When comparing a full-size pickup like the F-150 to a compact truck like the Ranger, we need to get one thing straight right away. These are two excellent vehicles in two distinct classes. The F-150 is five inches taller, six inches wider, and up to forty inches longer, depending on cab and bed configurations. They are worlds apart. A full-size pickup truck is always going to be better at a few things than a compact truck, just as a compact truck is better than a pickup in some areas. In this comparison between the 2019 Ford F-150 and the Ford Ranger we spell it out.
Fuel Economy: 2019 Ford Ranger
Take, for example, fuel economy. The compact truck is always going to beat the full-size in this category. In our current comparison, the F-150 is 200 to 1,000 pounds heavier than the Ranger. More metal to move means more gas burned. True to form, the Ford F-150 gets 19 city miles and 25 highway miles per gallon while the 2019 Ford Ranger gets 21 city and 26 highway mpg. What’s surprising to us is how close this contest is.
Towing and Hauling: 2019 Ford F-150
But there are other comparisons we might make between the F-150 and the Ranger that definitely put the F-150 at the advantage. Take, for example, the work potential of the Ford F-150. This powerhouse can tow up to 13,200 pounds and haul loads up to 3,300 pounds. Not only is that good next to the Ranger, the F-150 is a class leader in towing among full-size pickups.
By comparison, the 2019 Ford Rangers has a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, a little more than half that of the F-150. Its payload capacity is up to 1,860 pounds, which again trails the F-150 by a wide margin. This shouldn’t be surprising given the size difference, but it’s good to keep in mind when deciding on the size of truck you should buy.
Cargo Space: 2019 Ford F-150
In addition to the weight of what you haul, you need to also think about the space for it. The Ford F-150 wins this handily. Because not only is the full-size pickup half a foot wider than the Ranger, the F-150 also has longer truck beds. You can equip the truck with 5.5-, 6.5-, and 8-foot lengths. That’s versatility right there.
Meanwhile, the 2019 Ford Ranger comes with only a 5- or 6-foot bed. The 6-foot bed is standard on the Short Cab configuration while the 5-foot bed is exclusive to the SuperCrew cab model. So if you need extra space, the F-150 has got it.