2019 Ford Ranger towing capacity, payload and torque hit segment highs

The 2019 Ford Ranger won't show up in US dealerships until early next year, but Ford is hoping to whet pickup fans' appetites with the truck's payload, torque, and towing capability. The new figures come as the 2019 Ranger prepares to go into production, which will kick off later in the year at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan.

We already knew that Ford would be equipping the truck with a single engine option, at least initially. That's the 2.3-liter EcoBoost, a four-cylinder that the automaker always promised would be capable of going toe-to-toe with the V6 engines in rival pickups. Now we get to understand that confidence.

The 270 horsepower was already known, but Ford is confirming today that the 2019 Ranger will have 310 lb-ft of torque. That, the company says, is the most torque of any gas engine in the midsize pickup segment. It'll work with the Ranger's standard 10-speed transmission.

As for maximum payload capacity, the 2019 Ranger will be able to handle 1,860 pounds. Again, Ford is pitching that as the largest amount in the truck's segment. Ford will have SuperCab and SuperCrew cabin configurations, but only one wheelbase.

Finally, there's towing. There, the 2019 Ranger clocks in a maximum capability of 7,500 pounds, assuming you have the tow package – and its integrated tow hitch – and a trailer brake controller installed. Once again, Ford says this is bigger than any other gas truck in its class.

Ford will have both 2WD and 4WD Ranger models, each with Dana Trac-Lok differentials. The 4WD Ranger will have 2-high, 4-high, and 4-low as standard. An electronic-locking rear differential will be standard-fit on the FX2 and FX4 trucks, and optional on the other models.

Though raw numbers are important, arguably just as vital these days are the technical talents that add to a pickup's towing and carrying abilities. There's Trail Control, for example, which is effectively cruise control but for off-road use. That takes care of acceleration and braking for each individual wheel, leaving the driver to focus solely on the steering.

Smart Trailer Tow, meanwhile, uses a special connector which can warn via the SYNC3 dashboard display if the trailer has been improperly hooked up. Blind spot monitoring will keep an eye not only around the Ranger itself for other traffic, but include vehicles in neighboring lanes that are close to your trailer, too. Finally, there's Ford's Terrain Management System, which has normal; grass, gravel and snow; mud and ruts; and sand drive modes.