Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma

2020 Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma

Standard Power Advantage

Ranger does it all with the 2.3L EcoBoost I‑4 engine, which easily overpowers the Tacoma 4x2 standard engine's tame power ratings. Even the more formidable available V6 engine still comes up short on torque compared to Ranger. Plus, the Ranger powertrain includes a standard 10‑speed automatic transmission while the Tacoma engines are paired with a 6‑speed automatic.

	Ranger	+ / -	Tacoma
Engine	2.3L EcoBoost I‑4		2.7L I‑4	3.5L V6
Horsepower	270	+111/-8	159	278
Torque (lb.-ft.)	310	+130/+45	180	265
Transmission	10‑speed auto.	4 extra gears	6-speed auto.	6-speed auto.

Power AND Efficiency

Ranger offers a balance of power and efficiency Tacoma can't match. The 2.7L I‑4 in the Tacoma is surprisingly mediocre in its EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings, especially when power is taken into consideration. The bottom line is that Ranger provides better EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings(1) in all powertrain configurations. Incidentally, Toyota does offer a Tacoma with a 3.5L V6/​6‑speed manual transmission powertrain, but the EPA-estimated ratings are lower than the automatic transmission-equipped V6 engine. See the performance specs for the full power and EPA-estimated fuel economy rating information.

	Ranger	+ / -	Tacoma
4x2 EPA-estimated mpg(1)	2.3L EcoBoost I‑4		2.7L I‑4	3.5L V6
City	21	+1/+2	20	19
Highway	26	+3/+2	23	24
Combined	23	+2/+2	21	21

Towing Advantage

Ranger offers a 4,000‑lb. towing advantage over the Tacoma I‑4 engine and up to a 1,000‑lb. advantage over the 3.5L V6 gas engine on 4x4 models.

	Ranger	+ / -	Tacoma
Engine	2.3L EcoBoost I‑4		2.7L I-4	3.5L V6
4x2	7,500(2) lbs.	+4,000/+700	3,500 lbs.	6,800 lbs.(3)
4x4	7,500(2) lbs.	+4,000/+1,000	3,500 lbs.	6,500 lbs.

Trail Control Operation

Both trucks offer a low-speed throttle control system designed to help navigate rough off-road terrain. But the Ranger Trail Control system has a couple of features not found on the Tacoma Crawl Control system. Trail Control can be engaged in any drivetrain speed (2H, 4H or 4L), in any drive mode and in Reverse. The Toyota system is similar but works in 4Lo and Reverse only. Also, the Ford system can be set in 1‑mph increments, while the Tacoma system uses a dial with five settings.

(1) Actual mileage will vary.

(2) Requires Trailer Tow Package. Maximum towing varies based on cargo, accessories and number of passengers. Horsepower, torque and towing are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.

(3) Based on TRD Off-Road model with Double Cab.

(4) Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination/delivery fee. Taxes, title and license fees extra.

Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver's attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle.