Battle of the Trucks: Ford Ranger vs. Toyota Tacoma

The 2022 Ford Ranger and the 2022 Toyota Tacoma are similar in a lot of ways, so it’s best to compare them based on what you’re looking for from your vehicle.
Written by Liz Jenson
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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The 2022 Toyota Tacoma might have the 2022 Ford Ranger beat in terms of performance, but the interior of the Ford Ranger has consistently been rated higher than that of the Tacoma.
Ford and Toyota are both known for their pickup trucks, so it should be no surprise that the battle of the 2022 Ford Ranger vs. the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is such a close race. But which of these iconic trucks has the features you want and the power you need?
Let
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, the
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quote comparison app, teach you all about the features of the Ranger and the Tacoma. We’ll discuss factors like interior dimensions, performance, reliability, and technology, so you’ll have all the information you need to compare these two trucks. 
We can also help you save on your
Ford Ranger insurance costs
or
Toyota Tacoma insurance costs
—depending on which one you choose, of course!
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The 2022 Ford Ranger vs. the 2022 Toyota Tacoma

The 2022 Ford Ranger has a starting MSRP of $28,165, while the 2022 Toyota Tacoma has a starting MSRP of $27,980. This makes the Tacoma and the Ranger pretty close competitors, so it’s important to compare these two trucks based on their capabilities and features rather than their starting price points.
The Ranger and the Tacoma are close in price, but they do differ in other ways. Some of the biggest differences between the Ranger and the Tacoma are:
  • Performance: The
    Tacoma with a V6 engine
    has a higher top speed, but the Ranger can reach 60 MPH more quickly.
  • Interior: The Ranger’s interior may not seem much larger than the Tacoma’s, but those few inches of headroom and legroom make all the difference in terms of comfort.
  • Towing: With the right features and trim options, the Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds, compared to a 7,500 pounds from the Ford Ranger.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the features that differentiate these two trucks— and some of the features that are more similar than you might expect.

Power and performance

When buying a new pickup, power and performance are typically pretty important factors. There are a few factors to consider when determining how much power a vehicle has. Check out the table below for some statistics.
Model
2022 Toyota Tacoma
2022 Ford Ranger
Engine
2.7L 4-cylinder or 3.5L V6
2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost®
Horsepower
159 to 278 hp
270 hp
Torque
180 to 265 lb-ft
310 lb-ft
Transmission
Six-speed automatic or manual
Ten-speed automatic
Drivetrain
RWD or 4WD
RWD or 4WD
EPA fuel economy (combined)
20 mpg
23 mpg; 19 mpg (Tremor only)
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Overall, the Ranger scores better in terms of 0-60 MPH acceleration rate, with a 6.3 to 6.7-second acceleration time compared to the Tacoma’s 6.8 to 7.7 seconds. However, the Tacoma has a higher top speed of 131 MPH compared to the Ranger’s maximum of 110 MPH. If you want more power, opt for the turbocharged Ford Ranger. If you want a higher top speed, however, go for the V6 Toyota Tacoma.
MORE: How to build a custom Ford Ranger

Interior and storage

This is where the Ford Ranger really shines. The Ranger’s interior is slightly larger than that of the Toyota Tacoma—and according to drivers, this makes a big difference in terms of comfort. This is especially true if you plan to have passengers in your truck, as many Tacoma drivers complain that the rear row is too cramped for a full-sized adult.
Model
2022 Toyota Tacoma
2022 Ford Ranger
Wheelbase
127.4 to 140.6​​ inches
126.8 inches
Length
212.3 to 225.5 inches
210.8 inches
Bed length
60.5 to 73.2 inches
60 to 72 inches
Bed volume
40.4 to 44.8 cubic feet
43.4 to 51.8 cubic feet
Headroom (front/rear)
39.7 / 38.3 inches
41 / 38.3 inches
Legroom (front/rear)
42.9 / 32.6 inches
43.1 / 34.5 inches
Despite the size difference, though, both vehicles are still rated pretty well for their overall design. Each truck has an interior made with high quality materials and user-friendly controls, so you’ll be comfortable in the driver’s seat.

Technology and trims

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma has six trim level options: the SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited. Every trim includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity options—but you’ll only find this feature in certain trims of the Ford Ranger.
Other technology features offered for the Toyota Tacoma include:
  • Panoramic view monitor
  • Smart key system with push-button start
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
The 2022 Ford Ranger has just three trim levels to choose from: the Lariat, XL, and XLT. However, the XLT is the only trim level that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity options.
Other technology features offered in the Ford Ranger include:
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • A six-speaker audio system
  • Navigation

Towing and off-road capabilities

Planning to attach a trailer to your truck? Or maybe you have plans to do some off-road driving? Either way, you’ll want to make sure that your truck is capable of the things you expect.
The Ford Ranger tows 7,500 pounds. The 2022 Toyota Tacoma can tow between 3,500 and 6,800 lbs, depending on the exact trim level and features you choose.
When it comes to off-road ability, these two trucks are pretty evenly matched. Both are rated very well for off-road driving, so either one would be suited to your needs if driving off-road is your main goal.

Safety

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma and the 2022 Ford Ranger both received a four-star NHSTA vehicle safety rating.
The Ranger includes notable safety features such as:
  • Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
  • Forward automatic emergency braking
  • A rearview camera
Meanwhile, the Tacoma’s safety features include:
  • Dynamic radar cruise control
  • Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
  • Lane departure alerts
Both of these trucks are rated well for safety, so neither one has an edge here.
MORE: How to get cheap truck insurance

Reliability

The Tacoma and the Ranger score pretty similarly in terms of reliability. However, the Toyota Tacoma does have a lower reliability rating of 81 out of 100 (compared to the Ford Ranger’s rating of 85 out of 100). This slight difference is because the Toyota Tacoma is slightly more expensive to maintain than the Ford Ranger.

So, which is better: the Ranger or the Toyota Tacoma?

In truth, the better option here really comes down to what you’re looking for from your truck.
If you’re planning to use your pickup for work, the higher power offered by the Toyota Tacoma is probably your best bet.
If you’re hoping for a comfortable truck that you can use as your daily vehicle, however, the Ford Ranger’s roomy interior might be better suited to your needs—particularly if you plan to have passengers in the back seat of your vehicle.

Finding affordable insurance for your truck

Once you find the perfect truck for you, you’ll need to find insurance to go with it. Fortunately, finding the right car insurance policy for your Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger is simple—just use
Jerry
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