Video: B-Roll of the 2019 Ford Ranger, courtesy of the Ford Motor Company. 

Ford revealed today the all-new 2019 Ranger, packed with driver-assist technologies to make driving easier on- and off-road, and featuring a high-strength steel frame, a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine mated to the only 10-speed automatic transmission in the segment.

“Ranger has always held a special place in the hearts of truck fans,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford executive vice president, Product Development and Purchasing. “The all-new Ranger is designed for today’s midsize truck buyer, delivering even more utility, capability and technology for those who blend city living with more off-the-grid adventures on weekends.”

The new Ranger comes in entry-level XL, mid-level XLT and the Lariat trim series with available Chrome, Sport, and FX Off-Road packages — plus SuperCab or SuperCrew cab configurations.

the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine is designed for efficiency and capability, with direct fuel injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger, 16 valves, a forged-steel crankshaft and connecting rods, and chain-driven dual overhead cams. “Ranger’s proven 2.3-liter EcoBoost provides a torque target on par with competing V6 engines, but with the efficiency of a four-cylinder,” said Thai-Tang. “When you pair that with its 10-speed transmission, you’ve got one of the most versatile, powerful and efficient powertrains in the segment.”

The new Ranger prioritizes ground clearance and short overhangs to help climb over off-road obstacles, and The FX4 Off-Road Package provides additional trail capability with off-road-tuned shocks, all-terrain tires, a frame-mounted heavy-gauge steel front bash plate, frame-mounted skid plates and FX4 badging. Though they haven’t disclosed the exact towing capacity, Ford claims a segment-leading towing capacity, which would exceed the other in-class models at 7,700 pounds, making Ranger ideal for towing small RV trailers — especially off-road pop-ups.

The FX4 Off-Road Package also features an innovative Terrain Management System similar to the F-150 Raptor. It includes four drive modes – normal; grass, gravel and snow; mud and ruts; and sand. The system can shift on the fly to automatically change throttle responsiveness, transmission gearing and vehicle controls to tailor traction, driveability and performance. It also includes Ford’s new Trail Control technology, which they bill akin to cruise control for low-speed, rugged terrain. The system takes over acceleration and braking – sending power and braking to each individual wheel to allow drivers to focus on steering along a course.

Power is distributed through Dana AdvanTEK independent front and solid rear axles on both 2WD and 4WD models with an available electronic-locking rear axle (standard on FX2 and FX4) for increased all-terrain traction. Four-wheel-drive versions feature 2-high, 4-high and 4-low.

Driver-assist technologies include standard Automatic Emergency Braking on all versions, and Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, a Reverse Sensing System and Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage are standard on XLT and Lariat trim levels. The Lariat package includes Pedestrian Detection and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Production begins late this year at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant.