2023 Toyota Tacoma Gets Beat by the 2023 Ford Ranger
Two of the top choices for the midsize pickup truck segment are the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Ranger. See how they stack up in this 2023 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2023 Ford Ranger pickup truck comparison. With its multiple advantages, the Ranger beats the Tacoma.
2023 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2023 Ford Ranger
In this 2023 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2023 Ford Ranger head-to-head comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, fuel economy, towing, technologies, off-road capabilities, and price.
Tacoma vs. Ranger: Performance and fuel economy
On the performance front, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma offers two engine options. The base 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine generates 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, and the available 3.5-liter V-6 engine produces 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.
In comparison, the standard 2023 Ford Ranger model comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which delivers 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Also, the off-road-focused Ranger Raptor model has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, which churns out 288 hp and 491 lb-ft of torque for the American market. Diesel engine options will be offered for the global version of the Ranger, but they will unlikely be offered in the United States.
For efficiency, the Tacoma has an estimated fuel economy of up to 20 city/23 highway mpg. In comparison, the Ranger has an estimated gas mileage of up to 21 city/26 highway mpg.
Tacoma vs. Ranger: Towing
On the towing front, the Ranger has the advantage. It has an expected maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, compared to 6,800 pounds for the Tacoma.
Tacoma vs. Ranger: Off-road capabilities
The Tacoma and Ranger are evenly matched for off-road capabilities. Both midsize pickup trucks offer a traction-enhancing four-wheel drive system. Also, both the Tacoma and Ranger offer off-road-focused trucks, with the Tacoma TRD Pro and the aforementioned Ranger Raptor.
Notable off-road features for the Tacoma TRD Pro include a Multi-Terrain Monitor, an electrically locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select with Crawl Control. Off-road features for the Ranger Raptor include FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass shocks, an active exhaust system, and off-road driving modes.
Tacoma vs. Ranger: Technologies
The full list of technologies is not yet available for the 2023 Ranger. However, technologically, the midsize pickup truck is expected to be much improved. This includes the new infotainment system, in which the Ranger offers either a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen or an optional vertically-orientated 12.0-inch version. In comparison, the 2023 Tacoma offers a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen or an available 14.0-inch version.
Tacoma vs. Ranger: Price
Which midsize pickup truck costs more: the 2023 Tacoma or the 2023 Ranger? The starting price of the 2023 Tacoma is $27,250 MSRP for the Access Cab models and $28,080 MSRP for the Double Cab models.
The official price information is not yet available for the 2023 Ranger. However, it will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 version. The starting price of the 2022 Ranger is $25,715 MSRP for the Super Cab models and $27,900 MSRP for the SuperCrew models.
2023 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2023 Ford Ranger: Which midsize pickup truck is better?
In this 2023 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2023 Ford Ranger comparison, the 2023 Ranger has multiple advantages over the 2023 Tacoma. This includes advantages for performance, fuel economy, and towing. Conversely, the 2023 Tacoma offers a larger optional touchscreen.
