The Most Reliable Midsize Truck Isn’t the 2023 Toyota Tacoma
We have a shocking twist to reveal about the Toyota Tacoma. It has a reputation for being highly reliable and durable. However, being able to take a beating in the wild might not be everything because the 2023 Toyota Tacoma isn’t the most reliable midsize truck.
What is the most reliable midsize truck for 2023?
Drum roll, please, and don’t expect the 2023 Toyota Tacoma to get the win this time. The most reliable midsize truck is actually the 2023 Ford Ranger. We’re also surprised by this information and expected the Honda Ridgeline to be more competitive in this segment.
But these rankings are for 2023 models, as the Ranger and Tacoma are both brand new for 2024. Therefore, things could change in the near future.
Until then, the Ranger has a reliability score of 86 out of 100 from J.D.Power and a 4.5 out of 5.0 from Repair Pal. The Tacoma has a score of 83 from J.D Power and a 4.0 from Repair Pal. The Honda Ridgeline got an 80 from J.D.Power and a 3.5 from Repair Pal.
Both scores are based on surveys sent to previous model owners. People report the problem they experienced covering everything from the paint to the engine. Expenses are also included.
The Ranger costs about $615 to maintain annually, while the Tacoma rings in at $478. But this is a narrow victory as the Ranger is less likely to have frequent issues and said to encounter less severe problems.
Also, the average Ford Ranger model is expected to last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles. With regular maintenance and routine care, Ranger trucks can make it past 300,000 miles. The average Toyota Tacoma model should make it between 300,000 to 400,000 miles.
Is the Ford Ranger better than the Toyota Tacoma?
The 2023 Ford Ranger and the 2023 Toyota Tacoma are both solid trucks to consider with unique advantages. It’s difficult to say that one is all around better than the other.
For example, the Tacoma TRD Pro is clearly better for off-roading than the Ranger Tremor Off-Road. One of the criticisms about the 2023 Ranger involves the lack of a true off-roading trim, and that’s why the 2024 model offers the Wildtrak and Raptor trims.
Also, the 2023 Ranger has more torque and muscle than the Tacoma. It has a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 7,500 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,905 lbs.
The 2023 Tacoma starts with a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 3.5-liter V6 engine for 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. The Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,685 lbs.
The Tacoma is a little sportier and more comfortable than the Ranger. The Tacoma also has more storage solutions, and the tech is more intuitive. But the Ranger has more passenger space.
Does the Tacoma or Ranger have more value?
The 2023 Ford Ranger starts at $27,400, and the top-spec Lariat SuperCrew cab takes the price up to $ 37,460. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma starts at $28,600, and the TRD Pro increases the price up to $47,185.
That’s a sizable difference, but the Tacoma offers two engines and six trim levels. The Ranger has one engine, leading to more standard power but only three trim levels.
The Tacoma is often seen as providing more value because it’s slightly more comfortable with a more upscale interior. Plus, it has more standard features like a tough composite bed, a 7.0-inch infotainment system, remote unlock, and dual-zone climate control.
Both of these trucks have strengths and weaknesses to consider, but in the end, the 2023 Ranger is a little more reliable. Stay tuned for updates about the 2024 models.
