Ford introduced the Ranger pickup truck in 1982 for the 1983 model year, and it quickly became one of Ford’s top-performing vehicles until the model took a hiatus in North America from 2011 to 2018.
Today, the 2024 Ford Ranger is poised to carry on the model’s history of success. With a new trim and the latest technology and safety features, the 2024 Ford Ranger has a lot to offer for almost anyone. Keep reading for our comprehensive guide to the 2024 Ford Ranger against one of its closest competitors, the Toyota Tacoma.
Unleashing the Power: Engine Options and Performance
The Ford Ranger has three available engine options: a 2.3-liter, 2.7-liter, or 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine. These motors produce 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, 315 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, and 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, respectively. Each of the Ranger’s engines pairs with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive.
The Toyota Tacoma also comes with one of three engine options based on the selected trim. The first is a 2.7-liter 16-valve four-cylinder that generates 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. Second is a 3.5-liter V-6 direct-injection motor that produces 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. Finally, an available 3.5-liter V-6 24-valve direct-injection engine generates 278 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque.
Tow and Go: Towing and Hauling Capabilities
The 2024 Ranger can tow up to 2,500 pounds regardless of the motor selected. The Ranger’s maximum payload, on the other hand, depends on the desired drivetrain. With four-wheel drive, the Ranger’s top payload rating decreases to 1,711 pounds from 1,805 pounds with rear-wheel drive.
A Tacoma with rear-wheel drive has a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds. The four-wheel-drive version reaches a maximum tow load of 6,500 pounds. Similarly, the rear-wheel-drive Tacoma has the model’s best payload capacity of 1,685 pounds, which decreases if the buyer opts for four-wheel drive or the V-6 engine.
Conquering the Terrain: Off-Road Features
As the company’s motto goes, the Ford Ranger is tough. Available off-road cruise control lets the driver enjoy the outdoor exploits when driving at low speeds. Similarly, the Ranger features five drive modes (Normal, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Eco, and Sport) that can be alternated to changes in the driving environment. Other available off-road features of the Ranger include:
- An independent front suspension with gas-pressurized shocks and a stabilizer bar.
- Electronic shift-on-the-fly to quickly move in and out of four-wheel drive.
- Electronic-locking rear differential to maximize traction.
- Rear outboard mounted shocks.
- Increased track width.
The Toyota Tacoma also has multiple available off-road features, including:
- Crawl Control.
- Electronic locking rear differential.
- Hill Start Assist Control.
- Multi-Terrain Select.
- Multi-Terrain Monitor.
Inside the Cab: Interior Comfort and Technology
Like the rest of the Ford Ranger, its in-cabin technology and traits are top-notch. Some of the notable available cabin comfort and technology features of the Ranger include:
- Enhanced voice-activated SYNC 4A technology.
- Wireless charging pad.
- Bang and Olufsen premium 10-speaker sound system, including subwoofer.
- Hidden upper glovebox in the dashboard.
- Large door pocket cubbies.
- Storage under the rear seat.
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
Available technology and in-cabin comfort features for the Toyota Tacoma include:
- 7- or 8-inch multimedia infotainment system.
- JBL premium audio system with six speakers.
- Wireless charging pad.
Navigating Safely: Advanced Safety Features
Every Ford Ranger comes standard with safety features that include:
- AdvanceTrac With Roll Stability Control.
- Curve control.
- Analog or digital rearview camera.
Additionally, the Ranger’s safety technology can be enhanced through optional features, including:
- A 360-degree camera with front, rear, and mirror-mounted side-view cameras.
- Active Park Assist 2.0.
- Blind Spot Information System.
- Cross-traffic alert.
- Trailer coverage.
- Pre-Collision Assist.
Each Tacoma comes standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes:
- Vehicle stability control.
- Traction control.
- Smart Stop Technology.
There are optional driver-assistance features, such as the following:
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
- Rear parking-assist sonar.
- The Toyota Safety Sense suite.
Tailored to the Driver: Customization and Trim Options
The 2024 Ford Ranger comes in four trims:
- XL.
- XLT.
- Lariat.
- Raptor.
The Ranger can be further customized by choosing between eight paint colors and several optional packages, such as the Appearance and Trailer Tow Packages.
The Toyota Tacoma comes in seven trims:
- SR.
- SR5.
- TRD Sport.
- Trail Special Edition.
- TRD Off-Road.
- TRD Pro.
- Limited.
As with the Ranger, the Tacoma can also be customized with 10 paint colors and multiple optional packages, such as the Utility and Convenience Packages.
Longevity and Resale: Reliability and Value Retention
According to Consumer Reports, the base 2022 Tacoma trim averages a resale value of $23,285 for a trade-in and $25,325 for selling to a private party. Conversely, the base 2022 Ranger trim averages a resale value of $34,030 for a trade-in and $35,950 for selling to a private party.
Because of Ford’s sterling reputation and history of long-lasting vehicles, the Ranger has a greater average resale value than the Tacoma. This more significant estimate means when it comes time to sell or trade in the Ranger, the owner will receive more than they would if they had purchased a Tacoma.
Fuel Efficiency for the Long Haul
The Ford Ranger will achieve between 19 and 23 mpg depending on which model and drivetrain are selected. On the high-end side, with rear-wheel drive, the Ranger reaches 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Conversely, the four-wheel-drive Ranger Tremor gets 19 mpg in the city and on the highway.
The Tacoma’s fuel economy also depends on its drivetrain and will reach 21 or 20 combined mpg. With rear-wheel drive, the Tacoma achieves 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, whereas the four-wheel-drive Tacoma gets 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
The Ranger is the superior choice when it comes to fuel economy. At their respective bests, the Ranger gets two more combined mpg more than the Tacoma. While this may seem slight, this greater efficiency can save the owner thousands of dollars over the vehicle’s lifetime.
Making Your Decision: Ford Ranger vs. Toyota TacomaUltimately, whether you want to buy the Ranger or any other new or used Ford, the best place to do it in Waco, Texas, is Bird Kultgen Ford. Our family-owned business has been the city’s trusted Ford dealer since 1936, and we have a history of treating our customers like a part of our family. Ready to test-drive a 2024 Ford Ranger? Contact us online, call 254-633-3006, or visit us at 1701 W. Loop 340 in Waco.
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