long time Tacoma owner thinking about a 2025 Ranger

[Plasmech]

I've been a Tacoma owner since 1997. During that time, it's been beaten into my brain that:

1. Toyota = reliable

2. anything else, especially American, = not reliable

I don't know how true this is, especially today. I feel that American vehicles have made measurable advancements in reliability while Toyota has maybe taken a few steps back.

I'm also not happy about Toyota's Gen 4 pricing, which tops out in the mid 60's.

I'm thinking about a 2025 Ranger. Possibilities include a 2.7 XLT, a 2.7 Lariat, or a Raptor.

I don't yet know much about Rangers, though.

Honestly, how reliable are they? Are there any known issues with the Gen 5s?

Is a Lariat better value than a fully optioned XLT?

Is Raptor a better value than a fully optioned Lariat?

Are Raptors (realistically) available?

Thanks for any replies.

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[jeffers]

2. The 2024 Tacoma isn't reliable, maybe wait for the 2025 model

2. Tacoma tons and tons of aftermarket support, I'm pretty frustrated by the lack of support for the Ranger

3. Ranger nicer interior, Ranger a lot more bang for your buck, every review I've seen prefer the Ranger Raptor to the Tacoma TRD Pro.

4. The Tacoma will probably have better re-sale.

 

[Peter949]

Get some real world experience and test drive. Former 2006 Taco owner here which went to to a 2019 Ranger and now a Raptor. The quality stigma with American brand is true but all brands are struggling with quality now. Will a 2026+ Tacoma fix all their issues? Possibly, but Toyotas are way more complex now then ever. This generation of Rangers isn't bad.

 

[Plasmech]

Thanks for the replies.

1. Does the Raptor give a good on-road ride?

2. Can it be ordered in a "stealth" configuration, i.e. no exterior badging and no interior red accents?

 

[Plasmech]

2. The 2024 Tacoma isn't reliable, maybe wait for the 2025 model

What, other than the transmission issue which I believe has been addressed, if wrong with the Gen 4 Taco?

Thanks.

 

[Stu x 4]

I test drove the Toyota, Nissan and GMC/Chevy. Quickly ruled out Nissan. I liked the Toyota, but my second choice would have been the GMC/Chevy. It was comfortable and capable. Agreeable on the resale value comment as the Toyota’s are everywhere.

Even though the 2024 Ford Ranger was/is technically a new model, it has been a world truck for some time. The 2.7L has worked the bugs out as a base engine in the F 150. Knowing the Toyota was brand brand new, did have some reservations which have proved out. Both brands have taken care of the customer through the recall (unfortunate) process.

Bought the 2.7L Fx4 Lariat.

As you put it…Ouch pricing on the Toyota; would have gone with the Raptor at that pricing, but I use my truck to carry samples for work 90% of the time, so having a capable pavement princess and comfortable cabin were very important to me. I’m on the road every day and behind the windshield 3-4 hours. Do go off road, camp, fish and frolic in the hills, but that review will have to wait until summer.

My observations and opinion. Just a few things.

Liked the sight line over the hood; even though the Toyota improved on the sit on the floor seating, I felt confined in the cabin and hood felt long.

Mirrors fold in with a touch of a button when pulling into my two-vehicle garage. I don’t know how many times I clipped the mirrors at night in the dark with my Yukon.

Forget about sitting in the back seat of the Toyota. I have my adult children and others from time to time and there is some room in the Lariat.

2.7L V6 Ford EcoBoost with similar 2.7L in the Chevy/GMC four popper; I’m thinking/hoping the engine will last longer since it will not have to work as hard with a larger displacement.

I have little over 1,800 miles in a month and a half, but am impressed with the throttle response, stock BO sound, comfortable seats.

The 2.7L is zippy and very good in the mountains. Put a topper on it and so far, seems to have similar MPG with the extra weight of topper and samples.

The wife even likes to drive it which may or may not be a good thing.

Most importantly, the dogs give it two paws up!

 

[Peter949]

Thanks for the replies.

1. Does the Raptor give a good on-road ride?

2. Can it be ordered in a "stealth" configuration, i.e. no exterior badging and no interior red accents?

Raptor suspension is really really good. Off and on. 2. No on both.

 

[jeffers]

What, other than the transmission issue which I believe has been addressed, if wrong with the Gen 4 Taco?

Thanks.

The transmission was the big one, other than that it seems to be minor issues.

 

[Alaska Steve]

I owned an ‘05 Taco TRD Pro, ‘11 Ram Power Wagon, ‘21 Ranger Lariat 4x4, and now a Ranger Lariat FX4. I also had a 16 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon - 4.5” lift on 37’s and a ton of extra stuff.

So, it depends on what you need and want; two very different things.
If this is a toy and you don’t need hauling and towing capacity, go Raptor.
If this is needed to do truck things (I.e. maximum hauling and towing capacity), XLT or Lariat.

My Lariat is pretty maxed out and was only $1K below the Raptor base MSRP. I need to do truck things with occasional Offroad, but not like the rock crawling I used to do in the Jeep.

Use Ford’s Build and Price tool to find the features that are important to you.

 

[DIYPSCM]

I got rid of a '23 TRDOR, fully loaded for my '24 Lariat 2.7.

The Ranger is head & shoulders above in every way.

 

[rwolfcastle]

I owned a Tacoma and loved it. Thought I was a lifetime Taco owner, then I drove a 2021 Tacoma back to back with a 5G Ranger and there was no comparison. The Ranger had more power, nicer interior, and was overall more pleasant to drive. I ended up liking the 5G Ranger so much, I sold it to upgrade to the 6G Ranger Raptor.

There is only about a $3k difference between a Raptor and a fully loaded Lariat. For that money, you're getting Fox live valve suspension, stock lift and bigger wheels, front locker, AWD, bigger/faster engine with adjustable exhaust and better steering. They make the Raptor a no-brainer at that price.

 

[DIYPSCM]

And a 10mpg Raptor tax. For folks like me with a 500 mile a week commute it's a deal breaker with $5.00 gas. That's around $300/month.

I have my model YP if I want to play with people

 

[AMGRAPTOR]

Sold My 2021 Lunar Rock TRD PRO Tacoma for the Raptor. There is no comparison. The RRaptor is the best mid size truck you can buy IMO. You will have fun every time you drive it.

 

[rwolfcastle]

And a 10mpg Raptor tax. For folks like me with a 500 mile a week commute it's a deal breaker with $5.00 gas. That's around $300/month.

I have my model YP if I want to play with people

If you're getting 10mpg, you probably have a hole in your gas tank.

 

[DIYPSCM]

If you're getting 10mpg, you probably have a hole in your gas tank.

I didn't mean the Raptor gets 10mpg.

I get 27mpg highway with my Lariat, Raptor is EPA rated 18. I'm also guessing Raptor owners aren't generally light on the gas pedal, or why buy one?

The mileage is a consideration for some.

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