2023 Toyota Tacoma vs Ford Ranger

The midsize pickup category combines the functionality of a truck bed with a roomy but manageable size. It’s a competitive market, and two that people frequently compare are the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Ranger. While sharing some features, they start at different prices and have some noteworthy differences. Let’s take a closer look with this guide by the team at Performance Toyota in Fairfield, Ohio, to help you compare the 2023 Tacoma versus the 2023 Ranger.

Trims

The Toyota Tacoma is available in seven trim levels: SR, SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. The Ford Ranger is only available in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. Both models have historically earned high reliability ratings, a trend likely to continue with the 2023 editions. Regarding exterior features on each trim of these trucks, the Tacoma is the winner both in choice of add-ons and standard items, such as a power-sliding rear window on all trims or an auto-dimming rearview mirror and automatic high beams on the SR5.

Pricing

For the 2023 Toyota Tacoma, the base SR trim starts at $27,750, followed by the SR5 at $30,430, TRD Sport at $34,660, TRD Off-Road at $35,940, Limited at $40,505, Trail Special Edition at $40,970, and TRD Pro at $47,185, before fees.

The starting price for the 2023 Ford Ranger base XL trim is $27,400, while the XLT is $31,460, and the Lariat is $35,500, before any destination costs or fees. When you compare prices, although the Ford Ranger starts lower, the second trims of both are generally more suitable to family needs, and the SR5 is a significant bargain compared to the Ranger XLT.

Warranty Coverage and Maintenance

While factory warranties provide peace of mind for the first few years, many drivers look for extended warranties to cover services and repairs, which will arise as a vehicle ages. Let’s compare the full warranty options and how they break down for both models. The following warranties are available for the 2023 Ford Ranger:

• A standard warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles.
• A powertrain warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles.
• An anti-corrosion warranty for unlimited miles or 5 years.
• Roadside assistance for 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Routine maintenance is sadly not included. By contrast, the following warranties are available for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma:

• A standard warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
• A powertrain warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles.
• A restraint warranty of 5 years and 60,000 miles.
• A corrosion and perforation warranty for 5 years and unlimited miles.
• Regular maintenance at scheduled internals for 2 years or 25,000 miles.
• Roadside assistance for 2 years with no mileage limit.

Although it’s pretty close, we think the Toyota Tacoma is a more reliable purchase, compared to the Ranger. It offers more generous and varied warranty terms, as well as routine maintenance coverage.

Engine and Performance

Starting Tacoma trims use a 2.7-liter inline-four with 180 lb-ft of torque and 159 horsepower. However, the SR5 and higher trims use a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. This formidable powerplant is larger and more powerful than the Ranger’s modest 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine offered in all trim levels. Although the Ranger has 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, the Tacoma’s V-6 is worth a test drive first.

In terms of efficiency, the 2023 Ranger offers city/highway mpg ratings of 20/24, leading to 22 combined mpg. The Tacoma provides 20/23 city/highway mpg, which leads to 21 combined. Engineered to excel at both work and play, the Tacoma also offers a fuel tank that can hold an extra 3.1 gallons of fuel compared to the Ranger, allowing you to overlook the Ford Ranger’s slight advantage in fuel economy.

It’s worth noting, as well, that the new Toyota Tacoma is easier to maneuver because of its reduced turning radius. Also, the SR5 and higher trims come standard with a trailer hitch and towing package, something that’ll cost extra on most Rangers.

Safety Features

Safety and confidence behind the wheel are two critical aspects when designing a modern vehicle, and these trucks both have extensive active and passive safety feature suites. Both vehicles have a thorough suite of airbags, including front knee airbags for both the driver and passenger. That said, the Tacoma SR5 includes adaptive cruise control as standard, which reduces the stress of driving in busy areas. The Tacoma also has a lane departure warning and standard hill-assist features available more easily.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The 2023 Tacoma and 2023 Ranger come in a variety of cab sizes and bed lengths. In their most roomy cab configurations, each can seat up to five adults. Nonetheless, the 100 cubic feet of room provided by the 2023 Tacoma is preferable to the 95 cubic feet offered by the 2023 Ranger. Your guests will enjoy one of the roomiest truck cabins on the market.

In addition, the Toyota Tacoma comes standard with overhead console storage. The Toyota Tacoma has 57.2 inches of hip room in the front and 58.3 inches of front shoulder room, while the Ranger has 55.8 and 56.7, respectively. Additionally, the Toyota has a longer cargo bed: 73.7 versus 72.8 inches.

In terms of technology, all trim levels of the 2023 Tacoma include a touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is 7 inches on the base trim and 8 inches on all others. The base trims of the 2023 Ranger lack a touch-screen infotainment system, although the others do have it, and it does have Android Auto and Apply CarPlay. The size can go as high as 12.1 inches, if you’re okay with picking one of the priciest trims.

With the 2023 Tacoma, though, you can affordably get a great screen, dual-zone climate control, a wireless charging pad, a motorized driving seat, and other comfort amenities at a reasonable price.

Find Your Perfect Tacoma at Performance Toyota

2011 Toyota Tacoma by Mathew Cerasoli is licensed with CC BY 2.0

After a head-to-head comparison, the Tacoma comes out on top, especially when considering its performance, cutting-edge safety, and premium standard amenities. Now that you’re ready to experience everything the Toyota Tacoma has to offer, our team of specialists at Performance Toyota in Fairfield, Ohio, can help you choose the new Toyota model that’s right for you. We can also answer any automotive questions you have, so please contact us at your convenience.