The new 2020 Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma are two of the frontrunners in the midsize truck class. They both seat up to five passengers, however from there, they differ in many ways. Here at Keystone Ford in Chambersburg, PA would love to walk you through the differences to help you determine which is the best option for you.
Fuel Economy = Ranger
The Ranger gets an impressive 21 mpg City / 26 mpg Highway, whereas the Tacoma gets a significantly lower 18 mpg City / 22 mpg Highway, making the Ranger the best choice in this category.
Comfort / Technology = Ranger
When it comes to comfort, the Ranger SuperCrew has more room for passengers to spread out in comparison to the Tacoma’s DoubleCab. If you are looking for a rugged interior feel then the Tacoma is the best option. On the other hand, the Ranger offers a higher quality interior and has a wider variety of bold exterior color options.
Both trucks have a range of powerpoint options along with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Compatibility and 8” Productivity Screens. However, the Ranger has three front LCD information Screens, where the Tacoma only has two. Both vehicles come with 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot capabilities. The Tacoma only has the ability to support five devices on its Wi-Fi Hotspot, whereas the Ranger can support up to ten devices at up to a distance of 50 feet outside the vehicle enabling you to stay connected no matter where you are. The Tacoma has an upgraded six speaker Audio System available compared to the available ten speaker B&O Sound System that the Ranger offers.
Price / Value = Ranger
The Tacoma starts out at $26,050, and the Ranger starts out at $24,410, which makes the Ranger the more cost-effective option between the two. Not only does the Ranger start out at a lower price, but it also includes Rear Window Defroster, Remote Start, Wi-Fi Hotspot Compatibility, Bed Liner, Chrome Wheels, Heated and Power-Adjustable Front Seats, on less expensive trims than the Tacoma.
Capability = Ranger
The Ranger is definitely the superior choice in this category. Offering only one engine option for all of its models, the Ranger provides a staggering 270 horsepower and 310 lb. ft. of torque and a class-exclusive 10-speed transmission for every trim in its lineup. The max towing capacity is 7,500 lbs. along with the best in-class payload rating of 1,860 lbs. In comparison, the Tacoma’s base engine only outputs 159 horsepower and 180 lb. ft. of torque with a 6-speed transmission. The max payload rating is only 1,440 lbs. and the towing rating ranges from 3,500 lbs. to 6,800 lbs. depending on the configuration. The Ranger also has almost two more inches of bed space in the long bed compared to the Tacoma.
Let’s talk about off-road capabilities for a minute. The available Tacoma TRD Off-Road Trim includes some features enabling an overall enjoyable off-road experience. The electronically controlled locking rear differentials, Bilstein shocks, and Multi-Terrain Select with five drive modes help make for some successful adventures. This trim also comes with Toyota’s CRAWL Control System, which automatically controls the throttle and brakes on five low-speed settings enabling you to better focus on navigating through difficult terrain.
As impressive as the Tacoma is, the Ranger once again surpasses its competition in the off-road world. Included in the Off-Road Package, the Electronic-Locking Rear Differential, Steel Front Bash Plate, Undercarriage Skid Plates, Off-Road-Tuned Monotube Shocks, and All-Terrain Tires take your off-road abilities up a couple notches.
The Terrain Management System™, also available in the Off-Road Package of the Ranger, has four selectable drive modes; Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. Having such a range of available driving modes to choose from, you will be able to take full control over your driving experience and choose the mode that will provide optimal traction, maneuverability, and performance in any driving conditions. Shifting into four-wheel drive is easy with the Ranger’s Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly System which allows you to switch into 4-High or 4-Low by a simple turn of a dial.
Also included in the Ranger’s Off-Road Package, Trail Control™ is a driver-activated cruise control system specifically designed for use in off-road conditions. Like the Tacoma’s CRAWL Control, it helps you focus on the thrill of the demanding terrain navigation and let the truck help with the rest.
With its technological advantages, high-strength steel frame, steel frame-mounted bumpers, and off-road chassis components, the Ranger’s strong foundation gives you what you need to conquer all your outdoor adventure dreams.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the off-road capabilities are pretty even between the Tacoma and Ranger. Where the Ranger comes out exuberantly ahead are in its fuel efficiency, towing capacity, upfront cost, driver comfort, and overall value of included and available features. In this head-to-head, the Ranger is ultimately the better option. Not only does the Ranger come out on top for each of these categories, Ford engineers put the Ranger through a set of grueling tests to ensure that the demands of all-terrain travel will confidently be met with ease. So, buckle up, and get ready to conquer your bucket list in your all new 2020, Ford Ranger.