VS
At a Glance
Power
270hp @ 5500
323hp @ 6000
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3000
465lb-ft @ 1700
Towing
3500lbs
5950lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140cc
2.4 L/146cc
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 323hp @ 6000. Pricing starts at $39,575 for the Ranger and $64,150 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
270hp @ 5500
323hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3000
465lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140cc
2.4 L/146cc
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18gal
18.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
210.6in
227.4in
Width (in)
75.5in
79.9in
Height (in)
74.4in
75.5in
Wheelbase (in)
128.7in
145.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4462lbs
5410lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
48.5cu ft
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
5950lbs
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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Ranger
Practicality
Tacoma
Pros & Cons
Ford Ranger
Lower starting price ($39,575)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Tacoma
Higher towing capacity (5950lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Ranger or Tacoma?
The Ranger produces 270hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Tacoma delivers 323hp @ 6000 and 465lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Ranger and Tacoma?
The Ranger starts from $39,575 and the Tacoma from $64,150. The Ranger is cheaper by $24,575 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 5950lbs. 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.