New Ford Ranger Plays Nice With Aftermarket Offerings

It was a sad day in December of 2011, when the last Ford Ranger rolled off the assembly line in St. Paul, Minnesota—the same factory where it was born in 1983. But like fanny packs, track pants, and tropical jungle prints, some things we just can’t leave in the past. And so, after an eight-year hiatus, this spunky pickup has made a triumphant comeback, ready to reclaim its crown as king of the midsizers.

But this ain’t your Daddy’s Ranger, no sirree. Redesigned from the ground up, the new junior Ford blends old school swagger with a modern makeover. Vintage steel vibes meet aggressive factory styling, while rugged utility is amped up with flashy new tech, an eco-friendly engine, and a hoard of configuration options.

Keep in mind, Ford isn’t looking to simply resurrect a dead badge in the hopes it can make a quick buck on a short-lived trend. The Blue Oval has all but abandoned passenger cars, choosing instead to expand SUV, truck, and crossover offerings. And that means the automaker would like to milk some mileage out of the new Ford Ranger. (Another three-decade run wouldn’t be too bad, eh?)

Bringing that dream to fruition means making a model that can be many things to many people. (Hello, eight colors, three trims, two cab configurations, two drivetrain options, and an off-road package.)

It also means seeing the big picture, i.e. welcoming upgrades, mods, and improvements via a particularly aftermarket-friendly platform.

When it comes to designing products for a reinstated fan-favorite, you don’t have to ask gearheads twice. Plenty of aftermarket companies are bursting with excitement to share the upgrades they’ve been developing for the new Ford Ranger. From exterior styling mods to exhaust performance, off-road recovery to creature comforts, here are a select few that have caught our eye.

If You Want Your New Ford Ranger to… Get Noticed

Sporting a fresh face and adventure-ready attitude, it’s hard to imagine all eyes not being on you and your new Ranger. But a tastefully designed body kit, like the one AirDesign USA debuted at SEMA 2018, can really take that ride from “Whoa” to “WOWZA.”

Available for purchase this spring, AirDesign’s body kit includes fender flares, door rocker panels, a hood scoop, rear cab and tailgate spoilers, a tailgate appliqué, and more. The overall look blends seamlessly with OE styling. So much so, that the company’s VP of design and engineering (and lead designer on the build), Billy Longfellow, snagged a Ford Design Special Recognition Award.

“The truck itself is incredible, and I didn’t want any modifications we did to take away from the aggressive factory styling that Ford worked tirelessly to achieve,” said Longfellow. “Our approach was to create something that’s not only appealing to the everyday enthusiast, but also attainable. And based on the response at the show, we nailed it.”

Buy the full kit or individual pieces based on budget or personal preference. Either way, the look is sure to impress.

Our friends over at Addictive Desert Designs have cooked up some rough and rugged designs as well.

The Arizona-based manufacturer offers three front bumpers that are specifically designed for the comeback kid. Built with .120 wall steel tubing and laser cut aluminum panels, the Stealth R and Venom R options provide a sleek, off-road-ready appearance while keeping OE-functionality. The Stealth Fighter kicks protection up a notch with a 3/16” steel internal structure and 1/8” steel external plating.

Also available are two matching rear bumper styles, two chase racks, and two side step styles.

If You Want Your New Ford Ranger to… Guard Its Cargo

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a hundred times: GET. A. TONNEAU. COVER.

Seriously, guys. The bed is inarguably what makes a truck worth owning, and you’re just gunna leave the poor thing naked and exposed?! Protect your vehicle, protect your cargo, and protect your investment by installing a bed cover.

To no one’s surprise the Truck Hero family has already worked up several excellent offerings to fit everyone’s wallet. Budget-minded shoppers can find a variety of folding and rolling options from TruXedo and Extang. Those landing middle-of-the-road will find plenty of styles via BAK and UnderCover. And those looking for some top-of-the-line bed cover protection will be mighty pleased with what RETRAX has in stock.

The new Retrax XR Series “combines the PRO MX with the integrated Trax Rail System that allows for unique and personal customization above your tonneau cover,” says the company. “The RetraxPRO XR, our premium Aluminum Series cover, combines industrial strength aluminum construction with an incredibly resilient matte finish. The XR Series optimizes cargo capacity with the cover open or closed, providing the ultimate versatility in cargo management. The Trax Rail System will work with most T-slot accessories from Yakima, Thule, Rhino Rack and many more offering endless possibilities (Accessories Sold Separately).”

The UnderCover Armor Flex takes our pick, though, for its durability, versatility, and price-point.

As we’ve said before, a key benefit to owning a tonneau is the added security. Stowing your gear with the peace of mind that it’s safe and sound cannot be overstated. That’s why we like UnderCover’s newest offering, the Armor Flex. In addition to its heavy-duty aluminum construction, the cover also sports a dual-action tailgate seal, which allows you to close the tailgate without having to lift the last panel of the cover.

Even better, this hard-folding cover is coated with LINE-X® specialty automotive coating, which promises superior protection from dents, scratches, and extreme environments. The Armor Flex is also reinforced with EPDM rubber seals and hinges to keep moisture and debris out, as well as tonneau rails that channel excess water through drain tubes—meaning your cargo actually stays safe and dry.

Installation is a breeze, requiring zero drilling thanks to a simple clamp-on design. Plus, the cover is proudly made in the USA and backed by a very generous 5-year warranty.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Armor Flex doesn’t just perform well—it looks good doing it. A matte-black finish complements any color Ranger you choose. And a low-profile design keeps the truck looking sleek and aerodynamic (while adding to its security).

If your plan is to explore some backwoods trails in your new Ford Ranger, the Armor Flex is a worthy investment. Durable and stylish, it will ensure you can gear up and go with confidence.

If You Want Your New Ford Ranger to… Gain Accessibility

A quality set of side steps gifts drivers with the best of both worlds. They can really make your ride pop—adding a dash of aggressive or luxury-minded style. But they’re also just downright useful, offering a safe step or handy boost when you need one.

Off-road juggernaut, Go Rhino, is already armed with eight different side step options.

Whether you’re looking for pronounced, drop-down hoop steps or a flat running board that sits high and tight to the cab, the design options are near endless.

Since the Ford Ranger Raptor still hasn’t been confirmed for the States, we’re eyeing up the RB10 and RB20 boards. Made of reinforced 16-gauge zinc-coated steel and sporting a rugged black powder coating and “Raptor-style” angled cut-outs, it gets us that much closer to our dream of owning the midsize dominator. Plus, it comes with an optional bolt-on 4” drop step to make getting in and out of that lifted cab a little easier. While you’re at it, why not complete the look with a matching hitch step??

If you’re seeking a clean and simple look, we recommend checking out DeeZee’s Hex Series side steps.

DeeZee is known in the industry for marrying OE-quality fit and finish with aftermarket convenience and style. The company’s products have become damn near-ubiquitous, being adopted by truck enthusiasts, fleet managers, and more than a few major automakers. (Chances are, you saw a DeeZee product driving down the road today, but it blended so well with the vehicle’s factory design that you blinked and missed it.)

True to form, the manufacturer’s new Hex Series provides a sharp-styled upgrade with excellent durability. Constructed of hexagonal extruded aluminum tubing, the unit features an integrated channel that allows you to adjust the placement of the drop steps based on your personal comfort and convenience.

They’re also available in three finishes—Silver, Gloss Black, and Textured Black—so you can control whether your new Ranger’s makeover is aggressive, sophisticated, or luxurious. And naturally, the steps can be purchased in different lengths to suit both available cab configurations.

Also offering a high-quality step up at a competitive price is GEM Tubes Products with its T3 Running Boards.

Like DeeZee, GEM Tubes has been serving OEMs like GM, Toyota, and Dodge for decades. Experts in class-A chrome plating, powder coating, and tube bending, the Ontario-based company provides extremely durable products featuring uniquely rugged designs.

GEM Tubes’ T3 Running Boards sport an angular, aerospace-inspired design that complements the aggressive styling of the new Ford Ranger. Crafted from 2.5mm-thick military-grade aluminum, the boards are available with either a deep chrome or black powder-coated finish that won’t rust, peel, pit, flake, or dull. The integrated step pad is molded from the same quality grade of resin used by big name automakers for long-lasting wear and sure footing. So, whether your Ranger is destined to hit the trails or hang around the jobsite, it’ll be dressed to impress.

If You Want Your New Ford Ranger to… Growl A Little Louder

Sometimes you want a little bark to go with that bite. “For those looking for a smooth, deep sound and wide-open performance from their 2019 Ford Ranger, MagnaFlow’s MF Series exhaust system will provide just that,” says the company. Utilizing three-inch mandrel-bent stainless-steel tubing and a stainless steel 5x8x14-inch muffler with a single 4-inch tip exiting behind the right rear tire, the MagnaFlow cat-back exhaust for the new Ford Ranger offers better exhaust flow, better performance, and a helluva better sound.

Check out the video below and listen for yourself.

The system fits both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models, as well as all cab sizes and bed lengths and is available in either a polished finish (Part# 19451) or a black-coated finish (Part# 19452).

If You Want Your New Ford Ranger to… Go Way Off Road

With the new Ford Ranger being positioned as much more off-road-worthy than its fleet-minded grandfathers, we’ve decided to give this segment its own post. In it, we break down a hoard of sweet upgrades, mods, and accessories from some of your favorite brands like: Iron Cross, Road Armor, ARB, Body Armor 4×4, Rugged Ridge, and more.

In the meantime, make sure you’re turning to WARN and TrailFX for all your recovery needs and be sure to check back soon on all the ways you can turn this legendary midsizer into a true backwoods beast.