Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger are both popular midsize pickup trucks known for their durability and versatility. Although these two units share some similarities, there are also important differences between them that few people know about. Here’s a comparison of the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger across several key factors:
- Performance: The Tacoma offers two engine options: a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and an available 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Ranger, on the other hand, comes with a standard turbocharged 2,3-liter fourcylinder engine. Both trucks provide sufficient power and towing capabilities, but the Tacoma’s V6 engine offers more horsepower than the Ranger.
- Off-Road Capability: The Tacoma is renowned for its off-road prowess, especially with the TRD (Toyota Racing Development) models like the Tacoma TRD Off-Road and Tacoma TRD Pro. These versions come with features like an off-road suspension, skid plates, locking rear differential, and advanced traction control systems.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Ranger generally offers better fuel efficiency compared to the Tacoma. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers good mileage, especially on highways. The Tacoma’s larger V6 engine tends to consume more fuel, but the smaller four-cylinder option provides better efficiency.
- Interior and Technology: Both trucks offer comfortable interiors, but the Tacoma’s cabin has a more rugged and utilitarian feel, whereas the Ranger’s interior has a more modern and refined design.
- Safety: Both trucks come equipped with modern safety features. The Tacoma offers Toyota Safety Sense-P, which includes features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
- Pricing: Pricing can vary depending on trim levels, options, and regional factors. Generally, the Ranger tends to have a slightly lower starting price compared to the Tacoma.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger: Which Midsize Truck Reigns Supreme?
The midsize truck market has been heating up with the release of two highly anticipated models: the 2021 Toyota Tacoma and the 2019 Ford Ranger. Both vehicles are packed with impressive features and offer great performance, making it difficult to choose which one is, the best fit for your needs.
Whether you prioritize power, towing capacity, or off-road capability, there are plenty of factors to consider when comparing these two contenders.
We’ll take a closer look at Toyota Tacoma vs Ford Ranger to determine which midsize truck reigns supreme. So, buckle up and get ready for a ride as we explore the features, performance, and overall value of these two impressive vehicles.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger: A Brief History
The Toyota Tacoma has been in production since 1995 and has become one of the most popular midsize trucks on the market. It’s known for its reliability, durability, and off-road capabilities. The Ford Ranger, on the other hand, had a hiatus between 2011 to 2019 when it was brought back to the market.
The 2019 model is, the fourth generation of the Ranger, and it’s been designed to compete with the Tacoma and other midsize trucks.
The Tacoma has been one of the most popular midsize trucks on the market, and it’s been able to maintain its popularity due to its reliability, durability, and off-road capabilities. The Ranger has been designed to be a direct competitor to the Tacoma, and it’s been able to compete well with its features and price point.
However, it’s still not as popular as the Tacoma, which has a loyal fan base and is, known for its longevity.
Performance Comparison – Engine, Towing Capacity, and Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to performance, both the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger have impressive engines. The Tacoma comes with a 3,5-liter V6 engine produces 278 horsepower & 265 lbft of torque. The Ranger, on the other hand, comes with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of towing capacity, the Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds, while the Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds. Both trucks have impressive towing capacity, but the Ranger has a slight advantage.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Ranger has the edge. It gets an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while the Tacoma gets an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. However, the difference in fuel efficiency is, not significant, and both trucks are relatively fuel-efficient for their size.
Off-Road Capability – Suspension, Ground Clearance, and Terrain Management System
Off-road capability is, one of the most important factors for many truck buyers, and both the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger have impressive off-road capabilities. The Tacoma has been designed for off-road driving, and it comes with a TRD Off-Road package that includes a locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks, and a terrain management system.
The Ranger also has impressive off-road capabilities, and it comes with an FX4 Off-Road package that includes skid plates, an electronic locking rear differential, and a terrain management system.
When it comes to suspension, the Tacoma has a more traditional suspension system that’s better suited for off-road driving. It has a double-wishbone front suspension and a leaf spring rear suspension that provides a smooth ride on rough terrain.
The Ranger, on the other hand, has a more modern suspension system that’s better suited for on-road driving. It has an independent front suspension and a leaf spring rear suspension that provides a smooth ride on paved roads but can be bumpy on rough terrain.
Both trucks have impressive ground clearance, with the Tacoma having 9.4 inches of ground clearance and the Ranger having 8.9 inches of ground clearance. Both trucks also have a terrain management system that allows drivers to adjust the vehicle’s performance based on the driving conditions.
Interior and Technology – Comfort, Infotainment, and Safety Features
When it comes to interior and technology, both the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger have impressive features. The Tacoma has a comfortable interior with supportive seats and plenty of room for passengers. The Ranger also has a comfortable interior with supportive seats, but it’s slightly more cramped than the Tacoma.
In terms of infotainment, both trucks come with a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a backup camera. The Tacoma comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display, while the Ranger comes with an 8-inch touchscreen display. Both trucks also come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allows drivers to connect their smartphones to the infotainment system.
When it comes to safety features, both the Tacoma and Ranger have impressive features. The Tacoma comes with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Ranger comes with Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes features like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Price and Value – MSRP, Resale Value, and Cost of Ownership
When it comes to price and value, the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger are both priced competitively. The Tacoma has a starting MSRP of $26,150, while the Ranger has a starting MSRP of $24,820. The Tacoma is, slightly more expensive, but it’s worth noting that the Ranger is, a newer model and has a lower starting price.
In terms of resale value, the Tacoma has one of the best resale values in the industry. It holds its value well and is, known for its longevity. The Ranger has not been on the market as long, so it’s hard to say how well it will hold its value.
When it comes to cost of ownership, the Tacoma has a slight advantage. It has a reputation for being reliable and durable, which means that owners are less likely to have to pay for repairs.
Customer Reviews and Ratings – Pros and Cons of Each Truck
Both the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger have received positive reviews from customers and critics alike. The Tacoma has been praised for its reliability, durability, and off-road capabilities. The Ranger has been praised for its towing capacity, fuel efficiency, and modern features.
However, both trucks have their cons as well. The Tacoma has been criticized for its outdated interior and lack of modern features. The Ranger has been criticized for its cramped interior and bumpy ride on rough terrain.
Comparison Chart – Side-by-Side Comparison of Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger
- | Feature | Toyota Tacoma | Ford Ranger |
- | Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | 2.3-liter EcoBoost |
- | Horsepower | 278 | 270 |
- | Torque | 265 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
- | Towing Capacity | 6,800 lbs | 7,500 lbs |
- | Fuel Efficiency | 19/24 mpg | 21/26 mpg |
- | Ground Clearance | 9.4 inches | 8.9 inches |
- | Suspension | Double-wishbone front, leaf spring rear | Independent front, leaf spring rear |
- | Infotainment | 7-inch touchscreen display | 8-inch touchscreen display |
- | Safety Features | Toyota Safety Sense | Ford Co-Pilot360 |
- | Starting MSRP | $26,150 | $24,820 |
Which One-Should You Choose? – Factors to Consider Before Making a Decision
When it comes to choosing between the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in a midsize truck. If you prioritize off-road capabilities and a proven track record of reliability, the Tacoma is, the way to go. If you prioritize towing capacity and fuel efficiency, the Ranger is, the better choice.
Before making a decision, it’s important to consider your needs and what you’ll be using the truck for. Do you plan on doing a lot of off-road driving? Or do you plan on using the truck for towing? These are important factors to consider when choosing between the Tacoma and Ranger.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger are impressive midsize trucks that offer great performance and features. While the Tacoma is, known for its reliability and off-road capabilities, the Ranger has a slightly more modern design and better fuel efficiency.
Ultimately, the choice between these two trucks comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in a midsize truck.
