There are few rivalries out there, like the one between the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. Both of these trucks have a colossal fan club of loyal followers and solid reputations for reliability and dependability. It’s not always easy to decide between two heavy hitters like these, but you have to start somewhere.
Read on to learn more about how these two small trucks stack up against each other.
Shop for Value
While price is never the most important factor when picking out a new truck, it definitely plays a role in your final decision. The Toyota Tacoma ranges from $26,400 to $44,325 along with a $1,175 destination charge. The Ford Ranger, on the other hand, ranges from $25,070 to $33,160, plus a $1,195 destination charge.
Both trucks offer a variety of trim levels and add-on packages to help shoppers practically customize their rides. It’s hard to compare apples to apples with so many options, but the Ford Ranger tends to have a lower price.
Under the Hood
Anyone who is looking at buying a truck is interested in performance specs. The Tacoma offers two engines. The base-level model comes with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. The optional upgrade is a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, this Toyota pickup can tow up to 6,700 pounds.
Ford makes it a little easier to choose a powertrain as there is only one option. The Ford Ranger is loaded with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This beast can handle up to 7,500 pounds.
The Ford Ranger is definitely the way to go if you’re looking for power at an affordable price. If you prefer the roar of a big V6 engine, the Tacoma will do nicely.
Safety Stats
Both the Ranger and Tacoma were designed with safety in mind. They both earned superior crash-test rating scores from the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA).
The Tacoma comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of driver-assist features like automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and more. Shoppers have to upgrade to a higher trim to get advanced features like blind-spot monitoring.
The Ranger relies on the Ford Co-Pilot 360 package to keep you safe. This suite of driver-assist options matches everything offered by the Tacoma, including offering blind-spot warnings as a standard feature. On the other hand, drivers have to upgrade to a higher trim to use adaptive cruise control.
Which Small Pickup Truck is For Me?
The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger have their strengths and weaknesses. The Tacoma nameplate has been around much longer, which gives it a long history of excellence. The Ford Ranger may not have the same history as the Tacoma, but it had become a strong competitor in its class.
If you’re still deciding between these two pickup trucks, stop by your local Ford and Toyota dealers to take them for a spin. While you can’t go wrong with either truck, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs and budget better.
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