If you’re trying to decide between the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma, this is the real-world comparison you need. In this video, I put both midsize trucks head-to-head—from daily driving and performance to towing, interior comfort, and long-term ownership. The Toyota Tacoma has been the sales leader for years, known for its resale value and reputation for reliability. But the Ford Ranger brings a different approach with quicker acceleration, more everyday comfort, and practical features that make it easier to live with day to day. I break down the powertrains, including the Tacoma’s turbocharged i-FORCE engine and the Ranger’s 2.3L EcoBoost, plus what those numbers actually mean on the road. We also look at pricing, features, bed usability, rear seat space, and towing differences to see which truck fits your needs best. This is not just a spec sheet comparison. These are real-world impressions after driving both trucks, including what surprised me most about each one—and where each falls short. If you’re cross-shopping midsize trucks, this will help you decide which one is worth your money. #FordRanger #ToyotaTacoma #TruckComparison #MidsizeTruck #PickupTrucks Get your Screen ProTech screen protector: https://screenprotech.com/tim Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/pickuptrucktalk Check out our Forum: https://forum.pickuptrucktalk.com/ Subscribe for more Pickup Truck and SUV videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/pickuptrucktalk/?sub_confirmation=1 Join this channel to get access to special perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxO2h83kcVBaLFjjCLer3AA/join Interested in owner reviews? Check out this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8PJw4jHcHhd-yzt-YcediZtfw2imipPL Trying to find the most reliable trucks and SUVs?: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8PJw4jHcHhdr5YpBbNbL9bRpKdm63FTF Shop our Cafepress store for new Pickup Truck +SUV Talk gear: https://www.cafepress.com/pickuptrucktalk Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pickuptrucktalk/ Also, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pickuptrucktalk/ And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PickupTruckTalk Our website is here: https://www.pickuptrucktalk.com
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Things nobody asked for - Buttons to lower a mid size truck tailgate. Prime example of costly feature bloat meant only to maximize profit.
Ford is the leader with recalls but they are for minor issues mostly- none of them lead to catastrophic engine failures like Chevy and Toyota are experiencing on their full size trucks and SUVs. They've been doing turbocharged engines in their trucks longer than anyone and have gotten their engines very well dialed in.
Thanks Tim. Hard no on the Toyota Tacoma. I have owned a Toyota Tacoma in the past and found it did not hold up to the hype as a work truck. Selling that truck was a disappointment to the wallet too.
What absolute rats nest of motors in both trucks
Looks are subjective but as a Gen-X’er I love the looks of the Tacoma. The Ranger looks like something a boomer would buy.
Shopped them both and went for the Ranger. Wanted the Tacoma until i sat in it. The Tacoma backseat is only for children. Not adults. And the Tacoma is full of plastic.
I just recently bought a 25 lariat fx4 Ranger and for the money Toyota wanted for TRD off road with leather/power seats both sides/other goodies your almost at Ranger Raptor price.
The Ford Ranger tows 7500 pounds with either 2.3 or 2.7 engine. The 2.3 will have the highest payload capacity.
I’m leaning towards the Frontier personally. I like it and the Canyon
Good comparisons. The 2.3 in the Ranger is rated to tow 7500 also.
Tacoma every single time
I love the comparison! I looked at both myself and went with the Ranger. I don't worry much about resale value as I keep my trucks for over a decade and work them. They're well maintained, but look like the Veleveteen Rabbit when I'm done with them.
The non-Raptor Ranger looks too dorky and cheap.
With the Ford you get more recalls too. 😅
The only Tacoma advantage is the double cab 4 door with the 6 foot bed. I would buy this combo in the Ranger with the 2.7 V6.
Ford power is usually pretty good. Wish their quality, consistency, and service were better. I don’t even like how they package their trim levels. I’ll continue to buy Japanese for the foreseeable future
I have a 2025 Ranger Lariat with the 2.7L EB and my son has a 2025 Ranger STX with a 2.3L EB. The Ranger in the review has the older, Mazda, based 2.3l. In 2025 Ford replaced the engine with the "new" 2.3l EB MPC, same engine used in the Mustang (rated at 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque). The difference between the 2024 and earlier 2.3L EcoBoost in the Ranger and the updated 2025 2.3L EcoBoost “MPC” engine comes down to a shift from an older, Mazda-derived architecture to Ford’s newer Modular Power Cylinder design, even though both engines make the same 270 hp and 310 lb-ft. The earlier engine relies on direct injection only and uses a more traditional EcoBoost layout, while the 2025 version adds both port and direct injection, which helps reduce intake valve carbon buildup, improves cold starts, and creates a more stable, efficient combustion process over time. The MPC engine also brings a revised turbo setup with an electronic wastegate for more precise boost control and smoother response, along with internal changes like updated bore/stroke proportions, higher compression, and improved airflow, thermal management and an aluminum valve cover.
That Rangers engine is way underrated. Not to mention that 10 speed transmission makes a huge difference
I’ve had two rangers since this generation came out, I traded my 24 Ranger for Ranger Raptor. Absolutely love this gen of Ranger. Size is fine, it’s bigger than my old 04 Ram(gosh trucks have gotten so big 😅). But the final decision maker was the space between the wheel wells for transporting things and a V6 ( love the look of the Colorad/canyon but can’t replace a V8/V6 for a truck) thanks for reading my Ted Talk lol 😅
My grandpa would love the chrome.