2023 Ford Ranger vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

A pickup truck is more than just a vehicle, it’s an extension of your personality. Not all trucks are built the same which is why everyone has their preferred brand or model. But how do you know which one better fits your character and lifestyle? Today, Essential Ford of Stuart will be comparing the 2023 Ford Ranger and the 2023 Toyota Tacoma to help you decide on the best pickup truck for you. If you want to take a quick look at what we have, you canbrowse our new inventory online! 

2023 Ford Ranger vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

What do most people look for in a pickup truck? Some of the top traits include versatility, power, comfort, and technology. Both the Ranger and the Tacoma offer supreme quality in all of these categories, but the Ranger is built with better quality and there’s room for customizability. If you want a pickup truck that can do it all and is uniquely yours, the new 2023 Ford Ranger might be what you’re looking for.


Performance

For those who want a wonderful balance between great engine power and decent mileage, the new Ranger has exactly what you need. It comes with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine capable of 270 horsepower and an amazing fuel rating of 21 in-city and 26 highway miles per gallon. With the available Trailer Tow Package, the Ranger can tug around up to 7,500 pounds which makes it the perfect companion for camping trips or other getaway trips. You can further customize your ride with the available Tremor Off-Road Package which provides heftier suspension and the available Terrain Management System which gives you additional drive modes like Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Normal. For even more adaptability on the road, the electronic shift-on-the-fly dial allows you to switch back and forth between all-wheel drive when you need it.

The new Tacoma has a slightly more powerful 3.5L V6 engine capable of 278 horsepower, but those extra 8 horses come at a price. The fuel rating comes up short with only 20 in-city and 23 highway miles per gallon. And what’s surprising is that despite the more powerful engine, the Tacoma is only capable of towing up to 6,800 pounds. And when it comes to driving technology, the only features to note are the Electronic Locking Rear Differential and Bilstein Shocks.

Safety Features

As far as safety features go, the Ranger comes with all of the basic necessities. The patented Ford Co-Pilot 360 package comes with a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist, Rear View Camera, and Auto High Beam Headlamps. With these few standard safety features, the Ranger will help watch your back and guide your steering and brakes when needed.

The new Tacoma comes with Toyota Safety Sense which is the brand’s version of the standard safety package. However, compared to the Ranger, many people would find the selection a bit lacking. It comes with a pre-collision system, cruise control, and auto high beams. There’s Lane Departure Alert, but it only involves the warning function while the Ranger’s Lane-Keeping System includes both the warning function and automatic steering and braking assist. Other than the Toyota Safety Sense package, you can also utilize the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert which also happens to be one of the standard features in Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 package.


Interior

Stay entertained in the new Ford Ranger with a high-quality B&O sound system complete with 10 speakers which includes a dynamic subwoofer. All of your favorite tunes can be accessed on the 8-inch infotainment screen with Alexa support. But what’s truly special about the Ranger’s cabin is the ability to choose between two distinct styles. The Super Cab is a two-door that offers maximum cargo space while the Super Crew cabin style is a four-door which offers more passenger space and legroom. When you consider all of the available packages and cabin options, you can really build your Ranger to be personal to you.

When it comes to entertainment value, the Tacoma also comes with an 8-inch infotainment screen. However, many people would much rather experience the dynamic sound of the Ranger’s B&O system than the Tacoma’s JBL audio setup, especially since the Ranger has 10 speakers while the Tacoma only has 6. On the bright side, the Tacoma also supports Alexa commands. Toyota proudly advertises the Tacoma’s available 4.2-inch multi-information display, but the screen is too small to be used practically.


Bottom Line

The new Ranger and Tacoma are very similar in many aspects, but the Ranger offers just a bit more and there’s the ability to customize your ride in a few different ways. The Tacoma is still a decent ride, but you mostly have to settle with what you’re given. That’s why we gladly recommend the new 2023 Ford Ranger for a more personal experience.

Ask Us About the 2023 Ford Ranger!

Interested in the new 2023 Ford Ranger? Give Essential Ford of Stuart a call at (727) 287-0955 to speak with our friendly team for more information. Swing by our lot anytime you’d like, or shop our new inventory online!