2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 Ford Ranger

Pickup trucks hold a special place in the hearts of many drivers, and it is easy to see why. They offer much in the way of versatility and capability for work and for leisure. They make great vessels and first mates on your journeys across the state or on off-road treks, hauling hefty loads of cargo along the way, not to mention offering a lot of functionality for the daily grind. Not every pickup truck needs to be a giant monster that can tow a freight train, and that’s why midsize lighter duty pickup trucks like the Toyota Tacoma exist. The Tacoma packs in versatility and utility in a smaller package than its sibling the Tundra and is a great option for just about anyone. Even so, it is not without its competitors. Let’s go over a comparison of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma vs the 2020 Ford Ranger.

Why choose the Tacoma over the Ranger?

Pickup trucks tend to be very personal for the driver. You want to be able to tailor the truck to fit your needs and preferences. The Tacoma offers six different trims that can be even further customized with different cab sizes and bed lengths depending on what you anticipate carrying. Plus, if you plan on using your truck as a sort of mobile office while out and about, or even if you want a solid command center while driving on a family vacation, you are going to need to stay connected to the outside world. The Tacoma offers Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ functionality standard. With these features, you can sync your compatible smartphone to the Tacoma and take advantage of certain applications, including hands-free voice messaging and music streaming. These features are not standard in the Ranger lineup. 

Two engine options are available with the Tacoma lineup. The first is a 2.7-liter inline 4-cylinder capable of 159 horsepower, and the second is a 3.5-liter V6 which produces 278 horsepower. The Ranger just offers its 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder with its 270 horsepower.  

We tip our hat to the Ford Ranger for some of its offerings to truck drivers, but the 2020 Toyota Tacoma offers standard technology features to keep drivers connected as well as more maximum truck bed length to store cargo, not to mention having twice as many trims to tailor the vehicle how you want it.