We always enjoy the direct communication we have with the TFL audience. We often receive pictures and personal stories of readers’ rides. This particular instance comes to us all the way from Norway, in which reader, Jacco V., wanted to share his diesel-powered European model 2012 Ford Ranger. His Ranger is equipped with a 2.2L engine that makes approximately 150 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. That might not sound like a lot but according to Jacco, it’s enough to pull his 24-foot 5th wheel trailer that is rated at a maximum of 8,350 lbs over every mountain in Europe.
So how would this engine stack up against today’s only diesel powerplant offered in a midsize truck in the U.S.? The 2.8L Duramax found in the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon makes 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the 2.2L in the Euro-spec Ranger. In order to be competitive in the US market, Ford may need to utilize its 3.2L Duratorq inline-5 diesel, which is sold overseas. That engine is more on par with GM’s, putting out roughly 197 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque.
The turbo-diesel in the Colorado can be had for as little as $3,730 over the price of a comparable gasoline V6-powered truck. The 325-hp 2.7L EcoBoost V6 in the F-150, however, is only a $795 option on Super Crew configurations with a 5-1/2′ box. Given those prices, which engine would you want in the upcoming 2018 Ford Ranger?
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When Ford brings the Ranger back to the ‘States, there’s no telling whether or not it will be offered with a diesel. Stranger things have happened considering the GM Colorado/Canyon can be ordered with a 2.8L Duramax engine and rumors exist that FCA may be considering a small diesel for its new Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler pickup truck. Hopefully the poll results and view counts of the videos below are strong enough evidence for Ford that a business case could be made.
