2024 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 fifth-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
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2024 Toyota Tacoma SR5 I4 4×4 Double Cab | VS | 2024 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4 SuperCrew |
$41,895 | Starting MSRP (excluding destination charges)* | $41,190 |
2.4L Turbocharged I4 – 278 HP / 317 LB-FT TQ ✓ | Engine / Horsepower / Torque | 2.3L Turbocharged I4 – 270 HP / 310 LB-FT TQ |
Double Wishbone / Multi-Link ✓ | Front/Rear Suspension | Short/Long Arm / Leaf |
Standard ✓ | Traffic Sign Recognition | Optional |
Standard ✓ | Adaptive Cruise Control | Optional |
Standard ✓ | Smart Key with Push-Button Ignition | Requires Higher Trim Level |
Standard ✓ | Heated Exterior Mirrors | Requires Higher Trim Level |
Power 2-Way ✓ | Driver’s Seat Lumbar Support | Manual |
Available ✓ | Dash Cam Integration | Not Available |
2 Years / 25,000 Miles ✓ | Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | Not Available |

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 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 278 horsepower. This potent powertrain is larger and more powerful than the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder included as standard on the Ranger XLT. Providing you with a composed ride on paved streets and responsive articulation when headed off-road, the Tacoma benefits from a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension design. It’s the superior choice compared to the archaic and bouncy ride of the Ford Ranger and its rear leaf springs.
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. You’ll also appreciate the convenience of the standard Smart Key system featuring push-button start found on the Tacoma SR5. Power lumbar support for the driver and available dash cam integration are two other great features you won’t find 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 extra confidence, you’ll also enjoy standard traffic sign recognition. 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.

Winner – Toyota Tacoma
After tallying the results, the clear winner of this competitive comparison is the Toyota Tacoma. The Ford Ranger is simply unable to match the proven performance, outstanding value, groundbreaking safety, and premium standard features found on the Tacoma. Now that you’re ready to experience all that the Toyota Tacoma has to offer, our team of experts at Germain Toyota of Columbus is standing by to help you select the model that’s right for your lifestyle.
*Starting MSRP includes the Delivery, Processing and Handling of $1,095 for Cars (Corolla, Corolla HV, Corolla HB, GR Corolla, Camry, Camry HV, Prius, Prius Prime, Toyota Crown, Mirai, GR86, GR Supra), $1,350 for Entry SUV/Small SUV (Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross HV, RAV4, RAV4 HV, RAV4 Prime, bZ4X), $1,395 for Mid SUV/Van (4Runner, Venza, Highlander, Highlander HV, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander HV, Sienna), $1,495 for Small Pickup (Tacoma), $1,850 for Large Pickup/Large SUV (Tundra, Tundra HV, Sequoia). (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" 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.) The Delivery, Processing and Handling in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX may vary. The published prices do not apply to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dealer price will vary.
**2024 projected EPA-estimated mpg rating estimates as determined by manufacturer. EPA estimates not available at time of posting. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.