2019 Ford Ranger SL — Carivo review carivo.co
Truck

2019 Ford Ranger SL

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $38,535–$45,619
Fuel Economy 19 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Truck
Est. Annual Fuel $2,763/yr

Key Specifications — 2019 Ford Ranger SL

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleTruck
Base Price$38,535–$45,619

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2019 Ford Ranger SL

Our scoring places the 2019 Ford Ranger SL at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.1/10, while Value at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.1/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance scores 7.1/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.2/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $38,535–$45,619, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Ranger SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The 7.0/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2019 Ford Ranger SL is a passable truck but not a standout one. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Trucks

The 2019 Ford Ranger SL ranks #298 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 42% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $38,535 starting price is about 10% above the segment's median of $35,138.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →

Which Ranger SL Year Should You Buy?

Across the Ranger SL model years we've scored, the 2019 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.6/10$46,697 Read review →
2024 7.5/10$45,337 Read review →
2023 7.4/10$43,976 Read review →
2022 7.4/10$42,616 Read review →
2021 7.4/10$41,256 Read review →
2020 7.3/10$39,897 Read review →
2019 (this review) 7.3/10$38,535

Pros & Cons — 2019 Ford Ranger SL

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

Similar Truck to Consider

Other trucks at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.

2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty
2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty
8.0/10
View →
2023 Toyota Tacoma
2023 Toyota Tacoma
8.0/10
View →
2025 Toyota Tacoma
2025 Toyota Tacoma
8.0/10
View →
2026 Toyota Tacoma
2026 Toyota Tacoma
8.0/10
View →

More Ford Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.