2025 Toyota Tacoma Vs. 2025 Ford Ranger: Midsize Truck Comparison

Welcome to our Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger guide. When it comes to choosing your next reliable midsize pickup truck, there's a lot to consider: capability, configurations, appointments, and comfort, to name a few. Join Haley Automotive Group on this digital tour to discover which city-friendly truck deserves a spot in your garage.

Engine & Performance

Summary

Both models let you select from various engines. However, only the Tacoma gives you the option for a highly efficient mild-hybrid engine – one that produces more torque than any of the three Ranger powertrains.

• Toyota Tacoma: Standard i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain or available i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid. The available hybrid boosts efficiency and power – up to 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque – giving you the best of both worlds.
• Ford Ranger: Standard 2.3-liter four cylinder, available 2.7-liter V-6, or available 3.0-liter V-6. While the Ranger makes a bit more maximum horsepower at 405, all of its powertrains are less efficient and produce less torque than the Tacoma hybrid, as you can see in the chart above.

Towing & Hauling

Summary

Both the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma are extraordinarily capable for their size, each bringing more than 6,000 pounds of maximum towing strength to the table.^3,4 However, the Ranger does hold a minor towing and payload edge.

• Toyota Tacoma: The Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 pounds with the i-FORCE engine,³ while the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain enables this truck's maximum payload capacity of 1,705 pounds⁵ with the right configuration.
• Ford Ranger: With the Ranger, you can reach up to 7,500 pounds of towing capability⁴ or 1,788 pounds of payload capacity,⁶ depending on the configuration.

Interior & Cabin

Summary

You'll be comfortable in either truck, whether you choose a Toyota Tacoma or a new Ford Ranger for sale. Both offer some creature comforts that the other doesn't.

• Toyota Tacoma: Enjoy fabric or SofTex upholstery with available front-seat heating and ventilation.
• Ford Ranger: Settle into cloth or leather seats and keep warm with available heated front seats.

Size & Dimensions

Summary

We find ourselves with another tie when it comes to overall size. The Ford Ranger is slightly smaller, making it more agile. However, the Tacoma has a larger, more dominant stature that stands out, while offering more seating configurations.

• Toyota Tacoma: Choose between the two-seat XtraCab or five-seat Double Cab. Make your presence known on the roads or dirt with up to 227.4 inches of length and 77.9 inches of width.
• Ford Ranger: A five-seat setup is the only option for the Ranger, but with nimble dimensions (210.6 inches of length and 75.5 inches of width), you can navigate crowded areas with more ease.

Bed Size & Features

Summary

Where the Ranger triumphs in hauling potential, the new Toyota Tacoma for sale counters by offering two bed sizes to the Ford pickup's one, both of which are larger.

• Toyota Tacoma: Pack your gear in a 60.3-inch or 73.5-inch Tacoma bed. Depending on the trim, you'll have LED lighting to sort your belongings in the dark.
• Ford Ranger: The Ford Ranger only offers a 59.6-inch bed, and your lighting has somewhat more limited potential than the Tacoma.

Tech & Features

Summary

Both pickups have modern technology, but the Tacoma consistently remains one step ahead with a larger available touchscreen, an available Head-Up Display, and innovative driver-assistance features.

• Toyota Tacoma: With the Tacoma, you can find available appointments like a 14-inch touchscreen, a Head-Up Display, a heated steering wheel, a 10-speaker premium audio system, dual-zone climate control, and sophisticated driver aids, like advanced Parking Assist technology and a 3D Panoramic View Monitor.
• Ford Ranger: While the Ranger can be had with some of the same appointments, it lacks the same level of driver support, such as a HUD and a comparable parking system.

Off-Road Performance

Summary

You can take either truck off the beaten path, but the Tacoma has the advantage, thanks to a higher maximum ride height, additional off-roading features, and various nature-loving trims.

• Toyota Tacoma: With several off-roading trims (TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro), up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance, and more trail equipment, like a 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor, the Tacoma is ready to explore.
• Ford Ranger: The Ranger has some rugged outfittings, especially with its Raptor model, like 10.7 inches of ground clearance, but it falls short of the Tacoma.

Toyota Tacoma Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent fuel economy
• More configurations
• Better technology
• More safety features
• Extremely powerful hybrid powertrain

Cons

• Lower towing capacity
• Lower payload capacity

Ford Ranger Pros & Cons

Pros

• High towing capacity
• Hefty payload limits

Cons

• Single, smaller bed size
• Lower overall fuel economy
• More simplistic technology
• Lacks an electrified powertrain

2025 Ford Ranger vs. 2025 Toyota Tacoma Conclusion

Choose the Toyota Tacoma if you want a fearless adventure machine with more advanced technology and customization opportunities.

Choose the Ford Ranger if you prioritize towing and payload capacities above all else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more reliable: the Tacoma or Ranger?

Both the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Ranger are known for their quality and reliability. However, the Tacoma may be preferable for drivers seeking to save annually. According to RepairPal, you can expect an average annual maintenance cost of $478 for the Toyota Tacoma.⁹ Meanwhile, repair and upkeep estimates for the Ford Ranger are projected at $615 annually.¹⁰

Which has a better warranty: the Tacoma or Ranger?

The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger both come with a three-year/36,000-mile (whichever comes first) Basic Warranty covering bumper-to-bumper parts.⁷ You'll also have Powertrain Warranty protection for five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first) with both trucks.⁷ You can rest assured that your investment is protected when you choose either of these renowned automakers.

Which has a hybrid version: the Tacoma or Ranger?

If you want hybrid power, you should look into our new Toyota Tacoma Hybrid inventory. The 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine of the base Tacoma gets enhanced with a powerful battery and motor, improving your overall range. The Ranger doesn't have a hybrid version; instead, it opts for two V-6 engines that reduce your overall MPG ratings.

Which has more safety features: the Tacoma or Ranger?

Tacoma models have a broader selection of safety and driver-assistance technologies. For example, you'll find a more advanced parking module and a Head-Up Display in the Tacoma feature menu – the Ranger has less sophisticated parking sensors and doesn't offer a Head-Up Display. Ranger trucks do come with modern driver aids, but not to the same extent as the Tacoma.

2025 Ford Ranger vs. 2025 Toyota Tacoma Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more reliable: the Tacoma or Ranger?

Both the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Ranger are known for their quality and reliability. However, the Tacoma may be preferable for drivers seeking to save annually. According to RepairPal, you can expect an average annual maintenance cost of $478 for the Toyota Tacoma.⁹ Meanwhile, repair and upkeep estimates for the Ford Ranger are projected at $615 annually.¹⁰

Which has a better warranty: the Tacoma or Ranger?

The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger both come with a three-year/36,000-mile (whichever comes first) Basic Warranty covering bumper-to-bumper parts.⁷ You'll also have Powertrain Warranty protection for five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first) with both trucks.⁷ You can rest assured that your investment is protected when you choose either of these renowned automakers.

Which has a hybrid version: the Tacoma or Ranger?

If you want hybrid power, you should look into our new Toyota Tacoma Hybrid inventory. The 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine of the base Tacoma gets enhanced with a powerful battery and motor, improving your overall range. The Ranger doesn't have a hybrid version; instead, it opts for two V-6 engines that reduce your overall MPG ratings.

Which has more safety features: the Tacoma or Ranger?

Tacoma models have a broader selection of safety and driver-assistance technologies. For example, you'll find a more advanced parking module and a Head-Up Display in the Tacoma feature menu – the Ranger has less sophisticated parking sensors and doesn't offer a Head-Up Display. Ranger trucks do come with modern driver aids, but not to the same extent as the Tacoma.

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.

³Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.

⁴When properly equipped. See dealer for details.

⁵Max payload varies based on accessories and vehicle configuration.

⁶Maximum payload capabilities are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and vary based on vehicle configuration, accessories, and option content. Horsepower, torque, payload and towing are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.

⁷Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.

⁸Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/tacoma-crew-cab-pickup/2025

⁹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/toyota/tacoma

¹⁰Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/ford/ranger