2024 Ford Ranger vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma presented itself as a robust yet compact alternative to larger trucks like the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra. With a length nearly two feet shorter than full-size pickups, the Tacoma maintained an assertive stance, thanks to its upright grille and tall bed, which gave it a substantial appearance without seeming oversized. Toyota offered the Tacoma in various trims, from the base SR to the off-road-focused TRD Pro, with multiple powertrain options and configurations, including a new SR5 SX package and a Chrome Package. The TRD Pro trim, tested in bright Solar Octane paint, featured off-road enhancements like underbody skid pads and a TRD-tuned suspension, making it a standout in snowy conditions near Salt Lake City, Utah. Inside, the Tacoma ranged from basic to well-appointed, with the TRD Pro offering Softex leather-trimmed upholstery and user-friendly controls, even with gloves on.

The 2024 Ford Ranger adopted a design reminiscent of a smaller F-150, with C-shaped daytime running lights and chrome accents. The XLT trim with the Chrome Appearance Package added a touch of elegance, though the Ranger didn't exude the ruggedness of competitors like the Colorado or Canyon. The Ranger was available exclusively as a crew cab with a five-foot bed, reflecting a shift towards accommodating more car-like usage. The Azure Gray Metallic paint on the XLT trim complemented the chrome details, while the FX4 Off-Road Package added features like fixed side steps, albeit with some limitations for true off-road use. Inside, the Ranger's cabin improved over previous models, though it still featured some brittle plastics and design quirks. Despite these issues, the Ranger offered a more spacious rear seat and practical features like a damped tailgate and optional bed liners.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came with a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. However, most buyers preferred the more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, which delivered 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The V6, available with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission, provided better performance, though the Tacoma was not particularly quick. The TRD Pro model, equipped with 4WD and all-terrain tires, excelled in off-road conditions but exhibited some road noise and vague steering on paved roads. Fuel economy was modest, with the V6 and 4WD combination achieving an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 22 highway, and 20 combined. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl control, making it well-suited for rugged trails.

The 2024 Ford Ranger offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. An optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 delivered 315 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, ideal for towing up to 7,500 pounds. The Ranger Raptor featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, with an available software upgrade boosting output to 455 horsepower and 536 pound-feet. The Raptor's off-road prowess was supported by a race-ready suspension and locking differentials. The Ranger's fuel economy was competitive, with the base engine achieving 20 mpg city, 24 highway, and 22 combined with 4WD. The Raptor, however, was less efficient, with ratings of 16 mpg city, 18 highway, and 17 combined.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offered a variety of configurations, including an access cab with clamshell doors and a six-foot-one-inch bed, or a double cab with a choice of bed lengths. The access cab's rear seats were cramped, making the double cab a better option for carrying passengers. The front seats provided ample cubby space and legroom, though the steering wheel's limited extension posed challenges for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed, even in the five-foot version, was spacious enough for ski gear and groceries.

The 2024 Ford Ranger featured a longer wheelbase and a wider body, providing more rear seat space and improved approach angles. The rear seatbacks folded flat for additional cargo space, and the Ranger's back seat was among the roomiest in its class. Up front, visibility was excellent, with physical climate controls and a well-sized center cubby. The bed offered 43.5 cubic feet of space, with options for liners and a 400-watt AC outlet. Ford's Zone Lighting added convenience for nighttime activities.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma's technology was straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen in base trims and an 8-inch screen in higher trims. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The interface was user-friendly but somewhat outdated compared to competitors. The TRD Pro trim featured a premium JBL audio system and USB-A ports, but lacked some of the advanced tech found in rival trucks.

The 2024 Ford Ranger's Lariat trim included a short gear selector, push-button start, and advanced parking aids. The 12.4-inch instrument panel displayed crisp animations and unique gauges. A 10-inch portrait touchscreen was standard on the XL, with a 12-inch screen on higher trims. The infotainment system offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though menu loading times were slow. A 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo and 360-degree cameras were standard on the Lariat and Raptor.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came with Toyota Safety Sense, featuring automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The TRD Pro added blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors, but lacked more advanced features like lane-keeping assist. The Tacoma received four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests, with top marks in side-impact tests but not in frontal or rollover tests.

The 2024 Ford Ranger had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. The base XL trim lacked driver assists, but XLT and higher trims included forward and reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and evasive steering assist. Adaptive cruise control was optional on the XLT and standard on Lariat and Raptor.