Which midsize truck belongs in your garage, the 2024 Ford Ranger or the 2024 Toyota Tacoma? Your comparison guide helps you figure out which model has everything you want in a midsize truck.
Key Takeaways
- These trucks are competitively priced, but the 2024 Toyota (from $31,500) starts at a slightly lower rate than the 2024 Ranger (from $32,670).
- After a redesign for 2024, the Ranger offers features you won’t find on any other midsize truck, including the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system.
- Both trucks impress with their powerful engine options, but the Ranger ultimately delivers maximum horsepower.
- Shoppers who want a specific build are much better off with the Ranger. Unlike Toyota, Ford lets you build your truck from the ground up!
What is the Starting Price of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma?
When it comes to starting price, these midsize trucks are extremely competitive. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma starts at a slightly lower rate, with an MSRP of $31,500. But the redesigned 2024 Ford Ranger isn’t too much more expensive, starting at $32,670.
Was the 2024 Ford Ranger Redesigned from the 2023 Model Year?
The redesigned Ranger now comes standard with more features than before, including a digital gauge cluster, 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and SYNC 4 infotainment. The Tacoma’s standard lineup isn’t quite as impressive, with a smaller, 8-inch touchscreen. Both trucks include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlamps, and forward collision mitigation.
When it comes to optional equipment, the Ranger offers a few class-exclusive features. Like the name suggests, the newly available Pro Trailer Backup Assist system helps you back a trailer in the desired direction. Both trucks offer advanced towing features, like an integrated trailer brake controller and a 360-degree camera.
Both trucks offer their fair share of luxury upgrades. You can equip either model with leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats, for example. And both provide tech upgrades, including bigger infotainment touchscreens, premium sound systems, and wireless smartphone charging.
Is the 2024 Ford Ranger Powerful?
The Ranger’s new engine lineup includes last year’s EcoBoost engine, plus two new turbocharged V6 engines. Availability varies according to which trim model you select, however. You can leave every version of the Tacoma in the dust with the all-new Ranger Raptor. Its exclusive engine supplies 405 horsepower and plenty of low-end torque for your off-road adventures!
Choose from these 2024 Ranger powertrain options:
- 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
The 2024 Tacoma also offers a variety of engine options, depending on which trim model you like. The most powerful option, known as the i-Force Max hybrid, is pretty impressive. But its 362 horsepower falls short of what the Ranger can deliver!
Choose from these 2024 Tacoma powertrain options:
- Base, SR: Turbo 2.4L four-cylinder engine (228 hp, 243 lb-ft)
- TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited: high-output 2.4L four-cylinder engine (278 hp, 317 lb-ft with automatic or 270 hp, 310 lb-ft with manual transmission)
- TRD Pro, Trailhunter (and optional for the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited): i-Force Max hybrid (326 hp, 465 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Optional six-speed manual transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
Is the 2024 Ford Ranger Configurable?
Need a specific build? When you choose the 2024 Ranger, you can customize this midsize truck to perfectly suit your unique needs. Ford’s Build & Price website feature makes it easy to design the perfect truck. Use it to select every detail, from off-roading upgrades to exterior color. Ford will then assemble your Ranger and ship it to your local dealership, where you can finalize your purchase.
Unfortunately, Toyota does not allow you to build your own 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Instead, the automaker builds the configurations they want to sell. A Toyota dealer can request a certain Tacoma build, and if it’s available, you could get lucky. Besides not being able to build the perfect truck, enthusiasts may be forced to pay thousands of dollars for distributor-installed packages they don’t even want. That’s because in Louisiana, Toyota ships their vehicles first to a distributor. The distributor may install various non-optional accessory packages, inflating the price (and possibly rendering that budget-friendly MSRP moot), before finally shipping the vehicles to the dealership.
Should You Choose the 2024 Ford Ranger or the 2024 Toyota Tacoma?
For off-roading enthusiasts, the 2024 Ford Ranger is the best option. Not only can you custom-build one of these midsize trucks, but you can also equip yours with maximum power and exclusive features!