Ford's 2019 Ranger configurator builds out one pricey pickup

Ford's 2019 Ranger is up on the public configurator, and while there's no Ranger Raptor quite yet to sate our performance truck urges, you can still spec out an impressive midsize pickup. Announced back at the Detroit Auto Show in January, the new Ranger promises F-150-style capabilities but in a more urban-friendly package.

That doesn't mean it's necessarily particularly cheaper than the F-150, mind. Ford's configurator allows you to play with all the options, and though the 2019 Ranger kicks off at $25,395 – including destination and delivery – it quickly spirals up when you get happy with the options.

Indeed, you can push the truck all the way up past $46k if you prefer. That starts with the 2019 Ranger Lariat SuperCrew 4x4 with a 5-foot box, and slaps on the FX4 Off-Road Package, Sport Appearance Package, 501A Technology Package, the Trailer Tow Package, and niceties like 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Lariat already gets an upgraded B&O audio system, SYNC 3 infotainment, and leather-trimmed seats.

The Sport Appearance Package is, with the Ranger Raptor still MIA for the US, probably going to be a popular option. Priced at $895, it includes a black grille with magnetic finish surround – and matching bars on the Lariat – together with magnetic finish front and rear bumpers. The sport box gets a decal, and there are special wheel lip moldings. 17-inch matching aluminum wheels are part of the package, too.

Unfortunately, as the name suggests, the sporting changes are in appearance alone. Under the hood is the same 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged gas engine as the rest of the 2019 Ranger trims, with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Instead you may as well sate your off-road interests with the FX4 Off-Road Package. That helps bring the Ranger more in line with what we're expecting from the Raptor variant, with $1,295 getting you an e-locking rear axle, off-road tuned suspension, terrain management system, Trail Control, and an exposed steel bash plate, among other changes.

MORE: 5 things to know about the 2019 Ranger

In contrast, the F-150 starts out at $27,705, though if you want to match the Ranger's SuperCab base configuration you're looking at $31,790 up. Ford does have more engine options for the F-150, and it looks like it'll be that way for some time to come. If you want a diesel, for instance, you still need to look to the larger truck.

The big question – after "when can we have the Ranger Raptor, Ford?" of course – is whether Ranger sales will eat into F-150 sales to any significant degree. Ford's best-selling pickup is a perennial favorite for American drivers, but there's certainly something to be said for a slightly smaller, more economical version for those who prize the utility but don't necessarily need all the scale. We'll find out more on that front when the 2019 Ranger shows up in dealerships early in 2019.