24 ranger vs 24 tacoma

[fordc51]

I am looking at either a new ranger or tacoma. I prefer ranger but might consider tacoma. New Tacoma are more expensive and seen to be having more problems on this gen ? Older tacomas very reliable, so are very old fords, I have a 93 f150. Looking at trucks on the lots. A 2wd sr5 is going for high 40sk, I can get a xlt for around 40k. Both Toyota dealers in my area have about 2k dealer addons on the sticker I don't need,drives up price more. Ford has been making turbo trucks longer. For service I prefer Toyota dealers from my experience . Cheaper truck is Frontier but thstd a different animsl.

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[Top Fuel Friday]

ok.

Know that you're going to get pro-ranger opinion here. They days of Toyota reliability seem to be paused with the new engine family and the issues they're having. They just recalled all the tundras and the jury is out on the 4cyl that is in the Tacoma. TFL broke an axle the first time they took their Tacoma off rood.

I've never liked how Toyotas rode, the feel/quality of the interiors, and I'm 6'2.5" so I never really fit in one comfortably in the last generation. All the Tacomas here have ADM and they are only dealing on Tundras (that no one seems to want to buy).

I've owned several fords before and found the Ranger to be a great fit for our needs. We got the Raptor at MSRP without any hassle and there are 4 Ford Dealerships within a 30 min drive of the house so any service isn't an issue.

I also enjoy the drivetrain in the Ranger more than I would a 4cyl Hybrid. I'm not one of those anti-ev or anti-hybrid dudes, but with a truck I'd prefer to have that turbo V6 vs a baby 4 and a small battery.

 

[John E Davies]

The 2024 Made in Mexico Tacoma fit and finish is cr@p, the rear seats are completely useless except for very small kids, the interior is depressing and cheap looking, the exterior design is “edgy”, but rather odd looking from several angles and will not age well, the performance with the non hybrid power plant is barely adequate. The payload is a joke (1200 pounds for TRD OR). The MSRP price is simply outrageous for what you get…. I don’t care for the regular 2.3T Ranger very much (a Pokey Little Puppy in my view), but comparing the Tacoma TRD Offroad with the Premium Package (Pleather seats) directly against a Raptor for the same price is a complete no brainer. I am coming off a Land Cruiser 200 and I was extremely disappointed in the new Tacos, after driving three different models. The Raptor is luscious inside and out, and well put together, and the performance and features are mind blowing.

The negatives for Raptor are long term reliability, buy an extended warranty when the factory one expires, no rear AC vents (WHY?) and the lack of a 60/40 split rear seat. That last one bothers me a lot… I want to be able to carry my dog on one side and “floor stuff” on the opposite side.

If you decide to get a regular Ranger, definitely wait for the 2.7 liter EcoBoost! I believe that you can order a truck now with this option.

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[fordc51]

I would love to get the 2.7. Definitely leaning toward ranger. I'm a retired senior. A raptor is way more truck than I need, can't afford it. A xlt ,2.3 pushes my budget, but doable. I configured a xlt, 2.7. 4wd.. looking at 50k, that breaks my budget too.

 

[jeffers]

I would love to get the 2.7. Definitely leaning toward ranger. I'm a retired senior. A raptor is way more truck than I need, can't afford it. A xlt ,2.3 pushes my budget, but doable. I configured a xlt, 2.7. 4wd.. looking at 50k, that breaks my budget too.

I think the 2.3L is going to prove to be the most reliable engine in the Ranger. Its a little slower, but its a truck so I don't mind.

 

[fordc51]

I like the 2.3 mpg too. I've been driving a 93 f150 5.0.. 13 mpg for years. Very dependable. Possible future electronic issues concern me on all new vehicles now, but that's not ford specific.

 

[RaptorWaiting]

I bought a 2020 Tacoma TRD Pro (4ish years ago) and loved the truck. However, I have started to make a half-ass PROs of why I Like my new RR better, as of now here it is (some of the things are a little 'petty'):

• Power - not even close. Tacoma has always been a bit of a dog. The Raptor is way over-powered (which I like and missed for 4 years)
• In the Raptor, the adaptive cruise control takes you down to zero vs Tacoma, where it shuts off somewhere around 15mph. This sucks especially in a bit of traffic
• Remote start in Raptor, doesn't shut vehicle OFF when you approach (unlock or open door). When I use remote start - I want to get in, hit the start button and go (after warm-up or cool-down). In Tacoma, I had to re-start, after getting in.
• Back seat has more room in Raptor. This is definitely noticeable. Sounds like the new 'hammock-like' suspension seats they put in the new Tacoma are a bit of a 'miss' - especially if it is taking away an extra 2" for passengers
• I don't think this is the case anymore, but my 2020 TRD pro did not have memory seats and the passenger side was not powered. For a premium truck both these things should be there (like in the RR).

I do have to say that the Tacoma was a great vehicle in terms of maintenance and toughness. I drove it pretty hard and it always ran great (never any mechanical issues or malfunctions). This is why I gave it to one of my sons. I hope to say the same thing about the RR in 4 years. We'll see. Good luck w/ your decision.

 

[jeffers]

You know the biggie for the Raptor besides the suspension is the full time AWD. If I could have gotten a Ranger Raptor with the 2.3L I probably would have.

 

[markal49]

I had a deposit down at my local Toyota dealer for ‘24 Tacoma TRD off road with the premium package for $53k. I liked the Tacoma, thought it rode well and I liked the interior layout pretty well, though I’m not crazy about the exterior design (too angular and aggressive). While I waited, Rangers started showing up locally.

There’s now a Ranger XLT with the FX4 package in my garage and I got my $500 back from the Toyota dealer.

The Ranger was $7k less and has all the features I wanted. The Ranger looks better. The ride is comparable IMO. The Ranger interior is a bit nicer, but it’s close (Taco has better designed storage). And like others have said, Ford has more of a track record with turbos.

Time will tell.

 

[SoutheastRangerRaptor]

Geez Markal49 I had to re-read your post and make sure I hadn't forgotten posting the same. I literally also had a deposit on a 24 TRD OR also with the premium package also for about $53k. As a last thought, I went to look at the new Ranger Raptor and was blown away by how nice it was and that additional 100 HP (or somewhere around that) kept eating at me and I cancelled my order for the Toyota and bought the RR. I gotta be honest, that 4 cylinder just wasn't sitting right with me. I owned a 89 Pickup with the 22R for 12 years so I'm not hell-bent against 4-bangers, but I really didn't want to be stuck with a dog of a truck since I traditionally stay in my vehicles for a long time.

I have been very happy with my toyotas in the past having had exceptional longevity out of all of them. I am praying this Ford will go over 200k miles. Time will tell, but anything less than that will be a disappointment for me..


Tacoma Pros: Toyota reliability, air conditioned seats in the premium, lots of storage pockets in the cab, bed camera, digital camera for rear-view mirror, air conditioned seats (I am bummed about not being able to get this, I swore I'd get this in my next vehicle, but obviously didn't in the RR). That powered tailgate was so cool (yes, it's probably not that useful, but it was pretty nice). 4wd crawl was pretty cool. Upgraded display was pretty cool. Sliding rear window. Moon roof in the premium package.

Tacoma Cons: I don't like its looks as much as I did before I got to be around the Ford RR for a couple weeks, I-4 engine power is meh, Less hauling capability, Smaller rubber from factory (I'm not sure if it would have taken the same rubber as the ford RR). Key fob remote start was clunky.

Ford RR Pros: She's purdy. (Seriously, this is a beautiful truck. I smile everytime I come up to it). Paint is top-quality (shelter green). Display is great, I really like the landscape format of it. Automatic 4wd feature is nice. Adjustable exhaust note is a cool feature. Adjustable suspension / steering on the fly is so cool and convenient. Better rear seat room (may be the best in class for mid-sized). Second glove box is cool (I want to find a way to lock it, maybe with a fingerprint). Seat leather is both nice and seats are very supportive and comfortable. Overall fit and finish is top shelf. (You feel like you are in an exclusive truck). Engine is very powerful (again, I think it leads in the class of mid sized trucks). Seriously, this truck hauls arse. Remote start via key fob works great. Remote start via phone app is life-changing in hot florida. Tailgate is super light to open & close. So far, I really like the BF Goodrich 03's (they seem to be a nice compound and look good). Dual exhaust looks trick and sounds good. Basically, this truck comes with almost everything you would want to add if it didn't already come with the truck.

Ford RR Cons: Gas mileage is actually quite crappy (averaging 14.4 mpg so far over 800 miles on the truck so far). (Yes, I know it's a truck, and yes I know that powerful engine would be thirsty, but this has been a bit of a surprise none-the-less). Raptor running boards do stick out a bit, so you rub your leg against them pretty much every time you get out of the truck. I'll probably swap them for a good set of rock sliders. I don't like the rust I've seen under the bottom on some reviews. (In fairness, I don't see the "surface rust" on mine yet, but I may take some preventive action before that becomes a thing. My toyotas never had this as they seemed to coat everything with either paint or corrosion prevention.

 

[John E Davies]

Raptor running boards do stick out a bit, so you rub your leg against them pretty much every time you get out of the truck. I'll probably swap them for a good set of rock sliders.

Great post. I actually use the boards as entry steps. They don’t get in the way if you use them as they were intended to be used. Sliders OTH often are dangerous when used as steps, and they do not offer much flying gravel protection for the body. The factory boards are excellent in this regard , but I do plan to add Rally Armor mudflaps when they become available.

OTH I just had paint protection film added to the 4 door sills to reduce wear and scratches at those locations, from stepping onto the top of the boards…. Everything is a compromise.

I too was blown away by the Raptor. I sold my 2013 Land Cruiser 200 a week later with zero regrets. I do understand that a ten year old Ford isn’t going to have the same residual value as a similar classic Land Cruiser. But the initial cost was almost half, I can live with that metric. The new Land Cruisers are an unknown, I personally think that being mass produced, they will not have the same kind of resale value as a hand built model that sold perhaps 3000 per year in the USA. Time will tell.

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[ranger11048]

I am looking at either a new ranger or tacoma. I prefer ranger but might consider tacoma. New Tacoma are more expensive and seen to be having more problems on this gen ? Older tacomas very reliable, so are very old fords, I have a 93 f150. Looking at trucks on the lots. A 2wd sr5 is going for high 40sk, I can get a xlt for around 40k. Both Toyota dealers in my area have about 2k dealer addons on the sticker I don't need,drives up price more. Ford has been making turbo trucks longer. For service I prefer Toyota dealers from my experience . Cheaper truck is Frontier but thstd a different animsl.

I support my country! I love the way the new ranger drives has some funny bugs but nevertheless it is supporting our people with jobs!

 

[Dingus83]

Geez Markal49 I had to re-read your post and make sure I hadn't forgotten posting the same. I literally also had a deposit on a 24 TRD OR also with the premium package also for about $53k. As a last thought, I went to look at the new Ranger Raptor and was blown away by how nice it was and that additional 100 HP (or somewhere around that) kept eating at me and I cancelled my order for the Toyota and bought the RR. I gotta be honest, that 4 cylinder just wasn't sitting right with me. I owned a 89 Pickup with the 22R for 12 years so I'm not hell-bent against 4-bangers, but I really didn't want to be stuck with a dog of a truck since I traditionally stay in my vehicles for a long time.

I have been very happy with my toyotas in the past having had exceptional longevity out of all of them. I am praying this Ford will go over 200k miles. Time will tell, but anything less than that will be a disappointment for me..


Tacoma Pros: Toyota reliability, air conditioned seats in the premium, lots of storage pockets in the cab, bed camera, digital camera for rear-view mirror, air conditioned seats (I am bummed about not being able to get this, I swore I'd get this in my next vehicle, but obviously didn't in the RR). That powered tailgate was so cool (yes, it's probably not that useful, but it was pretty nice). 4wd crawl was pretty cool. Upgraded display was pretty cool. Sliding rear window. Moon roof in the premium package.

Tacoma Cons: I don't like its looks as much as I did before I got to be around the Ford RR for a couple weeks, I-4 engine power is meh, Less hauling capability, Smaller rubber from factory (I'm not sure if it would have taken the same rubber as the ford RR). Key fob remote start was clunky.

Ford RR Pros: She's purdy. (Seriously, this is a beautiful truck. I smile everytime I come up to it). Paint is top-quality (shelter green). Display is great, I really like the landscape format of it. Automatic 4wd feature is nice. Adjustable exhaust note is a cool feature. Adjustable suspension / steering on the fly is so cool and convenient. Better rear seat room (may be the best in class for mid-sized). Second glove box is cool (I want to find a way to lock it, maybe with a fingerprint). Seat leather is both nice and seats are very supportive and comfortable. Overall fit and finish is top shelf. (You feel like you are in an exclusive truck). Engine is very powerful (again, I think it leads in the class of mid sized trucks). Seriously, this truck hauls arse. Remote start via key fob works great. Remote start via phone app is life-changing in hot florida. Tailgate is super light to open & close. So far, I really like the BF Goodrich 03's (they seem to be a nice compound and look good). Dual exhaust looks trick and sounds good. Basically, this truck comes with almost everything you would want to add if it didn't already come with the truck.

Ford RR Cons: Gas mileage is actually quite crappy (averaging 14.4 mpg so far over 800 miles on the truck so far). (Yes, I know it's a truck, and yes I know that powerful engine would be thirsty, but this has been a bit of a surprise none-the-less). Raptor running boards do stick out a bit, so you rub your leg against them pretty much every time you get out of the truck. I'll probably swap them for a good set of rock sliders. I don't like the rust I've seen under the bottom on some reviews. (In fairness, I don't see the "surface rust" on mine yet, but I may take some preventive action before that becomes a thing. My toyotas never had this as they seemed to coat everything with either paint or corrosion prevention.

Also coming from a Tacoma albeit a TRD OR with a 6MT so it has the 4.30 final drive ratio. I averaged 18.9 over 24k miles. Still new into the RR I'm sitting 18.6 with the last tank almost hitting 20 with way more smiles/mile than the Taco.
My hope is the RR will hold value close to the Tacoma, but not sure if that will be the case. My dad and I are both 6'4" and he always complained about passenger leg room. The RR is leaps ahead for him in comfort and he notes that the ride is much better, quieter as well.

I looked at a new Tacoma TRD OR Premium but even with $3,000 off MSRP which can be found easily, it's still a $52,000 truck. For $5k more you get the extra horsies and fun factor.

 

[LFRR13]

The quantifiable bits can easily be researched, from power, to performance, to MSRP & options.
Aesthetics wise, I preferred the Ranger/Ranger Raptor...hence my purchase. But the Tacoma does look cool in its own right. Neither is "wrong" or "worse" - just different.

I have two reasons for not considering the Tacoma, GM twins, or even the Frontier:
1) Interior space: I'm not comfortable in the Tacoma. I felt like I was staring out of a mailslot. I have long legs, and need under-knee support. The Tacoma has your legs straight out. Does not work for me. The RR is our daily driver and we have an 80lb Rottweiler. The back seat is plenty commodious and at 6,1" I can "sit behind myself" so there's plenty of room. The same cannot be said for the Tacoma
2) Ford created the "fast off-road truck" segment: The F150 Raptor had NO peers until the TRX dropped. Ford did something no one else did, and no one has caught up yet. Even with using the same or similar tech. GM might do better at rock-crawling, RAM might do better in a drag race. But Ford's tuning of the Fox suspension still runs circles around competitors. Even the Tacoma TRD Pro Off-Road, with its Fox suspension, hasn't been as well received as the RR.

In reality, there's no real "loser" in the category. Watch all the videos, read all the reviews. At this point, it's more preference than outright good or bad. The Ranger doesn't have rear AC vents, but GM buried the headlight controls in the infotainment. The RR has the only V6 in the segment, but Toyota put shocks in their seat backs & gives you a portable bluetooth speaker. You can fit a sheet of plywood easily in the bed of a Ranger/RR, but GM gives you 37" tires & a cool bed-mounted spare. Nissan decks out the Frontier to look like an 80s Hardbody.

There is once thing that you cannot deny though - if you only compare MSRPs, the RR does give you more performance elements for your money.

Figure out what element is a must for you, and the pick accordingly.

 

[Wayfaring Ranger]

I have long legs, and need under-knee support. The Tacoma has your legs straight out.

For what it is worth, all the reviews of the 4G Tacoma said this was addressed and remedied in the new trucks.

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