
Mountains, sheep, L&P, and the @Ford Ranger: https://t.co/W1uONvUmUz pic.twitter.com/jh5kdF1Oph
— Autoblog (@therealautoblog) July 18, 2017
New Zealand drivers have never known the hardship of not being able to purchase a new Ford Ranger at a local dealership. In fact, it's really only the U.S. that has been missing out these past seven years.
Soon, things will be made right again—the Ranger is returning to Columbus, MS in 2019.
To hype the Ranger's return stateside, and get an idea of what we can expect, Autoblog sent executive editor David Gluckman to the land under the land down under to take a test drive.
One of the most notable features was its excellent fuel economy, averaging 22 mpg through the test despite a lot of tough mountain climbs that required the four-wheel-drive high setting to be engaged. This was likely achieved through the inherent efficiency of its diesel engine, which Gluckman enjoyed.
It's uncertain if the 2019 Ford Ranger coming to North America will include a diesel option, but it is possible it could share the 2018 Ford F-150's new 3.0-liter diesel engine, if Ford decides to offer it as an option for the midsize pickup.