Built tough

Jack von Quilich, Staff Writer & Opinions Editor

With the all-new sleek design, the Ford Ranger is definitely the new truck for today’s low-to- middle classes. The parts involved have been sent back to the drawing board in order to come back with something legendary. The redesigned frame is now made of high-strength box steel with all of the extremities mounted directly to frame. Also, with the EcoBoost engine, it is fuel efficient.

One of the biggest improvements to the new Ford is the engine. It has a turbocharged 2.3 liter V6 that produces 270 hp with 310 ft pounds of torque. With all that power you get a standard 21-26 mpg. Combine that with a 18 gallon fuel tank and you are set for the long haul.

Speaking of hauling, the new Ranger has a best-in-class towing capacity at 7,500 pounds. It also has a towing option in the build spec for added towing features. These features include trailer diagnostics for lights and brakes, integrated trailer brake, and trailer parking. To spice all that up, Ford included an all-new 10 speed SelectShift transmission. With the new transmission, a computer will select the best gear in order to bring you the best power and fuel economy for the task at hand.

Then we come to the outstanding interior. The firm and supportive leather seats insure that wherever you are heading, you are comfortable no matter the case. With the crew cab models, you have plenty of foot room for the three passengers in the back. With Sync 3 and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all your devices and entertainment is in your grasp.

All in all, the new Ford Ranger is a big step up for itself and its competitors. With trucks getting better and better each year, it will be exciting to see what is coming in the near future.