2019 Ford Ranger Vs. 2019 Toyota Tacoma: Mid-Size Matchup
By Brian Normile
We last compared the upcoming new 2019 Ford Ranger to the other new mid-size pickup truck on the block, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. Now it's time to see how it stacks up to an established player in the class, the sales king of the mid-size trucks, the Toyota Tacoma.
Related: 2019 Ford Ranger Pulls Ahead in Gas Engine EPA Ratings
Of course, at this stage, this story is just on paper; however, after the 2019 Ford Ranger press drive later this week, we'll be driving off with a new Ranger to put into an actual head-to-head comparison against a new Tacoma, so stay tuned for our impressions and results toward the end of December. Ford thinks the comparison will be favorable — we're told it's going to have a comparable Tacoma on hand for members of the media to drive during the Ranger drive event.
It's also worth noting that we still don't have all the Ranger's specifications — no curb weight, for example, and only max towing and payload numbers (nothing is broken down by cab or equipment), so this is simply a quick and dirty comparison. We'll have more information and details to come.
Measurements
The most popular models in the mid-size pickup class are four-door crew cabs and both the Ranger and Tacoma have similar offerings. The Ranger SuperCrew (aka crew cab) offers a shorter bed. The SuperCab (also known as the extended cab) uses the same wheelbase but has a bed that's 1 foot longer. Toyota calls its crew cab the double cab and its extended cab an Access Cab and offers two different wheelbases to provide more length and size diversity. We'll get to exact bed length measurements in a bit. For now, here are the apples-to-apples measurements and specifications.
RANGER (in inches; all models unless otherwise noted)
- Wheelbase: 126.8 (only one offered)
- Length: 210.8
- Width: 85.8 (from mirror to mirror)
- Height: 71.1 (SuperCrew 4x2 and SuperCab 4x4), 71.5 (SuperCrew 4x4), 70.7 (SuperCab 4x2)
- Front track: 61.4
- Rear track: 61.4
TACOMA
- Wheelbase: 127.4, 140.6 (double-cab short bed, long bed)
- Length: 212.3, 225.5 (double-cab, short bed, long bed)
- Width: 74.4, 75.2 (with optional overfenders not mirror to mirror)
- Height: 70.6, 71.6 (TRD Pro)
- Front track: 63, 64 (TRD Pro)
- Rear track: 63.2, 64.2 (TRD Pro)
Off-Roading
Ford will offer its FX4 Off-Road Package on the Ranger, while Toyota goes at least one step further with the dedicated TRD Pro off-road trim on top of two other TRD-branded option packages. This leads to much greater variation in off-road capabilities for the Taco depending on how it's equipped.
RANGER
- Approach/breakover/departure: 27.9/22.7/25.2 degrees (4x2), 28.7/21.5/25.4 (4x4)
- Ground clearance: 8.4 inches (4x2), 8.9 (4x4)
- 4-Low drive ratio: 2.72:1
TACOMA
- Approach/breakover/departure: 29/24/23.5 degrees (4x2 Access Cab), 29/20-21/23.5 (4x2 double cab), 29/20-21/23.1 (4x2 double-cab long bed), 32/20-21/23.5 (4x2 double-cab TRD Off-Road), 29/24/23 (4x4 Access Cab), 32/24/23 (4x4 Access-Cab TRD Off-Road), 29/21/23.5 (4x4 double cab), 29/21/23.1 (4x4 double-cab long bed), 32/21/23.5 (4x4 double-cab TRD Off-Road), 35/26/23.9 (4x4 double-cab TRD Pro)
- Ground clearance: 9.4 inches
- 4-Low drive ratio: 2.57:1
Towing, Hauling and Beds
To reiterate: The only way Ranger buyers can opt for a longer than 5-foot bed is by selecting the SuperCab with the longer 6-foot bed. Tacoma does offer a longer bed with the double cab by offering a longer wheelbase option, but you will be prevented from ordering the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims. Also, the Ranger's numbers are not yet as fleshed out as other pickups in the class, but once we get one we'll have a tape measure and scale waiting at the ready.
More From PickupTrucks.com:
- Picking the Perfect 2019 Ford Ranger for Work, Towing, Off-Road and Comfort
- 2019 Ford Ranger Driving Impressions: Video
- We Pit the 2019 Ford Ranger Against the 2018 Toyota Tacoma in a Real-World Test
- 5 Fixes for the 2019 Ford Ranger
- 2019 Ford Ranger MPG: Real-World Fuel Economy
- Find a 2019 Ford Ranger Near You
As you might expect, the Tacoma offers greater variation and diversity in its maximum payload and towing numbers thanks to its engine options (an inline four-cylinder and a V-6) and multi-wheelbase strategy. The Ranger currently offers only the gas turbocharged four-cylinder. The Tacoma is also available with a manual transmission, which slightly affects payload capacities.
RANGER
- Bed length: 61 inches (SuperCrew), 72.8 inches (SuperCab)
- Maximum width: 61.4 inches
- Bed width at rear wheels: 44.8 inches
- Max towing capacity: 7,500 pounds
- Max payload: 1,560 pounds (SuperCrew 4x4), 1,650 (SuperCab 4x4), 1,770 (SuperCrew 4x2); 1,860 (SuperCab 4x2)
TACOMA
- Bed length: 60.5 inches, 73.7 inches
- Maximum bed width: 56.7 inches
- Bed width at rear wheels: 41.5 inches
- Max towing capacity: 3,500 pounds (four-cylinder models), 6,400 (4x4 double cab with V-6 Tow Prep Package), 6,500 (4x4 Access Cab with V-6 Tow Prep Package), 6,600 (4x2 double-cab long bed with V-6 Tow Prep Package), 6,700 (4x2 double cab with V-6 Tow Prep Package), 6,800 (4x2 Access Cab with V-6 Tow Prep Package)
- Max payload: 1,155 (4x4 V-6 manual double cab), 1,175 (4x4 V-6 automatic double cab), 1,275 (4x4 V-6 manual Access Cab), 1,295 (4x4 V-6 automatic Access Cab), 1,380 (4x4 four-cylinder automatic Access Cab), 1,405 (4x4 four-cylinder manual Access Cab), 1,420 (4x2 V-6 manual double cab), 1,505 (4x2 four-cylinder automatic double cab), 1,540 (4x2 V-6 automatic Access Cab), 1,620 pounds (4x2 four-cylinder automatic Access Cab)
Cars.com graphic by Paul Dolan; Cars.com photos by Christian Lantry; manufacturer image
Comments
Nice to have all the comparison data in one place but apart from that it's stuff we already knew, assuming the reader is "a regular" at PUTC. For those who might be searching this info it's perhaps more useful.
The Ranger is a better looking truck. The Ranger may make a dent in Tacoma sales but will not displace it for first place.
I work with several Tacoma owners that say when they trade it will not be another Tacoma.
and another thing: A quick glance at the above photos makes it really clear WHO Ford was targeting with their new truck (and it ain't GM). The Tacoma is clearly in their sights because it's the sale leader, but also I'm guessing because the Tacoma is an easy 'target' for anybody who's over 5-7 and 175 pounds who wants a compact or midsize truck. As everybody has said repeatedly, the Taco is uncomfortable for normal size guys.
If Ford has produced a decently comfortable cabin in the new Ranger, it's a home run because American men (and women) have been getting bigger lately. Taller, heavier. Nobody wants to drop 40k on a pickup that is cramped and your knees are up around your ear lobes when you're out driving.
I work with several Tacoma owners that say when they trade it will not be another Tacoma.
Posted by: Just the truth | Dec 13, 2018 7:14:23 AM
If what you are saying is Just the truth, then don't expect those people to purchase a Ranger next time because no one goes from a TOYOTA to a Ford so you can scratch those sales off. Just the truth.
I work with several Tacoma owners that say when they trade it will not be another Tacoma.
Posted by: Just the truth | Dec 13, 2018 7:14:23 AM
If what you are saying is Just the truth, then don't expect those people to purchase a Ranger next time because no one goes from a TOYOTA to a Ford so you can scratch those sales off. Just the truth.
I work with several Tacoma owners that say when they trade it will not be another Tacoma.
Posted by: Just the truth | Dec 13, 2018 7:14:23 AM
If what you are saying is Just the truth, then don't expect those people to purchase a Ranger next time because no one goes from a TOYOTA to a Ford so you can scratch those sales off. Just the truth.
I work with several Tacoma owners that say when they trade it will not be another Tacoma.
Posted by: Just the truth | Dec 13, 2018 7:14:23 AM
If what you are saying is Just the truth, then don't expect those people to purchase a Ranger next time because no one goes from a TOYOTA to a Ford so you can scratch those sales off. Just the truth.
One is a very ugly truck and the other is a very ugly looking car front end......
Id take the previous generation Tacoma in a heartbeat or a new Zr2
papjim: BINGO!
Ford would never waste there time targeting the GM twins when there's a better benchmark in the Taco.
The Taco has the highest payload, but less then the Ranger, with the 4cyclinder? You would think bigger motor higher payload, not.
If the Ranger develops it's HP and TQ up in the high rpm range like the Taco, GM will be the winner, trucks need low rpm hp and tq...which current Taco owners are complaining about
So you guys are under the impression that Ford spent alot of time on this thing?
Ford would never waste there time targeting the GM twins when there's a better benchmark in the Taco.
Posted by: redbloodedxy | Dec 13, 2018
@Redbloodedxy
It's only about fluff. Strapping a canoe on top of your truck. Go to the woods with your Ranger. Right. taco is the king of all that crap and Ford wants some of it. GM was never part of the discussion
Ford would never waste there time targeting the GM twins when there's a better benchmark in the Taco.
Posted by: redbloodedxy | Dec 13, 2018
I'm sure Fords decision to enter the mid size market wasn't influenced by GM being there 4 years ahead of them. Come on Ford, get your act together. LOL!
"As you might expect, the Tacoma offers greater variation and diversity in its maximum payload and towing numbers thanks to its engine options (an inline four-cylinder and a V-6) and multi-wheelbase strategy. The Ranger currently offers only the gas turbocharged four-cylinder. The Tacoma is also available with a manual transmission, which slightly affects payload capacities."
PUTC sure has something against the Ranger, based on their use of sugarcoating language in the paragraph above!! Yet in all the "greater variation and diversity" not a slight mention that none of the combinations in the tacoma strategy, offer the capability (payload/towing) that the Ranger does.
Must be that having many inferior payload/towing capacities is more important than having better payload/towing capacity than the competiton! Go figure.....
@Tnt
I beg to differ with no one going from Toyota to Ford. I’m into RVing and there are many debates on tow vehicles especially when you get close to the 9000+ travel trailers. The Tundras are good trucks but I read many owners jump to F250s, albeit wishing Toyota had a diesel or true 3/4 ton chassis. So it’s incorrect to assume Toyo owners don’t jump to Ford (and Ram) based on what I have seen in the RV owners forums.
Ford would never waste there time targeting the GM twins when there's a better benchmark in the Taco.
Posted by: redbloodedxy | Dec 13, 2018 7:53:12 AM
Ford is trying to move forward, not backwards.
Ford needs a V6, even if simply for perception.
The turbo 4 maybe okay, but the perception is Toyota, Nissan, Jeep, and GM have a V6.
Secondly, paper tigers make for poor reviews. The previous gen Colorado had an odd inline 5. While it made good power and torque compared to the 4.3 V6, it was an odd motor and that hurt perception.
Toyota needs a better V6 as the technologically advanced 3.5 just isn’t as good as the 4.0, and that hurts real-world customers.
Of course Ford benchmarked the Tacoma, but they didn’t just ignore GM, they made sure they were competitive.
Ultimately Ford has a problem with their EcoBoost program. They’ve gone full-tilt after it, even though it isn’t a huge fuel savings and certainly less reliable. Just like the the modular Triton motors, Ford will triple down on the concept until it is completely outclassed.
A 300 hp turbo 4 looks great, until it is up against a 300 HP first gen Duramax. I guess that applies to GM too...
Once ford comes out with a small V8 in the Rainger it will steal sells form Toyotan and GM big time.
A diesel is also needed. Toyota should have a diesel in a year or two or will get left behinds.
@Dale M
Small V8? Which one?
Does Ford even have a big V8? Crack me up.
"Nobody wants to drop 40k on a pickup that is cramped and your knees are up around your ear lobes when you're out driving."
papajim
Really. I would like to see someone do that.. That would be worthy of a video.
@Dale M
Small V8? Which one?
Does Ford even have a big V8? Crack me up.
Posted by: papajim | Dec 13, 2018 11:04:43 AM
——————
Ford has one just as big as your beloved GM you idiot.
Plus the well known 7.3L coming in the Super Duty.
@ fake tntgmc. U leech
I see u havent gotten your own b@!!s yet.
Still using my name u @$$clown
Ford doesnt believe in V8s. They lost interest in the 6.2L for a junk gerbil motor. What a shame bc i actually like it.
Now if u ever drove a V8 u would know there nothing better. The sound is amazing
Btw...some punk last night in a new Raptor tried being fancy and revi g his motor up. That junk sound coming out of tailpipe by the ecoboost was a joke. Wish I would have had my 6.2L but i had my old 5.0L. Atleast my exhaust note coming out of my flowmasters sounded better.
Ford has one just as big as your beloved GM you idiot.
Plus the well known 7.3L coming in the Super Duty.
Posted by: TNTGMC | Dec 13, 2018 11:30:52 AM
A bonafide idiot, the GM 6.2 is a lurkey 376ci SMALL block.
The Moronothan is on from the GM folks.
Oh great, the other idiot just showed up. Ahahahaha looks at his moronothan posts.
@ Franky boy
Here we go. U dont even drive a truck, so why dont u and JTT and his other usernames along with the imposter go to a car forum
I never said the 6.2L was a big block. Get your head out of your @$$. Plus the 6.2L cant be beaten by any motor made by Ford when its an apples to apples comparison. Ford has to use a flow blown twin turbo 6 to get job done that costs $75k......which u could never and will never afford!!
For $500 ill program my 6.2L and munch the gerbil motor and still have $32,500 in my pocket. Good for a camaro convertible which i will use to munch junk rustangs.
Have a great day little man!
TNTGMC
You moron, the 6.2L is available in the Super Duty.
Tell us why, if that overhyped GM 6.2L is so good, why is it not available in the HD trucks???
@ douche bag
Why did ford drop the so good 6.2L from.half ton f150 u pathetic leech
Get a life clown
I’m not the one ranting about a 6.2L being Gods gift. That is you.
So answer my question. If the 6.2L is as good as you say why is it NOT available in the HD GM trucks?
Spit it out. Oh wait, I forgot you swallow
Why did ford drop the so good 6.2L from.half ton f150 u pathetic leech
Get a life clown
Posted by: TNTGMC | Dec 13, 2018 12:41:26 PM
weight and they have a motor that blows away the competition and will put any 6.2 in half ton to shame
@ Franky boy
Here we go. U dont even drive a truck, so why dont u and JTT and his other usernames along with the imposter go to a car forum
I never said the 6.2L was a big block. Get your head out of your @$$. Plus the 6.2L cant be beaten by any motor made by Ford when its an apples to apples comparison. Ford has to use a flow blown twin turbo 6 to get job done that costs $75k......which u could never and will never afford!!
For $500 ill program my 6.2L and munch the gerbil motor and still have $32,500 in my pocket. Good for a camaro convertible which i will use to munch junk rustangs.
Have a great day little man!
Posted by: TNTGMC | Dec 13, 2018 12:29:28 PM
is this the same 6.2 that's been beaten by the 5.0, 2.7, and 3.5, go ahead and tune that 6.2 i'll just tune my 3.5 everyone knows you more power out of a 3.5 than you will a 6.2 from a tune you will need a blower to beat a tuned 3.5 now that's funny
@ drools
Your an !d!ot
The 6.2L has shown here at PUTC in comparisons that its jasbeaten your turd ecobust
Your laughable and crazy to think a tuned ecobust beats a tuned 6.2L. Too funny
This is all coming from a guy who drove a 5.4L and claims it qould beat a 5.3L when it clearly could never. Ive proven that.
Move along fool.
@ imposter
Gm never had the 6.2 in the HD. Ford had their 6.2l in half ton. Thats the question u goon!!
Gm doesnt need it in HD. The 6.0l is bullet proof and realible for years.
A drools is a fool.....
You clearly cant read for comprehension. The last 3 PUTC comparisons. The 6.2L has come out on top.....who dominates. Your drunk man from that koolaide
@ drools
U think putting a blower on a 6.2L is funny, yet u brag about your gerbil motor that has 2 turbos. Your pathetic if ive ever seen one....kinda hypocritical too
Way to funny!! Keep it coming
Btw...a supercharged 6.2L has proven it can take down any special ecobust 3.5L
Proof. Zr1 corvette beat your halo Ford GT
$150k vs $450k.....lmfao. to funny!!!!!!
You just havent woken up yet. There is still time.
Way to ruin another thread TNTGMC. Take your off topic crap elsewhere. This has nothing to do with GM. Are you that insecure?
@ fake papajim
Did i start this? No i answered it with a reply
Go reread the thread. You ruin it with your fake names and try and call out other people
Truth just hurts and u run from it and blame others
Maybe get your own name and own up to it.....
Get on topic.
Get your own name
@TNTGMC
Not only do you ruin threads and spell poorly. It turns out you can’t read either.
If it wasn’t my name, the comment would not post.
@ fake
Spelling with a phone and u wanna give me grammar lessons
Too funny
Please, just use a name that u can come up with on your own
Stop tainting the site with your lies and deceit
Move along you are very childish
And your only upset bc all that i have typed is proven
Poor guy dry those tears.
Having another meltdown TNTGMC
@ TNTGMC
Phones have auto correct. Not auto incorrect. Or maybe you’re using a GM made phone.
Dec 13, 2018 1:10:05 PM begins an entire string of bogus posts by the usual jerk who hijacks my ID.
My own words cannot accurately convey the contempt I have for him.
Hopefully this illiterate fool's comments are distinct enough from my own wit and wisdom that sensible folks can easily distinguish his drivel from my own comments.
Rear seat dimensions - how do they compare?
I much prefer the seat system in Ridgeline compared to Tacoma.
How does the seat fold up in the Ranger?
Hopefully this illiterate fool's comments are distinct enough from my own wit and wisdom that sensible folks can easily distinguish his drivel from my own comments.
Posted by: papajim | Dec 13, 2018 2:14:04 PM
That’s TNTGMC for you...illiterate, poor grammar and poor reading skills.
@ Brawndo
Typing on a phone can have errors. Ive seen u post errors before,yet im not going to go all grammar teacher on you
Again, what i posted can be backed by facts...u fords guys just dont like it. Thats not a rant or meltdown it pointing out simple facts. Again, call out your clowns who speak gibberish, but u wont dare call them out....would you??
Have a great day.
@ Doug
Please educate yourself before u post. I can back my posts with facts. While others, including yourself probably cant back it up or never do.
"You cant handle the truth "
That’s TNTGMC for you...illiterate, poor grammar and poor reading skills.
Posted by: Doug | Dec 13, 2018 2:31:35 PM
I agree with you there.
tntOnliine has another juvenile posting hissy fit Just grow up.
@ full of $h!t
Just another day where u dont know or like the truth!!!
“ Please educate yourself before u post. “
This coming from TNTGMC, the guy with spelling skills of a mentally challenged 5yrs old.
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