With the 2019 Ford Ranger nearing production, the automaker decided it was time to announce just how capable its all-new midsize pickup will be, as North American buyers await its arrival.

Not only does Ford claim best-in-class payload capacity for the 2019 Ranger, but also best-in-class towing capability and torque, as far as petrol-powered trucks go in this particular segment.

“Think of Ranger as the biggest and most capable backpack for your gear,” stated Rick Bolt, the Ranger’s chief engineer. “With 1,860 pounds of maximum payload, it can haul nearly a ton of gear to enable your next adventure.”

The truck’s standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost petrol unit is good for 270 HP (273 PS) and a very impressive 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. This is the most torque produced by any petrol-powered engine in the midsize pickup segment, including some rivals’ V6 engines, says Ford.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost is paired up with a class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission. The Ranger is able to tow as many as 7,500 pounds (3.4 tons) when equipped with the Tow Package and a trailer brake controller. As for the claimed best-in-class payload capacity, you’re looking at a maximum of 1,860 pounds (843 kg).

The 2019 Ranger will go into production later this year at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, with prices starting from $24,300, minus the $1,095 destination charge.

If you’d rather have the flagship Ranger Lariat, you will have to fork out at least $32,210. For the money you get a chrome grille, body-color door handles, LED lights, 18-inch wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, SYNC3 infotainment with an 8-inch display and heated 8-way power front seats.