2023 Ford Ranger Schools the 2022 Toyota Tacoma, and Then the Tacoma Teaches the Ranger a Lesson About Off-Road Prowess
The Toyota Tacoma is the best-selling midsize truck. However, the Tacoma is somewhat old and outdated and other midsize trucks aim to take it down. This includes the Ford Ranger, which has an impressive redesign for the 2023 model year. The all-new 2023 Ford Ranger schools the 2022 Toyota Tacoma on some levels. However, the aging Tacoma then teaches the Ranger a lesson about off-road prowess.
2023 Ford Ranger vs. 2022 Toyota Tacoma
Take a look at our 2023 Ford Ranger vs. 2022 Toyota Tacoma head-to-head comparison. We analyzed several factors between the 2023 Ranger and 2022 Tacoma, including performance, efficiency, towing, technologies, off-road capabilities, and price.
Ranger vs. Tacoma: Performance, efficiency, and towing
On the performance front, the 2023 Ford Ranger has a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. It doles out 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Diesel engine options will be offered for the global version of the next-generation Ranger, but they will unlikely be offered in the United States.
In comparison, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma offers two engine options. The base 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine produces 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, while the available 3.5-liter V6 engine generates 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.
The official efficiency ratings are not yet available for the 2023 Ranger. However, given that it has the same turbo 2.3-liter engine as the previous model year, it will likely be similar to the 2022 Ranger. The estimated fuel economy of the 2022 Ranger is up to 21 city/26 highway mpg. In comparison, the estimated fuel economy of the 2022 Tacoma is up to 20 city/23 highway mpg.
On the towing front, the expected maximum towing capacity of the 2023 Ranger is 7,500 pounds. In comparison, the 2022 Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds.
Ranger vs. Tacoma: Technologies
The 2023 Ranger is vastly improved for technologies. In particular, for the infotainment system, the Ranger offers either a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen or an optional vertically-orientated 12.0-inch version. In comparison, the 2022 Tacoma offers a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen or an available 14.0-inch version.
Ranger vs. Tacoma: Off-road capabilities
The 2023 Ford Ranger boasts some off-road capabilities. However, it doesn’t come close to matching the off-road capabilities of the 2022 Tacoma, especially for the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models. They have a plethora of off-road enhancing features. This includes a Multi-Terrain Monitor, Multi-Terrain Select with Crawl Control, and an electrically locking rear differential.
Ranger vs. Tacoma: Price
The price information is not yet available for the 2023 Ranger. However, it will likely have a slight increase in cost compared to the 2022 Ranger. For the 2022 Ranger, the starting price is $25,285 MSRP for the Super Cab models and $27,685 MSRP for the SuperCrew models. In comparison, the starting price of the 2022 Tacoma is $26,500 MSRP for the Access Cab models and $27,330 MSRP for the Double Cab models.
2023 Ford Ranger vs. 2022 Toyota Tacoma: Which midsize truck is better?
As you can see from our 2023 Ford Ranger vs. 2022 Toyota Tacoma comparison, each truck has specific advantages. For the 2023 Ranger, advantages include performance, efficiency, towing, and a larger standard touchscreen. For the 2022 Tacoma, advantages include a larger optional touchscreen and off-road capabilities.
