2019 Ford Ranger: A midsize king

After eight years, Ford has brought back the midsize Ranger to do battle with the Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma.

Shown here with the FX4 off-road package, the Ranger comes with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, good for 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

A 10-speed automatic transmission gets the power to the pavement... or dirt as the case may be.

The Ranger can haul 1,860 pounds of payload, more than any other midsize, gas-powered pick up truck.

It also holds the crown for towing capacity: 7,500 pounds in all configurations.

The Ranger 4x4 gets an EPA combined fuel economy rating of 22 miles per gallon. The 4x2 returns 23 mpg.

The FX4 off-road package adds skid plate protection, suspension tuned for dirt driving, beefier tires and Ford's Terrain Management System.

A two-speed transfer case and a locking rear differential are available on the Ranger.

Inside, Sync 3 is available along with a whole host of driver's aids like blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage and adaptive cruise control.

The 2019 Ford Ranger starts at $25,395 for a 4x2 SuperCab in XL trim. Keep scrolling for more photos of Ford's newest truck.

If you're not keen on Yakima products, Ford's accessories list also offers a variety of bed-enhancing parts from Thule, too.