The new 2019 Ford Ranger is ever so close to going on sale across the United States. The Ranger is coming back. It will start to roll out to dealerships in January 2019, but what makes it unique to the American market from the Rangers that are available in other countries and parts of the world? Here is a detailed look at the features, trims, and specs of the new midsize truck from Ford.

Ford says they tailored the 2019 U.S.-spec Ranger to a truck culture in the USA that is a bit different from elsewhere in the world. It includes a more traditional appearance with separate steel bumpers, updates to the frame, suspension, and brakes to handle the loads and long highway trips.

The powertrain is completely unique for this Ranger. There is just one engine/transmission combination, but Ford says it offers a good balance between fuel economy, power, and performance. It’s a 2.3L turbocharged I4 that is rated at 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The engine block is the same as in the Ford Mustang and the current Ford Explorer, but it shares the rear-wheel-drive longitudinal layout with the Mustang. The Ranger engine uses a different turbocharger, other components and tuning in order to suit it for truck duty. The focus was mainly on low-end torque and fuel efficiency among other attributes. The 10-speed automatic transmission is practically the same as also found in the Ford F-150 and the Mustang with just minor tweaks.

Ford and EPA announce the Ranger fuel economy of 21 MPG city / 26 MPG highway / and 23 MPG combined for the Ranger 2WD. The 4×4 model is rated at 20 MPG / 24 MPG / 22 MPG combined.

Here is how the 2019 Ranger fuel economy compares to the other midsize body-on-frame trucks.

The U.S. Ford Ranger is offered in XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels. You can also choose an XL STX, Sport, Chrome, and FX4 packages. The pricing ranges from just over $25,000 for a 2WD XL extended cab truck to just over $45,000 for a fully-optioned Lariat 4×4 crew cab.

The Ranger 2WD is rated at 1,860 lbs of maximum payload, and most of the trucks we drove this week had payload ratings between 1,500 – 1,700 lbs after you add 4×4 and other options.

Maximum towing is at 7,500 lbs, but an integrated brake controller is not included from the factory. However, Ford is offering a brake controller as a dealership-installed accessory.

We will be publishing our off-road and on-road driving impressions and reviews of the new 2019 Ford Ranger after the embargo lifts in the morning of Dec 18th, 2018.

Here is another look at all the new Rangers from the event.