VS
At a Glance
Power
405hp @ 5750
228hp @ 6000
Torque
430lb-ft @ 3250
243lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
17 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Towing
5510lbs
3500lbs
Engine
3.0 L/180ci
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 405hp @ 5750 while the Toyota Tacoma produces 228hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Ranger returns 17 mpg est. while the Tacoma uses 23 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $57,270 for the Ranger and $34,105 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 RangerRaptor 4WD SuperCrew 5' Box 2026 - From $57,270
Toyota TacomaSR Double Cab 5' Bed AT (Natl) 2026 - From $34,105
Performance
Power Output (hp)
405hp @ 5750
228hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
430lb-ft @ 3250
243lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/180ci
2.4 L/146ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
17 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
16mpg
20 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
18mpg
26 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
20.3gal
18.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
210.9in
213in
Width (in)
75.9in
76.9in
Height (in)
79.8in
73.8in
Wheelbase (in)
128.7in
131.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5363lbs
4280lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
48.5cu ft
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5510lbs
3500lbs
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
—
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Ranger
Fuel Economy
Tacoma
Value
Tacoma
Practicality
Ranger
Pros & Cons
Ford Ranger
Higher towing capacity (5510lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (17 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Toyota Tacoma
Better fuel economy (23 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($34,105)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Ranger or Tacoma?
The Ranger gets 17 mpg est. and the Tacoma gets 23 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Tacoma 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 405hp @ 5750 and 430lb-ft @ 3250 of torque while the Tacoma delivers 228hp @ 6000 and 243lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The Ranger is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Ranger and Tacoma?
The Ranger starts from $57,270 and the Tacoma from $34,105. The Tacoma is cheaper by $23,165 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 5510lbs and the Tacoma can tow 3500lbs. 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.