Report: 2019 Ford Ranger To Be a Frame-Based Pickup, Truck Fans Rejoice!

Ford Ranger Concept

Ford recently held a shareholder conference that provided another glimpse at the upcoming 2019 Ford Ranger. At the meeting, Ford CEO – Mark Fields, said that the Ford Ranger will be based on a “global platform”. Ford Ranger is a frame-based midsize pickup in the rest of the world. Truck enthusiasts will like the sound of that.

Generally, a body-on-frame design allows a truck to haul and tow more weight. The Honda Ridgeline is a unibody design with a rear subframe. It has a respectable payload capacity for the midsize segment, but it has the lowest towing rating (5,000 lbs). There are many aspects that affect payload and tow ratings, but an old fashioned frame-based design allow for the weight to be distributed a little better, and allows for much higher tow ratings (up to 7,700 lbs). This design may also spawn an off-road version (this was not confirmed or denied).

The Ranger will be built at the Michigan Assembly Plant and will go on sale in 2019. According to a previous report, the 2020 Ford Bronco will be built at the same plant. Does this mean the next Bronco will also be body-on-frame? I surely hope so!

Here is a previous generation Ford Ranger from the Mexican market at the 2016 Overland Expo.