Comparison: Toyota Tacoma vs Ford Ranger

The midsize pickup category is popular among many drivers, because you get the utility of a truck bed with a form factor that's still very manageable on the road.

It's the best of both worlds, providing off-road prowess plus endless versatility, and two models which deliver excellent value are the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Ranger.

Similarly priced and featuring numerous capabilities, the Tacoma and Ranger are excellent choices if you need to haul things regularly, and still want an easy time parking. But each one does have its own unique charms, so let's take a closer look to see if one is a slightly better fit for your lifestyle.

       

2023 Toyota Tacoma Comparison Highlights

The Tacoma, Toyota's popular midsize pickup, is rolling into the 2023 model once again positioned to be America's #1 best-selling truck in its segment. To bolster its 17-year win streak, the Tacoma will offer two new packages for the SR5 trim which provide additional styling and customization options.

The 2023 Tacoma model lineup begins with the SR grade, featuring a starting MSRP of $27,750, and continues with familiar model names: SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Trail Special Edition, Nightshade Edition, and TRD Pro. Based on your model selection, the Tacoma can be configured with an access cab and 6-ft bed, or a double cab with either a 5-ft bed or 6-ft bed. All in all, there are 34 model configurations available for the 2023 Tacoma to address a large variety of lifestyle needs and budgets.

The new Chrome Package and expanded SX Package grant bold styling in their own ways, exclusively for the Tacoma SR5. As the name suggests, the Chrome Package features factory-installed chrome accents and 18-inch chrome-finished alloy wheels, while the SX Package - previously only available on SR grades - now gives the SR5 grade a more rugged aura thanks to black over-fenders, black wheels, blackout trim, blackout side mirrors, black badging, and a unique bed graphic.

At the core of Tacoma's high-strength steel body sits one of two engine options: a reliable 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.5-liter V6 with Toyota's VVT-iW technology. This larger engine utilizes both direct and port fuel injectors to deliver 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. An intelligent six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is standard for both engine types, and the V6 can be optionally paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.

On all but the highest Tacoma grades, rear-wheel drive with an automatic limited-slip differential is standard, and Toyota's 4WDemand part-time four-wheel drive can be added for additional off-road capabilities. This 4WDemand system employs an electronically controlled transfer case along with either an Automatic Limited Slip Differential or an available electronically controlled locking rear differential to manage torque distribution when traction is low.

For those with hauling needs, the available Tow Package (standard on all V6 models) offers up to 6,800 pounds of towing capacity and includes a Class IV towing receiver hitch, engine oil cooler, transmission fluid cooler, power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, and Trailer-Sway Control. It's everything you'd need to reliably and safely pull the most demanding loads.

Speaking of safety, all 2023 Tacoma models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P which includes advanced capabilities like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams. Toyota's Star Safety System is also integrated into every Tacoma, featuring key components from Vehicle Stability Control to Electronic Brake-force Distribution to Smart Stop brake override technology.