The Ranger with the 2.3 engine and 5 speed manual transmission is a great vehicle for light hauling. Many auto parts stores use them to chase parts. They get car like MPG with the benefit of a truck bed. I have one and get between 25 to 27 MPG with more city than hiway driving. Why am I trying to replace it with a Mahindra TR20? First- After about 900 pounds in the bed, it is close to resting on the axle. It is rated for 1100 pounds but isn't happy loaded that heavy. Second- Towing 1500 pounds is all it is rated for. The transmission is better for cruising a tar road than starting out in a dirt field with a trailer. Third- It is a gas engine. It quickly loses MPG even when only 1500 pounds are being towed. The torque of a diesel engine keeps the MPG running empty or towing much closer. A 3/4 ton diesel may get 18 hiway and 14 towing. A gas 3/4 ton may get 18 hiway and 9 towing. I think the diesel Mahindra may have a simular correlation.
If you need a truck to haul a few bricks, a few sheets of sheetrock or to pick up a christmas tree, I would stick with the Ranger with the 2.3 engine and 5 speed manual transmission. Gas is easy to find and less expensive than diesel. They are proven reliable. The 2.3 with an automatic transmission gets greatly reduced MPG. If you need an automatic there maybe better options.
A Ranger 4x4 that will tow what I hope the Mahindra will tow, requires the 4.0 engine and automatic transmission. It is rated for 14 city and 18 hiway. Time will tell if the Ford F150 Eco Boost will maintain its MPG when towing. The world is changing but traditionally the diesel has proven it self more efficient at towing than gas.