Way back in 2011, the Ford Ranger pickup was discontinued in the US but continued to be sold in other markets. After a seven-year hiatus, the Ranger is finally making a triumphant return. Production of the mid-size pickup officially started this week at Ford's revamped plant in Michigan ahead of its launch in North American showrooms early next year. F-150 fans need not worry, however, because the automaker is confident the return of the Ranger won't cannibalize sales of its best-selling larger sibling.

"There always will be some substitution, but this is more of a lifestyle vehicle for people who want to use it for different purposes," Joe Hinrichs, Ford's president of global operations, told Automotive News. "The F-150's gotten bigger over time and more expensive. We believe there's room now to slot the Ranger in very nicely in the showroom."

Hinrichs also said the first Rangers should be available to US buyers in January 2019, so there's not too long to wait. Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant was recently retooled to build the pickup and the reborn Bronco SUV, which is slated to go on sale in 2020.

When it goes on sale next year, the revived Ford Ranger will start at $25,895 including destination, while a fully-loaded model will set you back around $45,000. That's around the same as the popular Toyota Tacoma, which starts at $25,400, but more than the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. The 2019 Colorado starts at $21,495, while the 2019 Canyon starts at $23,095.

While we're pleased to see the Ford Ranger make a belated comeback in the US, don't get your hopes up for a full-fat Raptor version as Ford recently ruled out the possibility of the potent pickup being sold in the US.