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YellowBee

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Great comparison by MT that I think pretty much nails it on the head why the 24 Ranger is a better buy.


2024 Ford Ranger vs. Toyota Tacoma: Midsize Mainstays, Born Again
One midsize truck is new but feels old. The other isn’t as new but feels newer.
Alex LeanseApr 03, 2024
Ford Ranger MT Compares 2024 Ranger vs 2024 Tacoma - Which Is Better? {filename}
Can reinvention repudiate reputation? Not long ago, the Toyota Tacomawas best known as the midsize truck segment's bestseller, and the Ford Ranger was its versatile but forgettable competitor. Both pickups were notorious for being dismally old. But now that each has—finally—been redesigned for 2024, it’s time to let go of what you know about these midsize pickup truck rivals. Our comparison test evaluations of the 2024 Tacoma and Ranger easily demonstrate how improved they are from their ancient predecessors, yet one is clearly superior to the other.

Ford Ranger MT Compares 2024 Ranger vs 2024 Tacoma - Which Is Better? {filename}
Tacoma vs. Ranger: The Contenders
When the Ranger returned to the United States market for 2019, it was a fresh face on our truck scene—but anyone who’d visited Bangkok, Sydney, or Rio de Janeiro in the years leading up to that might’ve spotted it cruising around. That truck first went on sale overseas in 2012, making it old enough for a redesign the moment it landed stateside.

For 2024, that redesign arrives—albeit late again. Although planned with the American market as a priority, it’s still a global truck; as before, drivers overseas have had access to the newest Ranger for a couple years already. Regardless of where it’s sold, the “new” Ford Ranger isn’t completely so. It’s built on a modified version of the same platform as its predecessor. Additionally, the base powertrain carries over. Fortunately, that 2.3-liter turbocharged I-4 making 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque and 10-speed automatic didn’t need much improvement.

Despite these similar fundamentals, Ford successfully differentiates the new Ranger. Its prominent LED headlights lead the way for a body that’s buffed up and boxed out. The cab, available in crew configuration only, integrates big screens, storage spaces, and design flourishes to make the outgoing Ranger’s seem downright drab. Towing and hauling capacities don’t change much, though improved driver assist and trailering aids promise to ease those duties in the 2024 Ranger.

Entering its fourth generation literal decades after the third-gen model arrived, the Tacoma shows a relatively evolutionary design. The familiar fascia and exaggerated sculpting give it a look resembling its predecessorremixed for the modern era. Yet under that sheetmetal it’s properly new. Gone is the frame that’s underpinned the Taco since 2005, replaced by the TNGA-F hardware also found in the Tundra and Land Cruiser.

The old Tacoma’s naturally aspirated engines have also wheezed their last breaths, now replaced by a 2.4-liter turbocharged I-4 and an optional hybridized version of the same engine. In its standard form tested here, it sends 278 hp and 317 lb-ft through an eight-speed automatic to the rear or all four wheels in most configurations. Depending on setup, maximum towing and hauling increase slightly from before.

Inside, Toyota gives the new Tacoma access to all the latest technology and driver assists. Whether it’s built as an access cab or crew cab, abundant bins and cupholders are integrated throughout the chunky interior design.

For this comparison, we brought in the volume-selling Ranger XLT and midlevel Tacoma TRD Sport. Each came equipped with 4WD, a crew cab, a 5-foot bed, and a drizzle of options for pricing right around $46,000.

Ford Ranger MT Compares 2024 Ranger vs 2024 Tacoma - Which Is Better? {filename}
Tacoma vs. Ranger: Interior Considerations
When designing the old Tacoma, Toyota seemed to forget to consider how humans might fit inside the vehicle. The cabin was short, height-wise, and the seats were positioned low to the floor, an odd arrangement for a truck. It remembered for the new Tacoma, and the seating position is more upright, leaving front seat occupants’ legs at a natural bend and their noggins with improved headroom.

That’s not to say it’s necessarily a comfortable place. Although the driver’s seat is supportive, it uses extremely hard padding that’s just a degree plusher than a wooden chair. It’s all upholstered in fabric of a thread count barely higher than burlap.

Sitting in the Ranger is comparatively luxurious. Its driver’s seat is similarly ergonomic in shape but uses softer foam that cushions instead of creating pressure points. Ford’s steering wheel is sized appropriately; Toyota’s corporate truck wheel fits well in the Tundra but feels too large for the Tacoma.

Big size benefits the infotainment in our test Tacoma, which came outfitted with the available 14.0-inch touchscreen. That allows for a huge backup camera view, and Toyota’s user interface proves intuitive once you get past the absence of a home button. This Ranger has the upgraded 12.0-inch touchscreen, which is certainly large enough. However, its vertical orientation isn’t ideal. You need to take your gaze too far off the road to see its lower area, whereas the Toyota’s dashboard-top location keeps everything closer to your line of sight. What’s more, this Tacoma’s all-digital gauge display is larger and more reconfigurable than the Ranger’s standard instrument cluster screen.

Ford Ranger MT Compares 2024 Ranger vs 2024 Tacoma - Which Is Better? {filename}
Tacoma vs. Ranger: Cab and Bed Utility
Both cabs provide plenty of useful, clever spaces to store things, with Toyota going near-obsessive in molding bins or cupholders into every conceivable void. Additionally, the Tacoma’s second row cushions fold up to accommodate taller items inside, or its backrests can be folded down if that better suits a particular load. The Ranger’s back seat backrest doesn’t move, and only its cushion lifts—and does so in one piece, eliminating the possibility of a single rear passenger sitting alongside cargo, as can happen in the Tacoma thanks to 60/40 split seats, albeit only if that passenger is short enough to fit with the Tacoma’s minuscule legroom.

But you don’t buy a pickup just to carry stuff in the cab. Beds are a big deal, and this Ranger’s is better. The XLT trim comes standard with dual 120V in-bed power outlets and multiple fixed tie-downs, along with a molded ruler and slots for clamps built into the tailgate; our truck had a $495 spray-in liner. Meanwhile the Tacoma’s bed has adjustable tie-downs that slide along its length—and that's about it. In-bed outlets are part of an extra-cost package, and a factory bedliner is not available, though it’s also not necessary, as the entire inner bed surface is composite.

Ford also has advantages for towing. Our Ranger came with the $825 Advanced Towing package, which adds a trailer brake controller and Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist, tech that adds dashboard controls to let you steer a trailer while reversing. Toyota offers a system called Straight Path Assist, which lets the Tacoma correct its steering in reverse after you’ve gotten everything pointed in the desired direction—which can often be the hardest part. As our test trucks were equipped, the Ranger could tow and haul more than the Tacoma: With 4WD, the Ford can pull 7,500 pounds and carry 1,711 pounds in its bed, while the Toyota maxes out at 6,400 pounds and 1,407 pounds in those measures.

Ford Ranger MT Compares 2024 Ranger vs 2024 Tacoma - Which Is Better? {filename}
Tacoma vs. Ranger: On the Road
Starting the engine in both trucks produces a telltale four-cylinder sound with plenty of turbocharger whistle. Each delivers power in a similar way: slightly laggy off the line and so-so in the midrange before power hits strongest at the top of their rev range. In MotorTend testing, the Ranger is quicker, hitting 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and the quarter mile in 15.4 seconds at 90.2 mph. The Tacoma accelerates to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and crossed the quarter in 15.6 seconds at 91.1 mph.

Transmission tuning makes all the difference in how the Ranger and Tacoma drive. Features editor Christian Seabaugh noted issues with the Tacoma’s eight-speed: “The gear ratio feels spread too far apart while the final drive is too tall. Couple that with the transmission’s tendency to upshift as early as possible, and I found that it was constantly hunting for gears while driving.” Both behaviors unfortunately echo those of the previous-gen Tacoma’s ancient six-speed automatic, something we figured the newer gearbox would have (and should have) cured.

We prefer the Ranger’s 10-speed, not simply because it has more gears but rather because of how it uses them. “The ratios are well-picked, it shifts smartly, and it’s hard to catch out in the wrong ratio,” Seabaugh said.

In trucks, brake feel matters as much for occupant comfort as it does in keeping loads secure. Seabaugh described the Ranger’s brake pedal as “typical Ford,” with “long travel and not a lot of bite until about a quarter way through the stroke, but after that they’re pretty progressive.” Meanwhile, the Tacoma’s grabby brake tuning puts its rear windshield at risk of flying cargo. When pressed, the Toyota’s pedal exhibits some play before initiating an abrupt stopping response. Despite our preference for the Ranger’s brake feel, the Tacoma’s stopping performance is better. In 60–0-mph brake testing, the Tacoma needs 121 feet, while the Ranger requires 140 feet—likely a factor of the relatively open-tread design of the Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires fit to the Ford, compared to the Toyota’s General Grabber HTS set.

Our evaluations occurred with the beds unladen, giving us a sense for how the trucks drive in most situations. The Tacoma’s ride is stiff and jarring—old-school trucky, though less so than before—so we’ll charitably posit that, when laden, the ride might smooth out somewhat. And this TRD Sport model includes the new-for-2024 coil-sprung rear end; lesser trims keep the old Tacoma’s leaf-sprung design, which we’ve found rides worse. Every change in surface texture and shape is transmitted through the suspension to the too-hard seat. Senior editor Aaron Gold calls the Tacoma’s ride quality “rather rough” yet in some ways prefers it to the Ranger. “With occasional exceptions, the Ford’s suspension does a nice job of softening bumps,” he said before adding a caveat: “The ride gets jiggly and buzzy over successive impacts.” Off-road, the Tacoma takes impacts abruptly but doesn’t begin swaying into secondary motions, which the Ranger does.

Even though the Tacoma’s firm suspension helps it avoid body roll, we prefer the Ranger in demanding handling situations. “On curvy, narrow roads, the Ranger isn’t bad for a pickup truck,” Gold said. “It feels tidy and doesn’t mind being hustled.” Seabaugh agreed, noting how the Tacoma “often feels out of sorts” on winding roads due to the steering that “lacks feel” and is “completely isolating from the road.” Meanwhile, he deemed the Ranger "more dynamically pleasing,” with “good feedback and decent feel” from the steering, which would also benefit towing and off-roading.

Tacoma vs. Ranger: What’s the Better Midsize Truck?
Cruising back to base, taking time to consider what we like and dislike about each truck, we found such ruminations were easier in the Ranger because we didn't need to shout our inner dialogues. The Tacoma’s din of road and wind noise—"boy, this is a noisy truck compared to the Ranger,” Gold said—make quiet reflection more difficult. Expanding on the point, Gold deemed the Tacoma as “feeling less substantial than the Ranger, largely due to the NVH, lighter steering, and plasticky interior.” Contrastingly, Seabaugh’s final summarizing comment on the Ford is simple: “Solid truck, this.”

In redesigning the Ranger and Tacoma, Ford and Toyota each had the opportunity to shake off cobwebs from the ancient outgoing trucks and let the 2024 models tell their own, new stories. Despite an abundance of modern hardware, impressive digital displays, and edgy, eye-catching looks, the 2024 Tacoma tale remains much the same: It’s in need of additional finishing. Slight improvements to comfort, powertrain tuning, and bed features would go a long way for this new Tacoma, which stubbornly remains equal parts refined and rough.

Although technically not as “new” as the Toyota, the 2024 Ranger turns a page even with largely carryover fundamentals. Ford succeeds in hiding the not-new platform and engine under layers of thoughtful and fresh design, pleasant driving dynamics, and useful work-ready equipment. In doing so, the Blue Oval delivers a truck that’s more ready for the needs and whims of today’s midsize pickup drivers than the segment’s bestseller.

Ford Ranger MT Compares 2024 Ranger vs 2024 Tacoma - Which Is Better? {filename}
2nd Place: 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport
Pros
  • Cool styling
  • Abundant interior storage
  • Huge digital displays
Cons
  • Loud and harsh ride
  • Grabby brakes
  • Unimpressive bed
Verdict: A brand-new truck that still feels old, the Tacoma is improved from before—but it’s not better than the Ranger.

Ford Ranger MT Compares 2024 Ranger vs 2024 Tacoma - Which Is Better? {filename}
1st Place: 2024 Ford Ranger XLT
Pros
  • Civilized road manners,
  • Good engine-transmission pairing
  • Airy and attractive cabin
Cons
  • Suboptimal infotainment orientation
  • Long stopping distances
  • Fewer in-cab storage options
Verdict: Harder-working and nicer to drive than the Tacoma—for a slightly lower price—the Ranger is finally the truck it should’ve been.

Ford Ranger MT Compares 2024 Ranger vs 2024 Tacoma - Which Is Better? {filename}
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS2024 Ford Ranger XLT Sport 4x4 Specifications2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4X4 Specifications
DRIVETRAIN LAYOUTFront-engine, 4WDFront-engine, 4WD
ENGINE TYPETurbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, alum block/headTurbo port- and direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, alum block/head
DISPLACEMENT2,261 cc/138.0 cu in2,393 cc/146.0 cu in
COMPRESSION RATIO10.0:111.0:1
POWER (SAE NET)270 hp @ 5,500 rpm278 hp @ 6,000 rpm
TORQUE (SAE NET)310 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm317 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm
REDLINE6,000 rpm6,200 rpm
WEIGHT TO POWER16.5 lb/hp16.5 lb/hp
TRANSMISSION10-speed automatic8-speed automatic
AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE/LOW RATIO3.73:1/2.37:1/2.72:13.58:1/2.33:1/2.57:1
SUSPENSION, FRONT; REARControl arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar; live axle, leaf springsControl arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar; live axle, coil springs
STEERING RATIO17.6:117.0:1
TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK3.23.2
BRAKES, F; R12.2-in vented disc; 12.1-in vented disc13.4-in vented disc; 13.2-in vented disc
WHEELS7.5 x 17-in cast aluminum7.5 x 18-in cast aluminum
TIRES255/70R17 112T Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT (M+S)265/65R18 114T General Grabber HTS60 (M+S)
DIMENSIONS
WHEELBASE128.7 in145.1 in
TRACK, F/R63.8/63.8 in66.0/66.0 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT210.6 x 75.5 x 74.4 in213.0 x 77.9 x 74.6 in
GROUND CLEARANCE9.3 in10.7 in*
APPRCH/DEPART ANGLE30.2/25.8 deg32.2/21.9 deg*
TURNING CIRCLE42.5 ft44.4 ft
CURB WEIGHT (DIST F/R)4,453 lb (56/44%)4,598 lb (58/42%)
SEATING CAPACITY55
HEADROOM, F/R39.8/38.3 in38.0/38.4 in
LEGROOM, F/R43.7/34.6 in41.8/33.7 in
SHOULDER ROOM, F/R57.1/56.7 in58.3/57.8 in
PICKUP BOX L x W x H59.6 x 62.4 x 21.3 in60.3 x 53.0 x 21.2 in
CARGO VOLUME43.5 cu ft39.8 cu ft
WIDTH BET WHEELHOUSES48.2 in44.4 in
CARGO LIFT-OVER HEIGHT34.8 in34.0 in
PAYLOAD CAPACITY1,717 lb1,407 lb
TOWING CAPACITY7,500 lb6,400 lb
TEST DATA
ACCELERATION TO MPH
0-30 2.5 sec2.5 sec
0-403.74
0-505.25.4
0-606.97.4
0-709.19.4
0-8011.812
0-9015.315.2
PASSING, 45-65 MPH3.53.6
QUARTER MILE15.4 sec @ 90.2 mph15.6 sec @ 91.1 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH140 ft121 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION0.72 g (avg)0.77 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT28.6 sec @ 0.57 g (avg)27.9 sec @ 0.61 g (avg)
TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH1,500 rpm1,500 rpm
CONSUMER INFO
BASE PRICE$41,190$44,095
PRICE AS TESTED$45,650$46,435
AIRBAGS6: Dual front, front side, f/r curtain8: Dual front, front side, f/r curtain, front knee
BASIC WARRANTY3 yrs/36,000 miles3 yrs/36,000 miles
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY5 yrs/60,000 miles5 yrs/60,000 miles
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE5 yrs/60,000 miles2 yrs/25,000 miles
FUEL CAPACITY18.7 gal18.2 gal
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB ECON20/24/22 mpg19/23/20 mpg
EPA RANGE, COMB414 miles364 miles
RECOMMENDED FUELUnleaded regularUnleaded regular
ON SALENowNow
*With air dam removed; clearance 5.8 in with air dam
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Fattirz in NC

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Great comparison, thanks for sharing! I’ve been in the market for a mid-size truck for years and just waiting for all these new models to finally launch. While I think the Ranger is clearly the best midsize truck for many reasons (price, interior space, efficiency and towing/payload to name a few) the lack of multiple cab/bed configurations and a huge gap in trims (especially between FX4 and Ranger Raptor) is one major reason why many consumers are are landing in the Tacoma. I know because I’m a longtime Ford truck owner (past 30 years) and my top pick at the moment is a TRD Off-road or Trailhunter with 6’ bed. Give me a XLT or Lariat Tremor with 6’ bed and I’ll write a check today.

I’m not going to pull the trigger until price and specs are available for the Trailhunter. I’ve waited so long, but what’s another 6-8 months. I’ll likely just wait and see what Ford will bring to the table with ‘25 Rangers. Hopefully Job 2 will bring more trim options and additional configurations? If not, Tacoma it is.
 
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TVRangerSTX

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Great to see this review, and Ford getting props. They keep saying it's not "all new" bc maybe frames are similar, or some nonsense? OK, it's not all new then, because it's made of steel!
Most wholeheartedly agree, my 1st impression, after only 120 miles in mine, quiet cabin is immediately apparent, and engine itself much quieter. I loved my 5g Pepper 🌶, but this one, Olaf ⛄ is a big win to me...👍❤
 

Robo

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Did I ready this correctly... " The Ranger’s back seat backrest doesn’t move"? I am pretty sure in every video review I have seen, the backseat backrest folds down flat over the seat cushions.
 

GManGeno

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Did I ready this correctly... " The Ranger’s back seat backrest doesn’t move"? I am pretty sure in every video review I have seen, the backseat backrest folds down flat over the seat cushions.
Yeah the article did say that. I believe the intended context was that it was not split fold down lise the taco. Or they just did not test it, in which case they are incorrect.
 

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markal49

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Did I ready this correctly... " The Ranger’s back seat backrest doesn’t move"? I am pretty sure in every video review I have seen, the backseat backrest folds down flat over the seat cushions.
I have an XLT and the back seat rest does fold down, but does not split. Not a deal killer, but splitting would be nice.
 

markal49

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I'm probably the rare specimen who was all set and ready to buy a Tacoma TRD Off Road after a couple test drives (even put a deposit down) and now have a Ranger XLT with FX4 in my garage. This was a complete left turn for me as I've always had Japanese cars (Subaru, Honda, Toyota, Nissan) and have always been skeptical of domestic reliability. Why did I change my mind?

Well, first, the Tacoma was going to take a while to get the options and color we wanted. That gave me time to think about it and then Rangers started arriving on local dealer lots. I read up and watched some YouTube reviews and comparisons. I like that the Ranger drivetrain is pretty well proven, while the Toyota drivetrain (and the entire chassis) is completely new. Toyota gets the benefit of the doubt on reliability, but they did have some issues with the new Tundra and Sequoia.

Enough reviewers felt the Ranger was nicer or at least equivalent. so I decided to test one. And while I was at it, looked at a used '21 Lariat as well.

For my taste, the Ranger is the nicest looking mid-sized truck out there. The new Taco is just a little too angular and aggressive looking for me. I try not to let style dominate my thinking, but it's a factor.

It had been three weeks since I drove a Tacoma, but I felt the Ranger was pretty close, maybe better, for on-road handling and ride quality. Definitely a truck, but pretty well composed that I felt long road trips would be fine. The Taco was nice too, and both have good response for acceleration.

For the Taco we wanted the premium package to get the 360 degree camera views. I'll like that for trails, squeezing into my garage, and my wife wants it for parking etc. (she's used to very small cars). The premium package on a taco puts the price over $53k. The Ranger XLT with FX4 and the tech/towing package comes with a 360 camera view and other nice features for $7k less. That's a pretty big difference, though I will need to add a bed liner to the Ranger.

The Tacoma TRD Off Road Premium definitely had some advantages - moonroof, more practical interior (storage cubbies etc.), splitting rear seat backs, ventilated seats. But given the fact that I did not really like the Tacoma styling and liked paying $7k less, it was a better choice to get the Ranger.

And to be honest, I kind of like having a Ford for the first time in my life.
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