2023 Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger

Comparison

The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger are both well-regarded in their class, but the Toyota Tacoma offers a more diverse set of options that suit a wide range of preferences. An available V6 engine, a slew of bed configurations, TRD performance options, and the included ToyotaCare maintenance plan paint the Tacoma as a strong competitor to the Ford Ranger.

 

Read on to see which of these midsize pickup trucks deserve your hard-earned money in this head-to-head comparison between the 2023 Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.

Highlighted Features

2023 Tacoma

2023Ranger

Adaptive cruise control

Yes

Optional No

Engine

2.7L inline 4-cylinder

2.3L inline 4-cylinder

Horsepower

159

270

Estimated Combined (MPG)

21

23

Speakers

6 , Optional 4

4 , Optional 6

Base MSRP

$28,600

$27,400

Whole vehicle warranty months / (miles)

36 / 36000

36 / 36000

Roadside assistance months / (mi)

24 / 9999999

60 / 60000

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Copyright © JATO Dynamics Limited, 1990-2023. All Rights Reserved. For comparison purposes only. JATO has been diligent in providing accurate and complete information. However, JATO does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the data, and the information may not be comprehensive or use the same terminology as used elsewhere on this site. For additional details, see vehicle's "Full Specs" on Toyota.com or contact your Toyota dealer.

 

Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger

Performance

These trucks are primed for power and tuned for torque. Explore the engine specs and performance packages of the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.

  • The Toyota Tacoma starts with a 2.7-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT-i, generating 159 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 180 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,800 rpm. The Tacoma also has an available 3.5-liter V6 DOHC 24-valve direct-injection Atkinson-cycle engine with VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wider Intake) and VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Exhaust), for 278 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 265 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm. In contrast, the Ford Ranger comes standard with a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged engine with a 16-valve direct-injection system and Auto Start-Stop Technology, which generates 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-feet of torque. Neither the Toyota Tacoma nor the Ford Ranger are available in hybrid models.
  • 4WDemand part-time 4WD with electronically controlled transfer case and Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD) is standard on the Trail Special Edition and TRD Pro and is available on all other trims. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) with Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD) is standard on all Toyota Tacoma models except the Trail Special Edition and TRD Pro. Conversely, all Ford Ranger models come standard with 2WD and Electronic-Shift-On-the-Fly 4X4 (4-wheel drive). 4-Wheel Drive is available for all Ford Ranger trims.
  • All Toyota Tacoma models come standard with a 6-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). Additionally, three models, the TRD Sport (Access Cab and Double Cab), TRD Off-Road (Double Cab), and TRD Pro (Double Cab), are also available with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Ford Ranger comes standard with a 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission. None of the Ford Ranger models are available in a manual transmission.
  • The Toyota Tacoma with the available 3.5L V6 engine has a max towing capacity of up to 6,800 pounds depending on body style. On the other hand, the Ford Ranger’s 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged engine grants the Ranger a max towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds.
  • The Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6 engine includes a Class-IV towing hitch receiver, ATF cooler (only for AT models), engine oil cooler, power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, 4- and 7-pin connector with converter, and Trailer-Sway Control (TSC). All Ford Ranger models come with trailer sway control. Two frontal tow hooks are standard on all 4x4 Ford Ranger models and are optional add-ons for 2WD models.
  • The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is designed for off-road adventures and comes standard with 2.5-inch FOX® Internal Bypass coil-overs, rear remote-reservoir shocks, 16-inch alloy wheels, and Goodyear® All-Terrain tires. It also includes a suspension lift. For the 4x4 Ford Ranger XLT and Lariat models, off-road add-ons such as skid plates, FOX shocks, and a modified heavy-duty suspension for higher ground clearance are available.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger

Fuel Economy

Explore the EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.

  • Toyota Tacoma models with a 2.7L engine and rear-wheel drive configuration have EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. RWD Ford Ranger models have EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined.
  • The 2.7L engine-equipped 4WD models of the Toyota Tacoma have EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined.
  • Ford Rangers with a 4WD drivetrain have EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. Additionally, Ford Rangers equipped with the Tremor off-road package have EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg for city/highway/combined.
  • RWD Toyota Tacoma models equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine have EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of up to 19 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined.
  • 4WD Toyota Tacoma models with the 3.5L V6 have EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of up to 18 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined. The Ford Ranger does not have V6 engine models.
Jumbo Card Image Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger

Technology

Powerful performance meets sophisticated technology. Explore the interior technology found in the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.

  • The Toyota Tacoma SR models start with a 7-inch touchscreen, while the SR5 trim and higher come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen. All Toyota Tacoma multimedia systems come standard with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility, as well as a 3-month SiriusXM® Platinum Plan trial.
  • The Ford Ranger XL starts with a 3.5-inch center screen with Bluetooth®, while a 4.2- and 8-inch touchscreen are available for most models and standard on select models. Most models have an optional Voice-activated SYNC 3 with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility and a three-month SiriusXM® radio trial. These are also standard on select Ford Ranger models.
  • All Toyota Tacoma models come standard with six speakers, while the Limited and TRD Pro models have an available six-speaker JBL® Premium Audio System with a subwoofer and amplifier.
  • The Ford Ranger starts with a 4-speaker system on the XL. A six-speaker system is standard on the XLT and Lariat, while a 10-speaker B&O® Sound System with subwoofer is available only for the Lariat SuperCrew.
  • A 3-year trial for Dynamic Navigation with Dynamic POI Search and Dynamic Voice Recognition is standard on the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Limited and available for all other trims except the SR. Dynamic Navigation is 4G network dependent. In contrast, Voice-activated Navigation with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link is only available for the Ford Ranger XLT and Lariat.
  • Except for the SR grade, all automatic V6 Toyota Tacoma models come standard with a Smart Key System with Push-Button Start. A remote keyless entry system is also available for most Toyota Tacoma models. Similarly, Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start is standard only on the Ford Ranger Lariat. A remote start system is available as an option for the XLT and Lariat.
  • Lock/unlock doors, start and stop the vehicle, locate your last parked location, check vehicle status, and monitor guest drivers via a smart-enabled device with Remote Connect. A 1-year trial of Remote Connect is included for the TRD Pro ( with automatic transmission), Limited, and available on the TRD Off-Road and TRD Sport. Remote Connect is 4G network dependent. Also, remote start/stop is not available on manual transmission-equipped vehicles. The Ford Ranger gains the same functionality through the FordPass® App, which is limited to models with an automatic transmission.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger

Safety

Modern vehicle tech translated into confidence on the road. Explore the vehicle safety and driver-assistive features found in the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.

  • Both the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger come with an active safety suite and a variety of driver-assistive features. However, only the Toyota Tacoma comes standard with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC),as part of Toyota Safety Sense™ P(TSS-P), which is standard across all models. In contrast, adaptive cruise control is available only on the Ford Ranger XLT and Lariat trims.
  • All Toyota Tacoma models also come standard with Automatic High Beams (AHB) and Lane Departure Alert. These features are standard only on the Ford Ranger XLT and Lariat, and available for the XL.
  • An integrated backup camera is standard on all Toyota Tacoma models, while a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) with a camera is available for select models as part of an Advanced Technology Package. A Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) is standard on the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and available for the TRD Off-Road.
  • A rearview camera with dynamic hitch assist is standard for all Ford Ranger models as part of the Ford Co-Pilot360®. An off-road cluster screen is also available for the Ford Ranger as part of the FX4 package.
  • Rear parking assist sonar is available for all but the SR trim of the Toyota Tacoma. In contrast, a rear parking sensor is standard only for the Ford Ranger Lariat, and is available for the XL and XLT. A forward-sensing system is also available for the XLT and Lariat.
  • All Toyota Tacoma models also come standard with the Toyota Star Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology® (SST).
  • The Ford Ranger also comes standard with these safety systems except for traction control and brake assist. The Ford Ranger does not have a feature comparable to Smart Stop Technology®(SST).
Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger

Warranty

Explore the warranties, maintenance plans, and roadside assistance plans included with the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.

  • The Toyota Tacoma comes with Toyota’s comprehensive warranty package, which includes a Basic Warranty for 3 years/36,000 miles, a Restraint Systems Warranty for 5 years/60,000 miles, a Powertrain Warranty for 5 years/60,000 miles, a Corrosion Perforation Warranty for 5 years/unlimited mileage.
  • The Ford Ranger comes with a Bumper to Bumper Warranty for 3 years/36,000 miles, a Safety Restraint System Warranty for 5 years/60,000 miles, a Powertrain warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles, a Corrosion - Sheet Metal (Perforation Only Excluding Aluminum) Warranty for 5 years/unlimited miles and an Aluminum Body Panels Warranty for 5 years/unlimited miles. The Ford Ranger also comes with a Paint Adhesion Warranty for 5 years/unlimited miles.
  • The Toyota Tacoma comes with ToyotaCare, a maintenance plan for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. In contrast, the Ford Ranger does not come with a complimentary maintenance plan. However, Ford’s maintenance plans are available to purchase for all Ford Ranger models.
  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance is included for all new Toyota Tacoma models for up to 2 years, unlimited mileage. On the other hand, a Roadside Assistance Warranty is included for all Ford Rangers for up to 5 years or 60,000 miles.
  • A trial subscription for Service Connect for up to 10 years is included for the Toyota Tacoma. It includes personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports. A subscription is required after the trial and is dependent on a 4G network. Maintenance scheduling and vehicle diagnostics for the Ford Ranger are available via the FordPass App.
  • Enhanced roadside assistance is available for all Toyota Tacoma models via a 1-year trial subscription of Safety Connect, which includes an Emergency Assistance button, enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator. A subscription is required after the trial ends and it is 4G network dependent. In contrast, 911 Assist is standard for all Ford Ranger trims.
Jumbo Card Image Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger

Design

A blend of a functional, rugged exterior design and sophisticated interior proves you can have the best of both worlds. Check out the exterior and interior design of the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.

  • The Tacoma has seven trims: the SR, SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. On the other hand, the Ford Ranger comes in 3 trims: the XL, XLT, and Lariat.
  • The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger are available in an Access Cab/SuperCab and a Double Cab/SuperCrew configuration for even more interior cargo space. The Access Cab models seat up to four while the Double Cab models seat up to five.
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control is available on both the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. It is standard on all Toyota Tacoma V6 models and standard only on the Ford Ranger XLT and Lariat models. A 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support is available for select Toyota Tacoma models, while an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat is available only on select Ford Ranger XLT and Lariat models.
  • Leather-trimmed seats are standard for the Toyota Tacoma Limited and TRD Pro and available for the TRD Off-Road and TRD Sport. A leather-trimmed steering wheel is standard for all Tacoma trims except the SR. A leather-trimmed shift lever is also standard for the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro.
  • In contrast, leather-trimmed seats are available only for the Ford Ranger Lariat, while Ultrasuede®-trimmed seats are available for the XLT. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is included on the Lariat and available for the XLT. A leather-trimmed shift knob is not available on any Ford Ranger model.
  • Heated front seats are standard on the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Limited and are available as part of package options on the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road. Similarly, heated front seats are standard for the Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCrew models.
  • The Toyota Tacoma comes standard with a deck rail system, including four tie-down cleats to secure cargo. A tonneau cover is also available to all Tacoma models. The Trail Special Edition includes an insulated bed storage that works as a cooler or yields additional cargo storage. On the other hand, all models of the Ford Ranger come standard with four cargo box tie-down hooks. A tonneau cover is also available for all Ford Ranger models.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger

Features

Explore the dimensions, inclusions, and specifications of the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.

  • The Toyota Tacoma has an overall height of up to 71.6 inches, width of up to 75.2 inches, and length of 212.3 inches (standard bed) or 225.5 inches (long bed). The Toyota Tacoma has a wheelbase of up to 140.6 inches (Double Cab + 6ft. bed configuration) and a starting curb weight of up to 4,465 pounds, depending on model and configuration. The Tacoma has a ground clearance of 9.4 inches.
  • The Ford Ranger has a height of up to 73.2 inches, width of up to 73.3 inches, and length of up to 210.8 inches. The Ford Ranger has a wheelbase of 126.8 inches and a starting curb weight of up to 4,571 pounds, depending on the model. Its ground clearance is 8.4 inches for the 4x2 (two-wheel drive) models, 8.9 inches for the 4x4 (4WD) models, and 9.7 inches for the Tremor SuperCrew.
  • In the front, all Toyota Tacoma models and configurations have 39.7 inches of headroom, 58.3 inches of shoulder room, 57.2 inches of hip room, and 42.9 inches of legroom. In the rear, the Toyota Tacoma has up to 38.3 inches of headroom, 58.9 inches of shoulder room, 56.3 inches of hip room, and 32.6 inches of legroom (Double Cab configuration).
  • The Ford Ranger has up to 39.8 inches of headroom, 56.6 inches of shoulder room, 55.8 inches of hip room, 43.1 inches of legroom in front, and up to 35.9 inches of headroom, 55.2 inches of shoulder room, 55.3 inches of hip room, and 30.4 inches of legroom in the rear.
  • The Toyota Tacoma starts with 16-inch steel wheels, while up to 18-inch alloy wheels are available. On the other hand, the Ford Ranger starts with 16-inch steel wheels on the XL. 18-inch aluminum wheels are standard on the Lariat.
  • A power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade is standard on the Toyota Tacoma Limited and TRD Pro and available for the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road. Unfortunately, neither a sunroof nor a moonroof are available for the Ford Ranger.

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Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger

Conclusion

Both the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger are some of the most popular options in the midsize pickup truck segment. However, the Toyota Tacoma offers greater versatility and value in its performance-oriented TRD models and available manual transmission, as well as a potent V6 engine option. Its standard safety and driver-assistive features, coupled with a ToyotaCare maintenance plan, inspire confidence over the near- and long-term.

  • Powerful V6 engine option: The Toyota Tacoma has more available engine options than the Ford Ranger’s single 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The Toyota Tacoma’s available 3.5-liter V6 engine generates 278 horsepower, while the Ford Ranger’s 2.3L turbocharged engine puts out 270 horsepower.
  • Available manual transmission for TRD models: The Toyota Tacoma offers a choice between a 6-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission on the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro. The Ford Ranger does not have an option for a manual transmission.
  • Tackle terrain with TRD performance: The Tacoma TRD Pro includes a suspension lift, 16-in. alloy wheels with Goodyear® All-Terrain tires. The Tacoma TRD Pro also comes with a TRD-tuned off-road suspension with 2.5-in. FOX® Internal Bypass coil-overs and rear remote-reservoir shocks. Additionally, the TRD Sport comes with a sport-tuned suspension, while the TRD Off-Road has standard Bilstein® shocks.
  • In contrast, the Ford Ranger’s off-road packages include skid plates, FOX shocks, and a modified heavy-duty suspension for higher ground clearance. They are available only for the 4x4 models of the XLT and Lariat.
  • Standard adaptive cruise control: All Toyota Tacoma models feature Toyota Safety Sense™ P(TSS-P), which includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). Adaptive Cruise Control is available only for the XLT and Lariat trims of the Ford Ranger.
  • Included maintenance plan: All Toyota Tacoma models come with ToyotaCare, a maintenance plan for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.Inversely, the Ford Ranger does not include a maintenance plan but does offer them for purchase.
Published on November 16, 2023