2019 Ford Ranger: Child Safety Seat Compatibility Review

Introduction

The 2019 Ford Ranger marks a triumphant return to Ford’s pickup truck lineup after an extended hiatus. Known for its class-leading payload capacity and robust tow rating, the Ranger has quickly regained its reputation as a versatile and reliable mid-size pickup. However, for families, one critical question remains: How well does the Ranger accommodate child safety seats? In this comprehensive review, MotorVero delves into the Ranger’s car-seat compatibility, focusing on its Latch anchors, top tether anchors, and overall ease of installation.

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Car-Seat Compatibility: A Mixed Bag

Installing child safety seats in the 2019 Ford Ranger proved to be a mixed experience. While the truck’s backseat is generally car-seat friendly, offering decent room for two car seats, the installation process presented some challenges. The Ranger’s two sets of lower Latch anchors, though sturdy, require significant effort to connect. The seat cushions sit firmly against the top of the lower Latch anchors, making access difficult, especially with slim, hooklike connectors commonly found on infant seats.

However, using a convertible car seat with chunkier, rigid connectors made the process smoother. Once installed, the rear-facing infant and convertible car seats fit comfortably, requiring only minimal adjustment to the front passenger seat to accommodate passengers.

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Challenges with Forward-Facing Car Seats

One notable issue arose during the installation of forward-facing convertible car seats. The Ranger’s top tether anchor placement, a common challenge in pickup trucks, proved problematic. To access the top anchors, users must fold the rear seat, a step that is often overlooked by parents. In our test vehicle, these anchors were not clearly marked, adding to the difficulty.

Connecting to the top tether anchor is crucial, as it significantly reduces a child’s head and neck movement during a crash. Ford could improve this aspect by clearly marking the anchors and providing more accessible placement.

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Key Features for Families

• Spacious Backseat: The Ranger’s backseat offers ample room for two child safety seats, making it a viable option for families.
• Sturdy Latch Anchors: While challenging to access, the lower Latch anchors are robust and secure.
• Top Tether Anchors: Though inconveniently placed, these anchors are essential for forward-facing car seat safety.
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Tips for Easier Installation

To make the car seat installation process smoother, consider the following tips:

• Use convertible car seats with rigid connectors for easier attachment to the lower Latch anchors.
• Always check for and connect to the top tether anchors when installing forward-facing car seats.
• Adjust the front passenger seat forward slightly to create more space for rear-facing car seats.
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Conclusion

The 2019 Ford Ranger is a strong contender in the mid-size pickup segment, offering impressive payload and towing capabilities. While it performs reasonably well with child safety seats, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the accessibility of its top tether anchors. For families, the Ranger provides a practical and versatile option, but be prepared for some challenges during car seat installation. MotorVero recommends the Ranger for its overall functionality, but advises parents to test car seat compatibility before making a purchase.

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