The 2024 Ford Ranger and the 2024 Toyota Tacoma are two midsize trucks with major style. Which should you choose? Our comparison guide takes a look at the features that matter most to buyers.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 Tacoma offers a few extra body styles, which may come in handy if you need the extra bed space.
- When it comes to power, the 2024 Ranger is the best option!
- Ford’s redesigned Ranger can also tow a bigger trailer than the Tacoma, making it the right choice for drivers with oversized toys at home.
- These midsize trucks are very competitively priced, though the base Tacoma might save you a few bucks!
Configuration Options: 2024 Toyota Tacoma
The 2024 Tacoma is available with a few different configurations, making it the better option if you need a smaller cabin or a bigger truck bed. There are two cabin options: a two-seat, two-door extended cabin called the XtraCab and a four-door crew cabin known as the Double Cab. The former comes with a 6-foot bed, and the latter is available with either a 5-foot or 6-foot bed.
By comparison, the 2024 Ranger keeps things simple. Each one of these newly redesigned trucks comes with the spacious four-door SuperCrew cabin and a 5-foot bed.
If you’re shopping for massive power and speed, on the other hand, the Ranger is the best option. Depending on trim model, these midsize trucks deliver up to 405 horses! And thanks to an all-new Raptor trim model, the Ranger can travel deeper into the wild than ever before.
The Ranger offers three engine options, depending on which trim model you select:
- XL: 2.3L EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine (270 hp, 310 lb-ft)
- XLT, Lariat: 2.7 EcoBoost V6 (315 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- Raptor: 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (405 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear- wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
Although it’s not quite as powerful as the Ranger, the Tacoma powertrain options are none too shabby. With its optional high-output four-cylinder engine, the Tacoma can deliver up to 278 horsepower.
Just like the Ranger, the Tacoma offers its engine options depending on trim model:
- Base, SR: Turbo 2.4L four-cylinder engine (228 hp, 243 lb-ft)
- Other Tacoma trim models: high-output 2.4L four-cylinder engine (278 hp, 317 lb-ft with automatic or 270 hp, 310 lb-ft with manual transmission)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Optional six-speed manual transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
Max Towing: 2024 Ford Ranger
Do you need a midsize truck that can tow a pretty big boat or a midsize camper? Then check out the Ranger! Properly equipped, Ford’s midsize truck can tow max loads of 7,500. Compare that to the 2024 Tacoma, which can tow up to 6,500 pounds, and you may find only the Ranger can move your heaviest toys.
Lowest Price: It’s (Nearly) a Tie!
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma, starting at $31,500, has the lowest MSRP. However, although it gives you more power and towing potential than the Tacoma, the Ranger has a very competitive starting price of $32,565!
The Best Midsize Truck for the Job
Ultimately, the redesigned 2024 Ford Ranger comes out on top. If you’re shopping for a powerful midsize truck with major towing potential and a friendly price tag, the Ranger is the best choice!