VS
At a Glance
Power
270hp @ 5500
270hp @ 5400
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3000
310lb-ft @ 2800
Fuel
22 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
6400lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Ranger delivers 270hp @ 5500 while the Toyota Tacoma produces 270hp @ 5400. On fuel, the Ranger returns 22 mpg est. while the Tacoma uses 20 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $47,455 for the Ranger and $37,305 for the Tacoma. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Ford RangerLARIAT 4WD SuperCrew 5' Box 2026 - From $47,455
Toyota TacomaSR Double Cab 5' Bed MT (Natl) 2026 - From $37,305
Performance
Power Output (hp)
270hp @ 5500
270hp @ 5400
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3000
310lb-ft @ 2800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
2.4 L/146ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Manual
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18gal
18.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
210.6in
213in
Width (in)
75.5in
76.9in
Height (in)
74.4in
73.8in
Wheelbase (in)
128.7in
131.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4462lbs
4485lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
48.5cu ft
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
6400lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Tacoma
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Ranger
Value
Tacoma
Practicality
Tacoma
Pros & Cons
Ford Ranger
Better fuel economy (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Toyota Tacoma
Lower starting price ($37,305)
Higher towing capacity (6400lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Ranger or Tacoma?
The Ranger gets 22 mpg est. and the Tacoma gets 20 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Ranger is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Ranger or Tacoma?
The Ranger produces 270hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Tacoma delivers 270hp @ 5400 and 310lb-ft @ 2800 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Ranger and Tacoma?
The Ranger starts from $47,455 and the Tacoma from $37,305. The Tacoma is cheaper by $10,150 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Ranger or Tacoma?
The Ranger has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Tacoma can tow 6400lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Ranger or the Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.