2023 Toyota Tacoma vs Ford Ranger Comparison

One nameplate that’s become synonymous with rugged durability and award-winning performance in the midsize pickup truck segment is the Toyota Tacoma. While Ford abandoned the segment entirely in 2011 by discontinuing the Ranger, the Tacoma soldiered on mostly unchallenged. However, with the return of the fourth-generation Ford Ranger — the Toyota Tacoma now has another competitor to contend with. To demonstrate how the Tacoma remains the top choice in its class, Germain Toyota of Columbus has assembled this in-depth model comparison. How will the Tacoma fare against the Ranger? Let’s take a closer look.

Toyota Tacoma vs Ford Ranger

As we begin this matchup, we’ve taken two equivalent trim levels of the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger and compared them side-by-side. Although the Ranger XLT enjoys the slightest price advantage over the Tacoma SR5, you can quickly see how many sacrifices you’ll be making by choosing Ford instead of Toyota.

Looking first at performance, the Toyota Tacoma SR5 comes equipped with a muscular 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 278 horsepower. This potent powertrain is larger and more powerful than the tiny 2.3-liter 4-cylinder found on all trim levels of the Ranger. Furthermore, the long-term durability of the turbocharged Ford engine is questionable at best. Tacoma owners can drive with confidence from the proven V6 found beneath the hood of their trucks.

Engineered to excel at both work and play, the Tacoma also offers a fuel tank that can hold an extra 3.1 gallons of fuel compared to the Ranger. Similarly, a trailer hitch comes standard on the Tacoma SR5 to help bring your biggest toys or cargo along for the tip. Laughably, you’ll have to pay extra for this essential feature at Ford. A shorter turning radius makes the Tacoma much more pleasant to maneuver compared to the Ranger as well.

Turning our attention towards premium standard features, the clear choice is the Toyota Tacoma. Great for chilly winter mornings, the heated exterior mirrors of the Tacoma SR5 provide clear visibility when you’re checking your surroundings. An auto-dimming rearview mirror prevents you from being blinded when driving at night as well. You can also open the standard power-sliding rear window to fill the cabin with fresh air. All three of these great features are not available on the Ranger XLT.

Safety and confidence behind the wheel are two essential factors involved in making a smart vehicle purchasing decision. The Tacoma SR5 comes standard with adaptive cruise control which helps take the stress out of driving in congested traffic. For an extra layer of protection, you’ll also enjoy the peace of mind that comes from front knee airbags for both the driver and front passenger. Last but certainly not least, every new Tacoma includes complimentary maintenance for a term of 2 years or 25,000 miles. Shoppers looking at the Ranger will be disappointed to learn that they will receive none of these great perks.

*MSRP excludes the Delivery, Processing, and Handling Fee of $1,095 for Cars (GR86, Avalon, Avalon HV, Camry, Camry HV, Corolla, Corolla HV, Corolla HB, GR Corolla, Mirai, Prius, Prius Prime, GR Supra), $1,335 for SUV/Van/Small Truck (4Runner, bZ4X, C-HR, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross HEV, Highlander, Highlander HV, RAV4, RAV4 HV, RAV4 Prime, Sienna, Tacoma, Venza), $1,595 for Large SUV (Sequoia), and $1,795 for Large Truck (Tundra). (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota’s charge for these services is called the “Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee” and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota’s overall pricing structure and may be subject to change at any time. Toyota may make a profit on the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee.) Excludes taxes, license, title and available or regionally required equipment. The Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX will be higher. The published prices do not apply to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Actual dealer price will vary.

**2023 EPA-estimated mileage. Actual mileage will vary.