Provided that money was no object, most Ford truck fans would pick the new F-150 diesel over the upcoming Bronco or Ranger in any trim.
Whenever comparing trucks across multiple segments, it is hard to factor price into the equation, so when considering whether we would buy the 2019 Ranger, the 2020 Bronco and the 2018 F-150 diesel, price would play a key role. However, if price truly didn’t matter – perhaps in the event that we won a million-dollar lottery or a contest for a free vehicle – picking between these three Ford trucks comes down to which best meets my needs.
Today, we look at which of these upcoming models Ford truck lovers would likely buy if there was literally no concern of cost.
If Money was No Object
We won’t beat around the bush with this question. If money was no object and most Ford fans had to pick between the 2018 F-150 with the Power Stroke diesel, the 2019 Ranger or the 2020 Bronco, we would pick the diesel-powered half-ton in a heartbeat. We would pick the F-150 because it offers the most power, the greatest capabilities, the most interior space, the most premium features and it comes with much of the same aftermarket support as the gas-powered Ford trucks.
The Power Comparison
When the 2019 Ford Ranger goes on sale later this year in the United States, the only available engine will be the 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder. We don’t have power figures for the mid-sized pickup, but that same engine in the Explorer offers 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
On the other hand, the 2018 Ford F-150 with the new 3.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine delivers 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, providing the bigger truck with a little less horsepower, but a whole lot more torque. That torque will give the F-150 more low-end grunt whether you are driving it with a load of lumber, a horse trailer or no extra weight, likely making the new half-ton diesel the more engaging of the truck pickups.
As for the Bronco, it will be built in the same plant as the Ranger on the same chassis platform as the Ranger, so it will likely feature the same EcoBoost engine and the same power levels. However, shy of a true high performance model, the F-150 would get ourvote over a mid-sized SUV.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
