Ford Ranger is Best Midsize Truck for 2026 (Edmunds List)

[Administrator]

https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/best-midsize-trucks-2026.html

1. Ford Ranger
2. Toyota Tacoma
3. Honda Ridgeline
4. Chevrolet Colorado
5. GMC Canyon
6. Jeep Gladiator
7. Nissan Frontier

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[Ron Quixote]

“More expensive than competitors”?

Has Edmunds never played around on the Tacoma configurator?

 

[superj]

the tacoma's two lower non trd trims (sr and sr5) are detuned 50hp and don't come with the rear coil springs so they are super expensive for what you are getting. you have to get a trd package to get coil springs and the normal tune on the tacoma which is pretty crappy.

at least our base model 2.3 is the same in whatever trim package you get it on and leaf spring system is across all models except the raptor, like one would expect

 

[cc1999]

“More expensive than competitors”?

Has Edmunds never played around on the Tacoma configurator?

That is what I was thinking, too.
More expensive than who? LOL
The only one I can possibly think of that might be coming in a little less than the rest is Nissan, just because Nissan typically always undercuts the other brands in most segments.

Toyota is clearly the highest and if looking at transaction prices not MSRPs Toyota is a lot higher.

 

[03GeeTee]

Plus direct price comparisons between Ford and Toyota are pointless since Toyota and their dealers rarely discount. Whereas Ford has incentives and dealer discounts for thousands off MSRP.

 

[Ron Quixote]

Just to test my theory, I built the two trucks to make them as equivalent as I could. This is probably a pretty popular configuration: Crew Cab, off-road package, heated seats. The Tacoma costs more, and this ignores the fact that Ford currently has $2k sitting on the hood of the Ranger.

Edit: the Ford build is actually less because this shows an Acquisition Fee that you wouldn’t pay if you weren’t leasing.

 

[Mrtull4]

Even if it wasn’t more, which y’all have clearly demonstrated that it is, the Ranger is so much more comfortable. There would have to be a significant price reduction just to get me to look at the other trucks! Like that’s ever gonna happen…

 

[gpburdell]

I really wish Ford had something like Toyota's wallet key card. It's the size of a stack of 4 credit cards and replaces carrying a key fob. Just grab your wallet and go. (bonus, you can't drive off forgetting your wallet...)

Only would work on push-to-start Rangers tho.

 

[RJRanger]

Not to mention the Ranger is the only one to offer a fairly high tech v6. That is what sold me. The V6 really gets up and goes. And I have heard the 2.3 is more hp than advertised. I added Borla exhaust to my V6 and when you jump on it, it sounds really sweet and throaty. Not sure why Ford did not add a V6 badge on it.

 

[danmoochie]

Not to mention the Ranger is the only one to offer a fairly high tech v6. That is what sold me. The V6 really gets up and goes. And I have heard the 2.3 is more hp than advertised. I added Borla exhaust to my V6 and when you jump on it, it sounds really sweet and throaty. Not sure why Ford did not add a V6 badge on it.

What exhaust and what did you pay for it? Did you do it yourself? And sound clips? As for the badging, I bought a nice V6 badge and removed my XLT and replace it and love it. Search this forum, as I posted it.

 

[RJRanger]

Borla catback dual ( from cat) with black chrome tips from SS Exhaust no tax/shipping. There is a whole thread on here if you search. Had my mechanic install it for $140...I am too old to install it without a lift. In the thread are details of someone who did a self install. No drone at all.

 

[cc1999]

Here is another noteworthy advantage the Ranger has over the Tacoma.

Which Ford and Lincoln Vehicles Qualify for the U.S. Assembly Tax Deduction?


Eligible buyers can deduct up to $10,000 annually in interest paid on loans for qualifying new Ford and Lincoln vehicles assembled in the United States. To qualify for this tax exemption, the vehicle’s U.S. assembly must be confirmed via its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Which Ford models are assembled in the U.S.?

• Trucks: F-150, Ranger, Super Duty
• SUVs: Bronco, Escape, Expedition, Explorer
• Vans: Transit, E-Transit, Econoline
• Cars: Mustang

Which Lincoln models are assembled in the U.S.?

• Aviator
• Corsair
• Navigator

How do I know if my Ford or Lincoln vehicle qualifies for the U.S. assembly tax deduction?

The definitive way to confirm if your vehicle meets the assembly requirement for the interest deduction is to check your VIN here.

Why does Ford lead in U.S. vehicle assembly?

Approximately 80% of the vehicles Ford sells in the U.S. are assembled in America1, including 100% of F-Series trucks. Ford is proud to assemble the most vehicles in America of any automaker2 and employ the most hourly autoworkers in America3.

 

[hand-filer]

I really wish Ford had something like Toyota's wallet key card. It's the size of a stack of 4 credit cards and replaces carrying a key fob. Just grab your wallet and go. (bonus, you can't drive off forgetting your wallet...)

Only would work on push-to-start Rangers tho.

Can it do global open close the windows or start the truck? My fob can.

 

[ShadowDragon24]

I really wish Ford had something like Toyota's wallet key card. It's the size of a stack of 4 credit cards and replaces carrying a key fob. Just grab your wallet and go. (bonus, you can't drive off forgetting your wallet...)

Only would work on push-to-start Rangers tho.

push button starts are so much easier to steal. Ill stick with my good ol key. they need to either destroy the inside tearing stuff apart, and mess with the wiring or try and get a key made... whereas push button are highly susceptible to relay and cloning attacks.

 

[ShadowDragon24]

Here is another noteworthy advantage the Ranger has over the Tacoma.

Which Ford and Lincoln Vehicles Qualify for the U.S. Assembly Tax Deduction?


Eligible buyers can deduct up to $10,000 annually in interest paid on loans for qualifying new Ford and Lincoln vehicles assembled in the United States. To qualify for this tax exemption, the vehicle’s U.S. assembly must be confirmed via its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Which Ford models are assembled in the U.S.?

Trucks: F-150, Ranger, Super DutySUVs: Bronco, Escape, Expedition, ExplorerVans: Transit, E-Transit, EconolineCars: Mustang
Which Lincoln models are assembled in the U.S.?

AviatorCorsairNavigator
How do I know if my Ford or Lincoln vehicle qualifies for the U.S. assembly tax deduction?

The definitive way to confirm if your vehicle meets the assembly requirement for the interest deduction is to check your VIN here.

Why does Ford lead in U.S. vehicle assembly?

Approximately 80% of the vehicles Ford sells in the U.S. are assembled in America1, including 100% of F-Series trucks. Ford is proud to assemble the most vehicles in America of any automaker2 and employ the most hourly autoworkers in America3.

Ford is hoping to start making 80,000 Super duties a year starting late Q3 2026 in Canada to supplement US plants.

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