy will gladly sell a sans-box Colorado to customers who ask for such a machine. The presence of a makeshift platform mounted to the framerails of the truck shown here is a clue to the latter, however, with a quad-handled metal coffin present containing either weights or Bill Ford’s lunch.
Most of what appears in the photos has already been seen and examined in previous shots, including the six-lug hubs and SuperCab bodystyle. In an interesting twist, this mule had a window sticker visible on its glass, giving insight into possible options and features available when the truck finally goes on sale.
It’s important to note the Monroney specifies an XLT Ranger when this is clearly a base XL. Still, there are items to be learned, not the least of which is a decoding of the vehicle identification number. Using current Ford codes, the VIN shown here breaks down as follows:
1FT = ford truck, completed
E = GVWR b/w 6000-7000lbs, manual belts w dual and side airbags
R1F = line series, currently doesn’t exist, new for Ranger
H = 2.3L I-4 EcoBoost, 280hp
0 = check digit
K = 2019
L = Wayne Assembly
A00063 = sequential production numbers
Interestingly, the QR code shown to the right of the VIN – a tool for lot shoppers to discover more about the vehicle at which they are gazing – does lead to an official Ford website. Sadly, the page is blank.
Listed as standard equipment on the window sticker, keeping in mind it’s for an XLT SuperCab and not the XL SuperCab shown, are the types of kit one would expect from a mid-level trim. Fog lamps, automatic dual-zone climate control, tilt/telescope wheel, and an overhead console are all present and accounted for. Of note is a 110V outlet listed as standard.
Peeking at the optional equipment reveals expected items like a heated sliding rear window and running boards. Of interest to off-road fans is the mention of an FX4 package. Presumably, this options group brings with it the 17-inch off-road white letter tires and 3.73 gearing that’s also listed on the window sticker. Ford has also said the FX4 package will include skid plates and a special off-road status screen in the infotainment system.
Pricing, fuel economy, and crash ratings are all left blank on the window sticker shown here. The 2019 Ford Ranger appeared earlier this year at the North American Auto Show in Detroit, promising a 2.3L EcoBoost inline-four backed by a ten-speed automatic transmission.
With sales of the Tacoma and GM twins remaining strong, and even the older-than-Methuselah Nissan Frontier selling well, Ford needs to get the new Ranger into showrooms pronto.