If you're looking for a midsize truck with massive power and fun, comparing the Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger is a natural step toward your goal. When you do, you'll find that whether it's torque or efficiency, the Tacoma takes first place. Our guide to the Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger reviews the main points you need to know, so see the details below, and then take a test drive at Street Toyota.
Kicking off the Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger comparison, you'll find that the 2024 Toyota Tacoma SR has a lower starting price than the 2024 Ford Ranger XL, all while offering better standard features, such as adjustable lumbar support for the driver's seat.
More importantly, there are six gas-powered Toyota Tacoma trim levels and five hybrid variants, spanning models like the capable SR5, luxurious Limited, and terrain-dominating TRD Pro. The Ranger, meanwhile, only has four trims.
The Tacoma TRD Pro and Ranger Raptor are direct competitors, but the Tacoma offers several other off-road trims, while the Ranger does not. With more options to make your truck yours, Ford Ranger vs. Toyota Tacoma configurations are a clear win for the Tacoma, and this advantage continues as you explore more about each model.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger options reveal something strange about the Ranger: It only has one cab style and bed option. Meanwhile, the Tacoma acknowledges that different drivers have different needs: It has two beds and two cabs to mix and match.
Both Tacoma beds are also longer. Specifically, the Tacoma has 60.3-inch long and 73.5-inch long bed options, while the Ranger truck's sole bed option is 59.6 inches long.
2024 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2024 Ford Ranger interior room includes five seats in both the Tacoma Double Cab and Ranger SuperCrew Cab. With a traditional two-seat option available in the Tacoma (the XtraCab) and more shoulder room in all cab options, the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck takes the lead here.
Comparing Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger specs will reveal that the Tacoma offers more options and several things that the Ranger does not have.
The first of these things will make the Tacoma an instant winner for some drivers: Multiple Toyota Tacoma trim levels, including the TRD Off-Road, can be equipped with a manual transmission. The Ranger only offers an automatic, and it does not have a hybrid option; the Tacoma does. But even with non-hybrid engines, Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger fuel efficiency is an easy win for the Tacoma.
Using the 278-horsepower i-FORCE engine, the Tacoma delivers up to an EPA-estimated 21/26 MPG (City/Highway).1 The Ranger truck, with its 270-horsepower EcoBoost engine, provides up to an EPA-estimated 21/25 MPG (City/Highway).2
The i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine propels our Toyota Tacoma deals to new heights, allowing this truck to boast 326 horsepower, 465 pound-feet of torque, and up to an estimated 23/24 MPG (City/Highway).1
2024 Toyota Tacoma | 2024 Ford Ranger | |
Standard Engine: | 2.4L i-FORCE Turbo 4-cyl | 2.3L EcoBoost Turbo 4-Cyl |
Maximum Horsepower (w/ standard engine): | 278 | 270 |
Maximum Torque (w/ standard engine): | 317 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
EPA-Estimated MPG (City/Highway w/ standard engine): | Up to 21 / 261 | Up to 21 / 251 |
Manual Transmission: | Available | Not Available |
Standard Safety Features: |
|
|
Gas-Powered Trim Levels/Hybrid Variants: |
|
|
Cab Options: |
|
|
Bed Lengths: |
|
59.6 in |
Shoulder Room (Front/Rear) |
|
57.1 / 56.7 in |
Hip Room: |
|
55.9 / 54.1 in |
Comparing top Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger performance specs, we see that the Ranger Raptor has a 405-horsepower EcoBoost engine, but it only makes 430 pound-feet of torque and an EPA-estimated 16/18 MPG (City/Highway).1
The Tacoma TRD Pro makes use of the i-FORCE MAX engine, letting it outclass the Ranger Raptor with 465 pound-feet of torque and an estimated 22/24 MPG (City/Highway).2 That's a complete victory in our books.
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro | 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor | |
Engine: | 2.4L i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Turbo 4-cyl | 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 |
Torque: | 465 lb-ft | 430 lb-ft |
EPA-Estimated MPG (City/Highway): | 22 / 241 | 16 / 182 |
Suspension: | 2.5-in FOX® QS3 Internal Bypass w/ rear remote-reservoir shocks | 2.5-in FOX® Racing Shocks with Live Valve Technology |
Terrain System: | Multi-Terrain Select w/ Crawl Control | Ford Trail Control |
While the Tacoma truck's more configurable, powerful, and efficient specs are certainly attractive, getting the full picture on a truck requires a test drive. To take one, learn more about the Tacoma, and compare other aspects like Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger towing features, visit Street Toyota today.
Both Toyota Tacoma beds are longer than the single bed option that the Ford Ranger offers. Specifically, the Ford Ranger is limited to a 59.6-inch long bed, while the Tacoma can be configured with a 60.3-inch long or 73.5-inch-long bed. The Tacoma also offers the option of an XtraCab or Double Cab configuration, while the Ranger is only available with a SuperCrew cab.
In everyday trims, the Toyota Tacoma can have much more horsepower than the Ford Ranger. Specifically, the standard Ford Ranger engine maxes out at 270 horsepower, while the Tacoma truck's i-FORCE engine can make 278. The Tacoma offers an available i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine with 326 horsepower, and the Ranger provides an optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine with 315 horsepower. The Ranger also has no hybrid options.
In midlevel trims and with 4WD, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2024 Ford Ranger zero to 60 mph times are effectively identical. Specifically, the 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4WD has a 7.0-second 0-60 mph time,3 while the 2024 Ford Ranger XLT 4WD achieves a 6.9-second 0-60 mph time.4 The Tacoma can be more powerful with its available i-FORCE MAX engine.
1Use 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.
2EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
3This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/tacoma
4This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/ranger/