The Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma stand out in the midsize pickup truck segment. Both trucks are highly popular options, offering exceptional features. In this Ford Ranger vs. Toyota Tacoma showdown, our team at Ford of Feasterville provides in-depth details to help you choose between America’s favorite midsize trucks.
Brief History and Evolution of Both Models
The Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma have both evolved significantly since their inception. The Ford Ranger was introduced in 1983 and served as the company’s compact pickup truck until 2011. After a brief hiatus in North America from 2011 to 2018, the Ranger returned as a midsize truck. The Toyota Tacoma debuted in 1995, replacing the previous Toyota Pickup model. Now in its fourth generation, the Tacoma has grown from a compact to a midsize truck, adapting to changing consumer preferences and market demands.
Performance and Engine Specifications
The Ford Ranger’s base 2.3-liter turbo-four produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the Ranger Raptor features a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 that generates 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Tacoma has a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. A hybrid version is also available that produces 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
Towing Capacity and Payload
The Ford Ranger leads in towing capacity. It’s capable of pulling up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped, compared to the Tacoma’s 6,500-pound maximum towing capacity. The Ranger offers a payload capacity of up to 1,805 pounds, while the Tacoma can handle a maximum of 1,709 pounds, depending on the cab and bed configuration. The high-performance Ranger Raptor has a reduced towing capacity of 5,510 pounds due to its off-road-focused setup.
Design and Features
Both trucks offer distinct styling approaches. The Ford Ranger features a bold front end inspired by the F-150, with C-clamp headlights and a prominent grille. The Toyota Tacoma offers two cab configurations. The XtraCab features two full-size seats and two fold-up seats in the rear while the double cab offers five seats. The Ford Ranger only offers the SuperCrew configuration, which features five seats.
Exterior Styling Showdown: Ranger vs. Tacoma
The Tacoma offers two bed-length options, 60.3 inches and 73.5 inches, while the Ranger has a single bed length of 59.6 inches. Both trucks feature LED headlights and various wheel designs across their trim levels. The Tacoma’s design emphasizes its off-road heritage, while the Ranger’s styling reflects a balance between work capability and modern aesthetics.
Interior Design and Comfort Comparison
The Ford Ranger’s interior provides 34.6 inches of rear-seat legroom, which is slightly more than the Tacoma’s 32.6 inches in the double cab configuration. The Tacoma offers 58.3 inches and 57.8 inches of front and rear shoulder room compared to the Ranger’s 57.1 inches and 56.7 inches. The Tacoma offers 56.8 inches and 56.3 inches of front and rear hip room, versus the Ranger’s 55.9 inches in the front and 54.1 inches in the rear.
Tech Features: Infotainment Systems and Connectivity
The Ford Ranger includes a standard 10.1-inch touch screen, which is upgradable to a 12.4-inch display. The Toyota Tacoma starts with an 8-inch screen and offers a large 14-inch display on higher trims. Both trucks include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, multiple USB ports, and available premium audio systems.
Capability and Off-road Comparison
Off-road capability varies between models and trims. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road features 11 inches of ground clearance, 32-inch all-terrain tires, and an available sway-bar disconnect system. The Ford Ranger Raptor provides 10.7 inches of ground clearance, a 33-degree approach angle, and a 26.4-degree departure angle.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Ranger Raptor’s twin-turbo V-6 produces 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the Tacoma TRD Pro’s powertrain. The Tacoma TRD Pro counters with 11 inches of ground clearance, a 33.8-degree approach angle, and a 25.7-degree departure angle, making it highly capable in off-road situations.
Suspension and Drivetrain Comparison
The 2024 Tacoma double cab models now use a coil-spring rear suspension, providing improved ride quality compared to the Ranger’s traditional leaf spring setup. The Ranger Raptor includes FOX 2.5-inch live-valve adaptive dampers for enhanced off-road performance.
Pricing, Trim Levels, and Value for Money
The base Toyota Tacoma starts at $31,500, while the Ford Ranger begins at about $32,980. Both base models include LED headlights, smartphone integration, and advanced safety features. While the Tacoma has a lower starting price, the Ranger offers more standard power and towing capability in its base configuration.
Ford’s midsize truck offers four trim levels: the XL, XLT, LARIAT, and Raptor, with the Raptor starting at $55,720. The Toyota Tacoma’s trims include the SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter, offering more variety in price points and features.
Visit Ford of Feasterville Today
The Ford Ranger excels in towing capacity and engine performance, making it ideal if you prioritize work capabilities and power. Toyota’s Tacoma offers more trim options and a traditionally strong resale value, which is appealing if you’re looking for variety and long-term value. The Ranger is the better choice if you need maximum towing capacity and powerful engine options, while the Tacoma makes sense if you want more configuration options and proven reliability. If you’re in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, and want to experience the impressive capabilities and features of the Ford Ranger firsthand, we invite you to visit Ford of Feasterville for a test-drive.
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