Ford Ranger expected to top GM, Toyota rivals in towing, hauling

The revived Ford Ranger's turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be able to tow and haul more than the V-6 gasoline offerings from its rivals in the midsize pickup segment when it hits dealerships early next year.The 2019 Ranger's 2.3-liter EcoBoost can haul up to 1,860 pounds, tow up to 7,500 pounds and generate 270 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque.The closest competitor, the Chevrolet Colorado, has a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,772 pounds with its 3.6-liter V-6. The GMC Canyon can also tow up to 7,000 pounds and haul up to 1,753 pounds.However, both pickups can tow up to 7,700 pounds with an available 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine.The segment-leading Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds and can haul up to 1,620 pounds with its 3.5-liter V-6.The Ranger's lone engine option will come equipped with a 10-speed transmission."Think of Ranger as the biggest and most capable backpack for your gear," Rick Bolt, Ford Ranger chief engineer, said in a statement on Friday.The Ranger was discontinued in the U.S. in 2011 but has continued to sell in a number of overseas markets. The latest U.S. version, to be built at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant, has a mostly steel body, axles made by Dana Inc. -- which supplies the Jeep Wrangler -- and an exterior design similar to its larger F-series counterparts.The pickup will come in three trim levels: XL, XLT and Lariat. Ford will sell two-door SuperCab and four-door SuperCrew configurations and offer both four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive for each configuration.An off-road FX4 package will be offered on all 4wd models.The Ranger will start at $25,395, including shipping. That's roughly the same as the Toyota Tacoma, but more than the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.Fuel economy numbers have not yet been finalized.

Ford Ranger expected to top GM, Toyota rivals in towing, hauling

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