VS
At a Glance
Power
270hp @ 5500
278hp @ 6000
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3000
317lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
23 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
6500lbs
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 278hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Ranger returns 23 mpg est. while the Tacoma uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $36,075 for the Ranger and $36,535 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 RangerXLT 2WD SuperCrew 5' Box 2026 - From $36,075
Toyota TacomaSR5 XtraCab 6' Bed AT (Natl) 2026 - From $36,535
Performance
Power Output (hp)
270hp @ 5500
278hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3000
317lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
23 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
19 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25mpg
24 (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
73.9in
Wheelbase (in)
128.7in
131.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4240lbs
4375lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
48.5cu ft
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
6500lbs
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
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tacoma
Fuel Economy
Ranger
Value
Ranger
Practicality
Tacoma
Pros & Cons
Ford Ranger
Better fuel economy (23 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($36,075)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Tacoma
Higher towing capacity (6500lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Ranger or Tacoma?
The Ranger gets 23 mpg est. and the Tacoma gets 22 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 278hp @ 6000 and 317lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Ranger and Tacoma?
The Ranger starts from $36,075 and the Tacoma from $36,535. The Ranger is cheaper by $460 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 6500lbs. 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.