Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger: Which Small Truck to Buy?

Toyota Tacoma benefits from a slew of different models. Different models, such as the range-topping TRD Pro off-road conqueror. But guess what? If you're looking for the best small pickup truck, some critical Toyota Tacoma competitors are still to consider. Ford Ranger is among the most significant competitors.

See More Tacoma’s Competitors

Midsize pickup trucks are the new sport utility vehicles. Owning one small pickup truck also makes you one of the most famous people in the neighborhood. If you are not sure about buying which small pickup truck in the market, read this blog carefully!!!

 Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger fulfill their sporting utility in similar ways. The two small pickup trucks earn identical TCC Ratings of 5.0 out of 10.

The difference between two small pickup trucks is in the details:

Style and performance:

Toyota Tacoma:

Toyota’s mild updates keep the Tacoma bestselling small pickup truck fresh because of:

• Flared fenders

• Broad and vertical nose.

• A short 5-foot bed.

• Double-cab configurations.

• A 6-foot bed plus an extended cab.

• Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro off-road model adds all the flourishes, including a snorkel and Army Green paint.

• Toyota Tacoma uses an independent front suspension. It also has a leaf-sprung solid rear axle.

• Tacoma is more composed than the Ranger. As a result, Toyota Tacoma better handles double duty as an everyday worker and weekend adventurer.

• Tacoma TRD Pro adds Fox shocks and other off-road equipment such as a snorkel to make it the off-roader of choice.

 • Toyota Tacoma comes standard with a 159-hp 2.7-liter inline-4.

• Tacoma comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 with a 6-speed automatic.

• Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds.

• Toyota Tacoma is rated by the EPA at 18/22/20 mpg.

Ford Ranger:

Ford Ranger’s body style configurations are the same as Toyota Tacoma. However, Ford gussies up the working truck for a night on the town in the Lariat trim. This upgrades from 16-inch steel wheels on the base XL model to 18-inch aluminum wheels. Also a heated leather seats, as well as other SUV-like creature comforts: 

• The 2.3-liter turbo-4.

• 10-speed automatic transmission makes 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

• The turbo-4 and the 10-speed have the best fuel economy in the midsize class.

• Ford Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds if it is adequately equipped.

Comfort, Safety, and Features:

Toyota Tacoma:

Toyota Tacoma comes better equipped than the Ford Ranger:

• Standard Apple CarPlay.

• An Android Auto compatibility with a 7.0-inch touchscreen.

• Automatic emergency braking.

• Lane departure warning

• Automatic high beams

• Adaptive cruise control. 

Read Why Toyota Tacoma is Reliable?

Ford Ranger:

Ford Ranger doesn’t have the trim spread like the Tacoma:

• The base XL is fundamental. It has no touchscreen or smartphone software. Though it has standard automatic emergency braking.

• The Ford Ranger in Lariat trim has options such as adaptive cruise control, remote start, upgraded sound system, and more.

Price:

Toyota Tacoma:

• Because the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is a trim level, you have to spend approximately $45,000 to start. And that's with a six-speed manual transmission.

• Toyota Tacoma is fully equipped at this price with navigation and an adaptive cruise. The test truck came outfitted with a few dealer-installed accessories.

Click Here to Get Best Price of Used Toyota Tacoma.

Ford Ranger:

• The $4,290 Ford Ranger is available on both midlevel XLT ($35,940, destination included) and the top-line Lariat ($39,980) trim levels.

• The lariat test truck had a few options, including adaptive cruise control and an upgraded sound system. It totaled $47,630.

Interior & Tech:

Toyota Tacoma's interior and tech look and feel unsophisticated :

• However, the center screen supports modern conveniences such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.

• The Tacoma TRD Pro features forward- and side-facing cameras. The cameras take the guesswork out of where the trail goes after you climb the hill.

• Toyota Tacoma off-road crawl control and select terrain systems effectively exert maximum traction to the ground. However, they sound crude in an application, with the ABS clunking away like the bassline in an '80s retro wave track.

• The Tacoma has abundant storage options, especially about cupholders, and a 60/40-split back seat.

Ford Ranger:

• The Ranger Lariat's materials and powerful heated seats make for an interior that feels more premium.

• The center touchscreen reacts quickly to inputs. The Ranger's off-road drive modes and low-speed cruise control are practical and smooth.

Behind the Wheel:

Toyota Tacoma:

• Tacoma's  3.5-liter V6 remains a workhorse with 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.

• Toyota Tacoma is slower and less fuel-efficient. It has a lower crawl ratio with its automatic transmission.

• Though the TRD Pro is nevertheless influential and trustworthy.

• Toyota gets excellent points as one of the few remaining midsize off-road trucks to offer a manual transmission.

• Toyota Tacoma was also able to crawl up our articulation boulder slightly farther, Without needing to deploy its traction-aiding low-range drive modes,

• There, its advantages in approach and break over clearances, and wheel articulation were visible.

• Tacoma's departure angle is less than the Ranger's.

• Both midsize trucks have underbody protection.

• Toyota Tacoma proudly displays a bright aluminum front skid plate where the Ford Ranger's steel front plate is stealth black.
 

Ford Ranger:

• The Ranger's power and gears are immediately apparent.

• Ford Ranger is simply a quick truck.

• Ranger has an advantage when crawling over rocks, at least if you go by the spec sheet.

• The Ford Ranger impressed with its power and the smoothness of its electronic driving aids.
 

Conclusion:

Who wins the Tacoma or Ranger off-road crown?

Ford Ranger might be the more practical option for everyday needs. Also, Toyota Tacoma stands out more in physical presence, standard features, and overall value. The Ranger's strengths in powertrain and price make it a more accessible small truck to live with every day. It's quieter. Also, it is more comfortable on the freeway and competent off-road. Ford Ranger packs slightly higher max towing and payload figures, not to mention a more relaxed seating position for passengers. Consequently, if you want an easy daily driver, the Ford Ranger is an excellent choice.

Toyota Tacoma seems more geared for the off-road enthusiast who accepts its on-road shortcomings as a trade for superior clearances and articulation, not to mention the wealth of aftermarket options available.

Now you can decide to buy which midsize truck after reading this comparison. A Toyota Tacoma or a Ford Ranger?

As the leading Used Toyota Tacoma Dealership in Long Beach and Southern America, Car Plus Finance offers you different model years of Toyota Tacoma.