2019 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 Ford Ranger

2019 Toyota Tacoma
2019 Toyota Tacoma
$25,850MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 Ford Ranger
2020 Ford Ranger
$24,410MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Toyota Tacoma
$25,850MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford Ranger
$24,410MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2020 Ford Ranger scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Ford Ranger is the better choice, offering superior performance, technology, and safety features.

Overview

MSRP

$25,850

MSRP

$24,410

Average price

$30,506

Average price

$27,512

Listings

1818

Listings

1042
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Poor ride quality
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Powerful engine
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Advanced safety features are not standard

2019 Toyota Tacoma Reviews Summary

Unapologetically unrefined, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is a truck, pure and simple. It doesn't try to be anything else, and its raw honesty, at first unappealing, becomes its most endearing trait. Over the course of a week of testing, I went from eagerly anticipating to sadly dreading its departure. Clearly, there’s a good reason it's the best-selling midsize pickup in America.

2020 Ford Ranger Reviews Summary

Midsize pickup trucks are not designed for the worksite. They lack the size or capability for the rigors of commercial use. These smaller trucks are lifestyle vehicles, designed for hauling bikes and kayaks. They are more at home at the campsite than the worksite.

The 2020 Ford Ranger has decent fuel economy for a pickup truck, and the optional infotainment system is terrific. It also has the towing and hauling abilities for a boat trailer or a truckload of home improvement gear. But where does the 2020 Ford Ranger stack up against other midsize pickups? Read on to find out.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.7L 159 hp I4

Engine

2.3L 270 hp I4

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

4

Seating Capacity

4

Horsepower

159 hp @ 5200 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

20

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

23

MPG Highway

26
2019 Toyota Tacoma
2019 Toyota Tacoma
$25,850MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford Ranger
2020 Ford Ranger
$24,410MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Toyota Tacoma
$25,850MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford Ranger
$24,410MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2020 Ford Ranger scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Ford Ranger is the better choice, offering superior performance, technology, and safety features.

Overview
MSRP
$25,850
$24,410
Average price
$30,506
$27,512
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.2
4.3
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Poor ride quality
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Powerful engine
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Summary
Unapologetically unrefined, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is a truck, pure and simple. It doesn't try to be anything else, and its raw honesty, at first unappealing, becomes its most endearing trait. Over the course of a week of testing, I went from eagerly anticipating to sadly dreading its departure. Clearly, there’s a good reason it's the best-selling midsize pickup in America.

Midsize pickup trucks are not designed for the worksite. They lack the size or capability for the rigors of commercial use. These smaller trucks are lifestyle vehicles, designed for hauling bikes and kayaks. They are more at home at the campsite than the worksite.

The 2020 Ford Ranger has decent fuel economy for a pickup truck, and the optional infotainment system is terrific. It also has the towing and hauling abilities for a boat trailer or a truckload of home improvement gear. But where does the 2020 Ford Ranger stack up against other midsize pickups? Read on to find out.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.7L 159 hp I4
2.3L 270 hp I4
Drive Train
4X2
4X2
Seating Capacity
4
4
Horsepower
159 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
20
21
MPG Highway
23
26
Look and feel
2019 Toyota Tacoma
9/10
2020 Ford Ranger
7/10

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma was distinguished by its rugged and angular design, featuring unique grilles, wheels, hoods, and finishes across its various trims. The truck's exterior was characterized by solid blocks of metal with carved character lines, flared fenders, and a prominent nose, giving it a ruggedly handsome appearance. Inside, the Tacoma prioritized function over form, with hard and durable plastics dominating the cabin. Stylish details like geometric upholstery patterns and evenly spaced dashboard air vents added a touch of flair, but the overall design remained simple and utilitarian, with large analog gauges and an old-school control panel.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Ranger returned to the American market with a more sophisticated and modern design, influenced by its international version. The Ranger featured a clean and somewhat aggressive appearance, avoiding the "bigger-and-blockier" trend of American trucks. Inside, the Ranger's cabin was functional but not entirely welcoming, with hard plastics that could withstand abuse but felt low-rent compared to competitors like the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline. The Ranger's interior was modern and purposeful, but it lacked the refinement found in some other midsize pickups.

Performance
2019 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
2020 Ford Ranger
9/10

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, offering a Sport mode and a manual shift gate. The Tacoma's part-time, shift-on-the-fly 4WD system was easy to use, and the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims featured advanced off-road traction systems like Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control. The Tacoma's maximum tow rating was 6,800 pounds, and it had a ground clearance of 9.4 inches. However, the Tacoma's ride quality was rough, with slow and vague steering, and the brakes showed signs of wear under prolonged use.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission, providing power to either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system with low-range gearing. The Ranger's turbo engine offered strong low-speed power and excellent highway passing capability. When properly equipped, the Ranger could tow up to 7,500 pounds and had a payload capacity of 1,860 pounds. The Ranger's ride was stiff, with noticeable chatter and vibration over bumps, and body roll around corners. The FX2 and FX4 Off-Road packages added off-road tires, an electronically locking rear differential, and off-road-tuned suspension, enhancing the Ranger's off-road capabilities.

Form and function
2019 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
2020 Ford Ranger
8/10

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma's high ground clearance made it easy for tall individuals to enter, but smaller passengers found it challenging, especially when the rocker panels were dirty. The front seats were wide and flat, with manual adjustments and lumbar support for the driver. Storage was abundant throughout the cabin. The backseat was cramped, with limited space for feet and no air-conditioning vents or USB charging ports. The short 5-foot bed had a plastic liner, LED light, and a 120-volt/400-watt power outlet, with a maximum payload capacity of 1,540 pounds.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab seated four with rear-opening clamshell half-doors, while the SuperCrew offered seating for five with a full rear bench. The SuperCrew's rear seats were more adult-friendly, and both body styles provided ample front-row storage. The Ranger's bed options included a six-foot bed for the SuperCab and a five-foot bed for the SuperCrew, with features like a remote locking tailgate, LED bed lighting, and a wall-style power outlet. However, the Ranger did not offer a bed-step like some competitors.

Technology
2019 Toyota Tacoma
5/10
2020 Ford Ranger
9/10

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma's infotainment system was basic, with a 7-inch display and stubby volume and tuning knobs that were difficult to use with gloves. The navigation system struggled with specific addresses, and the lack of Apple CarPlay was a drawback. However, the available 6-speaker JBL sound system provided decent audio quality. For 2020, Toyota planned to add Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, along with an 8-inch screen.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's base XL trim featured an AM/FM stereo with four speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. FordPass Connect allowed for remote locking, unlocking, and starting, as well as WiFi hotspot capability. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim included a premium B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen with ten speakers.

Safety
2019 Toyota Tacoma
8/10
2020 Ford Ranger
7/10

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, sway warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available. The Tacoma received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and performed well in IIHS crash tests, though it had some areas of improvement.

The 2020 Ford Ranger included front- and side-impact airbags, a child-seat anchoring system, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Standard safety features included automatic headlights, automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, and pedestrian detection. The XLT trim added Ford CoPilot 360, which included lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse parking sensors. The Ranger received top scores in most IIHS crash tests and a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it had one recall related to the ten-speed automatic transmission.

Cost Effectiveness
2019 Toyota Tacoma
10/10
2020 Ford Ranger
8/10
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