2024 Ford Ranger vs. Toyota Tacoma: Which One’s Best For Me?

Both the 2022 Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma are amazing, versatile trucks that are perfect choices for carrying, off-roading, and towing. If you are thinking about getting one of these vehicles but would like to know more about them and how they compare, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we look at both vehicles to see their similarities and differences. We look at cost, design, engine size, power, gas mileage, and more to help you make an informed purchase.

At a Glance

Let’s look at the key points of each vehicle.

Overview of the Ford Ranger

Power

Power is where the Ford Ranger excels. Its large, 270-horsepower, turbocharged engine enables the truck to have a payload of more than 1,500 pounds, and it can tow up to 7,500 pounds. It also has quick acceleration, which is great for getting on highways.

Driver Assistance Features

The Ford Ranger has several driver assistance features, like a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alerts that cover both the truck and trailer to alert you of any traffic merging into your lane. There’s also an automatic emergency braking system, a rearview camera, etc.

Cabin Size

There’s plenty of room in the cabin for up to five people. It’s easy to get in and out of, and the driver’s seat enables you to see over the front of the truck, which can be a problem in some other vehicles. While there is plenty of legroom, there isn’t much space to store things. We would have liked more side compartments and a bigger glovebox.

Appearance

The downside to the Ford Ranger is that the cabin is plain and dull and could use an update, especially when it can be difficult to use the infotainment system.

Ride

The ride on the streets is smooth and quick, but riding over rough terrain is quite bouncy compared to many similar trucks.

Overview of the Toyota Tacoma

Power

The Toyota Tacoma provides the user with plenty of power, but the engine isn’t quite as powerful as the one in the Ford Ranger. It also lacks the high speed and acceleration available from that vehicle.

Driver Assistance

Driver-assist features include vehicle stability control, traction control, Smart Stop technology, etc. These features are standard and work well to keep you safe in various situations

Cabin Size

The cabin size of the Toyota Tacoma is roughly the same as that of the Ford Ranger, and it also seats five. However, the small back seat doesn’t provide much shoulder or legroom, so it feels more cramped and is only suitable for short trips. Like with the Ford Ranger, we would have liked more easy-to-reach storage space to keep supplies.

Appearance

The Toyota Tacoma cabin has a much better design than that of the Ford Ranger. It looks more attractive, and the infotainment system is easy to use, so you won’t waste time finding your favorite radio station or checking your gas mileage.

Ride

The Toyota Tacoma excels at off-roading and is perfectly at home in the dirt. The high suspension lets you clear rocky terrain without getting stuck, making it a great quarry or hunting truck.

How Do They Compare?

Performance

Edge: Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger takes the easy win in performance. Its turbocharged engine helps it achieve high speeds quickly, and it can tow more weight and has a higher payload than the Toyota Tacoma.

Price

Edge: Tie

The cost of these trucks can vary considerably depending on where you live and the current market. However, both vehicles tend to go for prices between $28,000 and $30,000, depending on additional features. The Ranger might come in a little higher, but it’s still close.

Durability

Edge: Tie

The Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma are both extremely durable vehicles ready for whatever type of work you have in mind. After 5 years, some reports show that both vehicles required less than $1,000 in repairs. The Tacoma is slightly higher in general maintenance, while the Ranger is somewhat higher in repairs.

Design

Edge: Toyota Tacoma

While the Ford Ranger wins in power, the Toyota Tacoma wins in appearance, especially in cabin design. It’s a little tougher to get in and out of, but it looks nice, and it’s easier to work the controls for the radio and the climate control.

What the Users Say

We searched the internet to find out what other people thought. Here are what people are saying about the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma:

Conclusion

We selected the Ford Ranger as the winner of this comparison because it has a powerful engine that will enable you to carry equipment and tow trailers to any job site. It also seats five comfortably, so you can even take a small crew with you, and the turbocharger makes it a suitable vehicle for the highway. However, it’s better suited to the pavement, so if you are looking for something to go off-roading with your friends, you might find the Toyota Tacoma a better choice. The Tacoma also has a better interior design that looks more attractive and is easier to use.

Related Read: Toyota Rav4 LE vs. XLE: Which One’s Best for Me?

Featured Image Credit: Left: (2022 Ford Ranger Sport Double-Cab 2.0L Turbo Hi-Rider, Chanokchon, Wikimedia Commons CC SA 4.0 International) Right: magwood_photography, Pixabay