The Ford Ranger was created in 1983, in North America, but with a career that lacked the success of its big brother, the F-150, it ceased production in 2011. However, these last few years, there was a surge of interest in that type of vehicles, and the 2019 Ford Ranger is therefore back in service. It is not the only one to rise from its ashes though, we will measure it here with the 2018 GMC Canyon, which also resumed production a little while ago.

It’s at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit that the Blue Oval officially announced the return of its Ford mid-size truck on the North-American roads. And it’s in Michigan, in the United States, towards the end of 2018, that it will start production. Pickup truck lovers in Laval and Blainville, on the North Shore of Montreal, and in the West Island of Montreal are delighted.

Will the Ranger be as popular than its brother, the F-150? It certainly remains to be seen, even though it possesses the same genetic makeup, it would not be truly surprising. Let’s instead see what it is made of. To start, it will be offered in 3 versions, namely the XL, the basic model, then the XLT and the high-end Lariat. In addition, 3 packages will be available; Chrome Appearance, FX4 Off-Road and Sport Appearance. The SuperCab and SuperCrew cab will also be available.

Without any surprise, for its rebirth, the 2019 Ford Ranger received a new exterior design, as well as a new frame, and naturally, its powertrain was upgraded. It is hence equipped with the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine developing 350 horsepower, precisely the same that hides under the hood of the Mustang, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the only one in this class.

The FX4 trim includes all-terrain tires, a frame-mounted steel bash plate, specially-tuned shocks, skid plates as well as a Terrain Management System with 4 driving modes: Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud Ruts and Sand. Let’s also mention the new Trail Control technology, which controls acceleration and braking, by distributing power and braking force to each wheel. As an option, you can equip your Ranger with a Dana Trac-Lok differential and an electronic locking rear differential, which comes standard on the FX4 model. In short, something to delight all off-road driving lovers outside the streets of the West Island of Montreal, or of Laval and Blainville on the North Shore of Montreal.

It has sufficient room to accommodate up to 5 passengers, including the driver, who will enjoy driver-assist features such as automatic emergency braking, the Lane-Keeping System, the Blind-Spot Information System with trailer coverage (class exclusive), a reverse sensing system, Adaptive Cruise Control and the Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection.

The 2018 GMC Canyon also offer a lot, however, is it enough to topple the new Ranger? Let’s take a closer look. The Canyon is offered in 5 models, basic, SLE, SLT, All-Terrain and Denali. You will have to look at the more expensive versions to get the 8-inch touchscreen display and 4G LTE connectivity, the automatic temperature control and heated sideview mirrors.

Standard on the entry-level model, you will get a backup camera, LED projector type headlights, a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine of 200 horsepower and the StabiliTrak stability control system, among others. Yet, you will have to pay a supplement if you want to equip your vehicle with lane departure alert, pre-collision warning and the 8-inch colour touchscreen with infotainment system.

The choice seems obvious, and also keeping in mind that it is part of the same family than the top-selling truck in the country since more than a half-century. Ford learned a long time ago that pickup buyers know what they want, and it understand their needs. In this sense, there is no doubt that the Ranger will fulfill the requirements of a great number of workers and vacationers.

Now that you have made your choice, you will soon be able to test drive the Ranger at your Ford dealer in Laval, on the North Shore of Montreal, close to Blainville, and in the West Island of Montreal. You will naturally have access to numerous financing possibilities as well as our famous and current Ford promotions.