How Does Toyota Tacoma Compare to Ford Ranger?
2025 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2025 Ford Ranger
How does the Toyota Tacoma compare to Ford Ranger?
America’s best-selling midsize pickup, the Toyota Tacoma underwent a significant redesign for 2024. There are many factors that have propelled Tacoma to sales leadership, from its capability to its reputation for reliability and longevity, to its higher resale value. Year after year, Tacoma has been recognized by Kelley Blue Book for its strong resale value, who gave it their 2025 award for best resale value among midsize pickups. That’s on top of being named a KBB Best Buy once again for 2025, continuing a several year winning streak.
Many other midsize trucks have been redesigned in recent years in an attempt to challenge the Tacoma, including the Ford Ranger. Both offer a rugged design, capable off-road and hauling capabilities, and a range of features. However, the Toyota Tacoma continues to offer a more complete truck line than the Ford Ranger – let’s explore.
| 2025 Toyota Tacoma | 2025 Ford Ranger | |
|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $31,590 | $33,080 |
| Cab Choices | Extended or Crew | Crew Only |
| Bed Length Choices | 5′ or 6′ | 5′ only |
| Available Manual Transmission | Yes | No |
| Available Hybrid | Yes | No |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Available |
| Keyless Access w/ Pushbutton Start | Standard | Available |
| Ventilated Front Seats | Available | Not Available |
| Power Moonroof | Available | Not Available |
| SiriusXM® Satellite Radio | Standard | Available |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2 yrs/25,000 miles | 1 yr/12,000 miles |
Which midsize pickup offers a hybrid?
Tacoma and Ranger start out with comparable fuel economy in base form, at an estimated 23 mpg combined. This is only further enhanced with the option of a hybrid powerplant that doesn’t sacrifice performance, in the i-FORCE MAX option. Opting for this powertrain propels Tacoma to a higher torque output than Ranger, with 465 lb-ft, very useful for getting heavy loads moving. Ranger maxes out at 430 lb-ft and only with the performance-oriented Raptor trim, whereas the i-FORCE MAX is widely available across several Tacoma trims, from Trailhunter and TRD Pro down to TRD Sport and Limited.
When equipped with i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, Tacoma maintains its fuel efficiency. The hybrid fuel economy estimates are up to 24 mpg combined, effectively the same as the standard powertrain but with the healthy gain to hauling power..
Verdict: The Toyota Tacoma offers superior performance, with more available torque and greater fuel efficiency, thanks to its available hybrid.
What cab and bed sizes can you get on Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger?
Part of what has kept Tacoma a leader in midsize trucks is the amount of variety, meaning there’s a truck for virtually everyone. Not only is there a choice of the available hybrid, but a choice of cab, bed, and transmission that Ford can’t match.
While every Ranger comes as a crew cab with a 5′ bed, Toyota gives you choices. Tacoma offers both Xtracab extended cab or Double Cab crew options. A 5′ bed is standard with the Double Cab, with the option of the 6′ long bed for those looking for additional versatility.
Which midsize trucks offer a manual transmission?
Toyota also continues to offer a manual transmission option in the new Tacoma, which enthusiasts will appreciate. Ford doesn’t offer a manual in the Ranger. In fact, Tacoma is the only midsize truck to offer a manual for drivers that enjoy shifting their own gears.
Verdict: The Toyota Tacoma provides more build varieties to accommodate more truck buyers.
What features are offered on the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger?
Pickup trucks have come to be known for offering just as many creature comforts as a regular passenger car. That’s certainly true of Toyota Tacoma, which offers luxuries like ventilated front seats and a power moonroof – features you won’t find on any Ford Ranger.
But you don’t need to spend a lot to get more features either. The Tacoma has other features standard on base Tacoma SR that are optional on Ranger, such as Smart Key System for the driver’s door with pushbutton start and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. While small features, it goes to show you can get a well-equipped pickup even in entry-level form.
Verdict: The Toyota Tacoma offers more premium features, both standard and available, than Ford Ranger.
Which is the best midsize pickup choice?
While Ford may offer much to the midsize truck buyer with the Ranger, Toyota simply offers more with the Tacoma. As such, it remains the top choice in the midsize segment. Tacoma offers extra power, greater efficiency, and more cab and bed options. Plus, with ToyotaCare, Tacoma provides complimentary maintenance for 2 years/25,000 miles, a perk Ford does not offer at all on Ranger.
Pinehurst Toyota in Southern Pines goes further with the peace of mind provided by the Advantage Plan. Call, text or visit us today to see the all-new Tacoma for yourself. We can’t wait to see you!