If you want to get more from your 2019 Ford Ranger without swapping the engine, a cat-back exhaust is one of the cleanest upgrades to consider. A good Ranger exhaust can give your truck a deeper tone, sharpen throttle response feel, and improve exhaust flow while keeping the factory engine layout intact.
This guide compares three BORLA options for the 2019-2023 Ford Ranger 2.3L so you can choose the system that best matches your sound preference, finish style, budget, and cab or bed configuration.
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Quick Verdict
Choose the BORLA 140789 S-Type if you want the best all-around mix of sound, dual-tailpipe styling, fit, and daily drivability. Choose the BORLA 140788 if you want a simpler value-focused cat-back upgrade. Choose the BORLA 140789BC if you like the 140789 setup but want black chrome styling and do not mind the extra care that finish requires.
Top Picks
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Category |
Product |
Score |
|---|---|---|
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🏆 Best Overall |
96/100 |
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💰 Best Value |
90/100 |
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🔊 Best Sound and Black Chrome Finish |
94/100 |
How We Picked These Exhausts
You want an exhaust upgrade that fits correctly, sounds good, and does not create daily-driving regrets. We focused on Ranger-specific fitment, T-304 stainless steel construction, sound profile, tip finish, pipe layout, installation simplicity, and owner feedback shared in the source listings.
We also looked for buyer concerns that matter before checkout, including cab and bed compatibility, drone risk, black chrome care, side-exit layout, and whether a product gives you a simple value upgrade or a more complete dual-tailpipe look.
Before You Buy: Fitment and Use Checklist
- Confirm your truck: These BORLA Ranger systems are aimed at 2019-2023 Ford Ranger 2.3L automatic models. Check the Amazon fitment tool and your cab or bed setup before buying.
- Check cab and bed length: SuperCab with the 6-foot bed and SuperCrew with the 5-foot bed are common supported layouts, but always verify your exact wheelbase and drivetrain.
- Choose the right sound: S-Type systems give a richer, sportier tone without trying to be the loudest option.
- Know the finish: Black chrome tips need gentle cleaning with hot water and a microfiber cloth. Avoid aggressive stainless polish on black chrome finishes.
- Follow local rules: Cat-back systems install after the catalytic converter, but local noise and emissions rules can still vary.
BORLA 140788 Cat-Back System
If you want a straightforward way to wake up your 2019 Ford Ranger, the BORLA 140788 is a sensible place to start. It gives the truck a deeper, more confident note than stock while staying more practical for commuting than a very aggressive exhaust.
The main appeal is simplicity. You still get BORLA’s stainless construction and flow-focused design, but this is the pick to consider when you care more about value and clean sound than the dual-tailpipe look of the 140789 and 140789BC.
Before ordering, verify the Amazon fitment details against your Ranger’s cab, bed, drivetrain, and model year. Exhaust fitment is specific, and a close-looking part can still be wrong for the wrong wheelbase.
Pros and Cons
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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✅ Classic BORLA tone without aiming for excessive cabin noise |
❌ Louder than stock for drivers who prefer a very quiet truck |
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✅ T-304 stainless steel construction for long-term durability |
❌ Does not give the same dual-tailpipe look as the 140789 systems |
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✅ Bolt-on design makes it realistic for a shop or experienced DIY install |
❌ Must confirm exact cab and bed fitment before ordering |
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✅ Strong value pick if you want BORLA quality without the highest-cost finish |
What People Say
Owners like the deeper BORLA sound and the more engaging feel compared with the factory exhaust. The recurring positive theme is that the tone adds personality without becoming annoying for normal driving.
Overall Sentiment: Positive

🗣️ Ryan P.
Sounds great and no in cab drone sound
🗣️ Justin Delorenzo
It’s awesome sounding
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you want a cleaner, deeper Ranger exhaust note and durable stainless construction while keeping the decision simple and value-focused.
Who Should Avoid This
Skip it if you specifically want dual tail pipes, black chrome styling, or the most complete premium look in this BORLA Ranger group.
Durability
T-304 stainless steel and welded construction help this system resist corrosion better than cheaper steel options, especially if you drive in wet or dirty conditions.
Innovation
BORLA’s straight-through and multi-core design focuses on smoother exhaust flow and a more refined performance tone. Real power changes can vary by truck, driving style, and supporting modifications.
Benefits
- Deeper exhaust note than stock without going extreme
- T-304 stainless steel construction for corrosion resistance
- Bolt-on layout for a cleaner installation path
- Flow-focused design that may improve response feel
- Good value pick for daily-driven Rangers
BORLA 140789 S-Type Cat-Back System
If you want to sharpen your 2019 Ford Ranger’s personality, this BORLA 140789 S-Type cat-back is the strongest all-around choice here. You get a fuller, more confident exhaust note, a dual-tailpipe look, and a tone that is designed to stay livable for everyday driving.
It is made from premium T-304 stainless steel with smooth mandrel bends and precision manufacturing, so it is built for daily commuting, weekend trips, light towing, and regular road use. Installation is typically a bolt-on job for a qualified shop or an experienced DIY owner with the right tools and safe lifting equipment.
On the road, this is the system to pick if you want your Ranger to feel more responsive and sound more purposeful without choosing the black chrome finish.
Pros and Cons
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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✅ Rich S-Type BORLA tone that stays usable for daily driving |
❌ Louder than stock, so it may not suit drivers who want a near-silent exhaust |
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✅ Dual-tailpipe side-exit design gives the Ranger a more finished look |
❌ Usually costs more than the simpler 140788-style option |
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✅ T-304 stainless steel, mandrel bends, and precise fitment |
❌ Requires exact fitment verification for your cab and bed setup |
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✅ Bright chrome tips are easier to maintain than black chrome finishes |
What People Say
Owners praise the sound quality, fit, and installation experience. The main appeal is a noticeable upgrade in tone without the constant drone that can make some performance exhausts tiring.
Overall Sentiment: Positive

🗣️ Kyle O.
Super awesome exhaust. Looks and sounds amazing. Definitely worth the money for the easy install and good quality.
🗣️ Jay
My truck sounds great — not annoying, loud when I want it to be. Power gains with the intake were very noticeable.
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you want the best overall Ranger exhaust in this comparison, especially if you care about a balanced S-Type tone, dual-tailpipe styling, and bright chrome tips.
Who Should Avoid This
Skip it if your main goal is the lowest possible cost or if you specifically want black chrome tips to match darker exterior trim.
Durability
Premium T-304 stainless steel, all-welded construction, and mandrel bends make this system a strong long-term option for regular road use.
Innovation
BORLA’s straight-through and multi-core approach is designed to improve exhaust velocity and flow while keeping the sound refined. Any measurable performance change will depend on the truck and other modifications.
Benefits
- Best all-around balance of sound, appearance, and daily usability
- Dual-tailpipe side-exit layout with bright chrome tips
- T-304 stainless steel construction for corrosion resistance
- Mandrel bends and CNC-style fitment for smoother flow and easier installation
- Well-suited for commuting, weekend driving, and light towing
BORLA 140789BC Cat-Back Performance Exhaust
If you want your 2019 Ford Ranger to sound sharper and look darker from the rear, the BORLA 140789BC is the style-focused pick. It gives you the same general S-Type personality as the 140789, but the black chrome tips better match black wheels, dark trim, or a more aggressive exterior build.
The system uses T-304 stainless steel with mandrel bends and all-welded construction, so it is built for regular commuting, weekend trips, and light towing. The dual-tailpipe side-exit look also gives the Ranger a more custom finish than a simpler single-exit setup.
The main tradeoff is maintenance. Black chrome looks great when clean, but it needs gentler care than bright chrome. Avoid aggressive polish and use hot water with a microfiber cloth for routine cleaning.
Pros and Cons
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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✅ Signature S-Type BORLA tone with a bold dual-tailpipe look |
❌ Louder than stock for drivers who want a quiet factory-style sound |
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✅ Black chrome tips pair well with dark trim or black wheel setups |
❌ Black chrome finish needs gentle cleaning and extra care |
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✅ T-304 stainless steel, mandrel-bent piping, and precise fitment |
❌ Confirm exact cab, bed, and drivetrain fitment before buying |
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✅ Strong choice for buyers who care about both sound and appearance |
What People Say
Owners highlight the sound improvement and factory-like fit. This is especially attractive if you want your Ranger to feel more special every time you start it.
Overall Sentiment: Positive

🗣️ K.R
I’m 57 years old this borla muffler makes my 2020 ranger sound Awesome I highly recommend this muffler kit to all ranger owners if you want a great sounding truck. I will submit audio in the spring.
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you want the best-looking dark-finish option in this group and you like the idea of a refined but noticeable S-Type sound.
Who Should Avoid This
Skip it if you want the easiest tip maintenance or if a bright chrome finish better matches your truck.
Durability
The T-304 stainless steel system is built to resist corrosion and handle regular road use, while the black chrome tips reward careful cleaning.
Innovation
The straight-through, multi-core design focuses on exhaust velocity and a cleaner performance tone. Pairing the exhaust with other properly chosen upgrades may make the driving change more noticeable, but results vary.
Benefits
- Black chrome styling for a darker, more aggressive look
- Dual-tailpipe side-exit layout
- T-304 stainless steel and all-welded construction
- Mandrel-bent piping and precision fit for cleaner installation
- Strong choice for daily driving, spirited runs, and light towing
FAQ
What Are The Best Exhaust Upgrade Routes For A 2019 Ford Ranger?
For most 2019 Ford Ranger owners, the most practical upgrade path is a Ranger-specific cat-back exhaust. It replaces the exhaust section behind the catalytic converter, so it can improve sound and flow without requiring major engine work. The BORLA options in this guide are all focused on that cat-back upgrade path.
An axle-back system can be easier and less expensive when available, but it changes less of the exhaust. A standalone muffler swap can also change sound, but it may require more custom fitting and does not give the same complete bolt-on package as a vehicle-specific cat-back.
If you want the safest buying decision, choose a system made for your exact Ranger year, engine, cab, bed, and drivetrain. That matters more than picking the loudest exhaust.
How Do You Choose Between The BORLA 140788, 140789, And 140789BC?
Choose the BORLA 140788 if you want a simpler value-focused upgrade with a deeper tone and stainless construction. Choose the BORLA 140789 if you want the best overall balance of S-Type sound, dual-tailpipe style, bright chrome tips, and daily usability. Choose the BORLA 140789BC if you like the 140789 layout but want black chrome tips.
The black chrome version needs more careful tip cleaning. Do not use aggressive stainless polish on black chrome tips. Hot water and a microfiber cloth are the safer routine cleaning choice.
Will A Cat-Back Exhaust Add Horsepower To A 2019 Ford Ranger?
A quality cat-back can improve exhaust flow and may sharpen throttle response feel, but dramatic horsepower gains should not be expected from exhaust alone. Noticeable power changes usually depend on the full setup, including intake, tune, fuel quality, and vehicle condition.
The most obvious change for many drivers is sound. A BORLA S-Type system can make the Ranger feel more engaging without requiring an engine swap or a full custom exhaust build.
Can You Install A Ranger Cat-Back Exhaust At Home?
Many cat-back systems are designed as bolt-on upgrades, so an experienced DIY owner with safe lifting equipment may be able to install one. Still, a professional shop is a smart choice if you do not have a lift, sturdy jack stands, exhaust tools, or experience aligning hangers and clamps.
After installation, check for leaks, listen for rattles, and recheck clamps after a few heat cycles. Proper alignment helps prevent contact with the body, suspension, or bumper area.
Will These Exhausts Drone On The Highway?
BORLA designs its S-Type systems to deliver a stronger tone without constant in-cabin drone, but sound is subjective. Cab style, bed length, tire noise, road speed, towing load, and personal tolerance can all change how loud an exhaust feels from inside the truck.
If you often drive long highway trips, the best choice is usually the system that balances a deeper tone with daily comfort, not simply the loudest option.
What Owners Prefer
When choosing between the BORLA 140788, BORLA 140789, and BORLA 140789BC, most buyers focus on three things: sound, appearance, and fitment confidence. The 140788 is the simpler value pick, the 140789 is the best all-around bright chrome option, and the 140789BC is the best choice for buyers who want the dual-tailpipe layout with black chrome tips.
Before checkout, confirm the Amazon fitment tool, review your cab and bed configuration, and decide whether you prefer easy tip maintenance or the darker black chrome look.

Wrapping Up
Upgrading your Ranger’s exhaust is a practical way to get a stronger sound and a more engaging drive without major engine work. The BORLA 140789 S-Type is the best all-around choice for sound, fit, and dual-tailpipe style. The BORLA 140788 is the value pick if you want a simpler BORLA cat-back upgrade. The BORLA 140789BC is ideal if you want the same premium dual-tailpipe character with black chrome styling.
Pick based on your truck’s confirmed fitment, your preferred sound level, and how much you care about tip finish. That will lead to a better purchase than choosing by appearance alone.
| BORLA 140788 Cat-Back System | BORLA 140789 S-Type Cat-Back System | BORLA 140789BC Cat-Back System | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Best For | Value-focused BORLA upgrade | Best all-around sound and style | Black chrome styling |
| Material | T-304 Stainless Steel | T-304 Stainless Steel | T-304 Stainless Steel |
| Exhaust Style | Cat-back side-exit system | S-Type dual-tailpipe cat-back system | S-Type dual-tailpipe cat-back system |
| Tip Style | Single side-exit tip style | Dual bright chrome tip style | Dual black chrome tip style |
| Fitment Focus | 2019-2023 Ranger 2.3L automatic fitment, verify cab and bed before buying | 2019-2023 Ranger 2.3L automatic fitment, verify cab and bed before buying | 2019-2023 Ranger 2.3L automatic fitment, verify cab and bed before buying |
| Unique Highlights |
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| Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
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