5 Reasons the Toyota Tacoma Beats the Ford Ranger
The Tacoma has long been the gold standard for midsized trucks, but the competition has been getting fiercer as of late. Recently, both the Tacoma and Ranger have gotten major updates, and some folks are starting to wonder if the King of the Mountain is finally about to be unseated.
Fret not, Toyota fans—the Tacoma still gives shoppers in Santa Barbara the best all-around experience, and we’re here to prove it.
Tacoma or Ranger, Which Truck is More Affordable?
First, let’s check the bottom line. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma has 11 available grades to choose from. Here they are, along with their starting MSRP:
- • SR: $31,590
- • SR5: $36,220
- • TRD PreRunner: $38,120
- • TRD Sport: $39,400
- • TRD Off-Road: $41,800
- • TRD Sport i-FORCE MAX: $46,320
- • TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX: $46,620
- • Limited: $52,555
- • Limited i-FORCE MAX: $55,880
- • Trailhunter: $62,735
- • TRD Pro: $62,735
Meanwhile, the 2025 Ford Ranger only has 4 trims:
- • XL: $33,330
- • XLT: $35,845
- • Lariat: $44,115
- • Raptor: $56,070
Not only does the Tacoma start out costing a couple grand less than the Ranger, but it offers nearly three times more models to choose from, allowing shoppers for more of a selection and an honest, up-front price.
Tacoma or Ranger, Which Truck is Better for Off-Roading?
Both trucks are excellent in an off-road capacity, and both have purpose-built trims with numerous upgrades that cater to overlanding aficionados (the Raptor for the Ford Ranger, and the Trailhunter and TRD Pro for the Tacoma).
The Tacoma’s more powerful engine, the i-FORCE MAX, is a hybrid that cranks out 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, while the Ranger’s most powerful engine, the 3.0-liter EcoBoost, creates 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. While the Ranger’s horsepower specs are certainly impressive, many off-roaders agree that having more torque is more important for rock crawling and hill climbing.
Then, of course, we also have their additional equipment. Both trucks have available four-wheel drive, and both offer essential features like locking differentials, upgraded suspension, and special drive modes designed to optimize off-road performance. However, the Tacoma has a few extra available goodies, including more robust underbody protection and even an onboard compressor in the bed, making it better equipped for truly tough mudding.
Tacoma or Ranger, Which Truck Has Better Interior Features?
Considering the fact that they’ve both recently entered a new generation, it’s not a shocker that both trucks are kitted out with plenty of amenities inside.
The Ranger’s available 12.0-inch touch screen runs the SYNC® 4A system. It comes standard with Applink® for wireless phone connectivity and FordPass Connect® with a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and the sound system can be upgraded to a Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker system. However, some critics have noted that the infotainment system’s vertical orientation can be a distraction from the road.
The Tacoma’s largest screen measures 14.0 inches, and standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, SiriusXM®, Bluetooth®, and the full range of Toyota Connected Services, including in-vehicle Wi-Fi. It also has an available JBL 10-speaker system with a dash-mounted portable speaker.
While they both provide plenty of comfort and convenience, the Tacoma goes above and beyond by giving you more standard and available features overall.
Tacoma or Ranger, Which Truck is Safest?
Both trucks also have an impressive array of driver assistance features with Toyota Safety Sense™ and Ford Co-Pilot360®. Here’s a breakdown of which features you can expect in each one:
| 2025 Tacoma | 2025 Ranger | |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive cruise control | Standard | Available |
| Pre-collision braking | Standard | Standard |
| Pedestrian detection | Standard | Standard |
| Lane keeping assist | Standard | Available |
| Front and rear parking assist | Available | Available |
| Blind spot monitoring | Available | Available |
| Rear cross traffic alert | Available | Available |
| Road sign assist | Standard | N/A |
| Automatic high beams | Standard | Standard |
Once again, the Tacoma proves better for the average motorist with more standard and available features designed for safety. To top things off, it also won a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick award, while the Ranger did not.
Tacoma or Ranger, Which Truck is More Reliable?
It’s hard to judge the long-term dependability of a brand-new truck, but we can certainly take a look at Toyota vs. Ford’s overall reliability.
J.D. Power and Consumer Reports are two of the leading authorities on the matter. In their 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study, J.D. ranked Toyota 2nd overall, while Ford ranked 23rd. Likewise, Consumer Reports gave Toyota 3rd place and Ford got 13th. So, it appears that, at least for now, Toyota’s track record as one of the most reliable automakers remains solid, making the Tacoma the clear choice if you want the truck that’ll last you the longest.
Find the Toyota Tacoma for Sale in Goleta, CA
If you’re looking for the best midsize trucks in Southern California, stop by and see us at Toyota of Santa Barbara, where we have a wide selection of new Toyota Tacoma models for sale. You can also shop our truck selection and buy from the comfort of your home using SmartPath.
Any questions about the Tacoma? Contact us online or call us today at 805-979-5011.