Ford Ranger vs. Toyota Tacoma
While the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma do have some fundamental similarities (cab configurations, drivetrain options, burgeoning aftermarket, poor rear legroom, etc.), the two midsize pickups appeal to entirely different audiences. The Tacoma generally caters to outdoor and off-road enthusiasts, whereas the Ranger targets those who use their trucks for towing and work duty. They also take a different approach in the powertrain department; the Ranger only offers a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, whereas the Tacoma offers both 4- and 6-cylinder options. Keep in mind, however, Ford’s EcoBoost 4-cylinder is nearly as powerful as Toyota’s V6 and delivers much better fuel economy. A new Tacoma will cost about $1,500 more than a new Ranger, but the Toyota offers better build quality and resale values than the Ford. Though both trucks are showing their age, the Ranger’s interior is more functional than the Tacoma’s, and the Ford comes with more standard tech.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$30,745 - $47,115
Used Asking Price:
$29,979 - $43,791
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
27.5%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$28,264 - $45,924
Used Asking Price:
$30,995 - $48,579
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
13.8%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.9 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
6 out of / 11iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
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2 out of / 11Ranking
7 out of / 10Summary Review
Ford discontinued its iconic Ranger small pickup truck in 2011 despite a large, loyal fanbase. It recovered from that mistake by introducing an all-new Ford Ranger in 2019. The old and new Ranger small truck have nothing at all in common, and most older Ranger used trucks are now "fully depreciated,” to say it kindly. We’ll focus our comments on the new Ranger.
Summary Review
Toyota’s Tacoma has been the sales leader in the midsize segment for decades. While other brands quit this market, Toyota continued to polish the gem that is the Tacoma pickup.
Pros and Cons
- Excellent fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine standard
- Tremor off-road trim option
- Modern infotainment
- Class-leading payload capacity
- Mixed reliability scores
- Retained value hard to predict (too new)
Pros and Cons
- Wide range of trim levels and styles from affordable barebones to serious off-road
- Best in class retained value
- Strong track record of overall reliability
- Composite bed eliminates corrosion concerns
- Beware the recent few used years with transmission issues with some recent models
- Interior oddities like a low, flat seat
- Not as refined as most competitors, overdue for a full update
- Towing capability less than segment best
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab
Available Bed Length(s)
61 inches, 72.8 inches
Available Bed Length(s)
60.5 inches, 73.7 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
XL, Lariat, XLT
Trim Levels
TRD Off-Road, SR, SR V6, SR5 V6, Limited, SR5, TRD Pro, TRD Sport, Trail Special Edition
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
270 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
3500 lbs
Max Payload:
1905 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
159 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
180 foot-lbs @ 3800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.041 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Max Payload :
1685 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 23 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
422 / 485 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
30.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
89.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
34.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
24.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
85.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4145 lbs
Width:
85.8 inches
Height:
72.9 inches
Length:
210.8 inches
Wheelbase:
126.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3915 lbs
Width:
74.4 inches
Height:
70.6 inches
Length:
212.3 inches
Wheelbase:
127.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted steel
Tire Size:
P255/70R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P245/75R16
