The 2025 Ford Ranger brings a balance of power, technology, and everyday practicality to owners, making it a top contender in the midsize truck segment. With impressive towing capacity and power to boot, it’s built to handle both work and play. But how does it compare to the 2025 Toyota Tacoma? Let’s break it down.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The 2025 Ford Ranger’s trims are priced from $34,575 to $48,860; the Tacoma’s trims are priced from $33,805 to $54,050.
- Both the Ranger and Tacoma have seen only minor changes for 2025.
- Maximum towing capacity for the Ranger stands at 7,500 pounds with a cargo capacity of 1,805 pounds. The Tacoma’s maximum towing capacity is less, at 6,500 pounds, as is its cargo capacity, at 1,705 pounds.
What Are the Changes for the 2025 Ford Ranger vs 2025 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2025 Ford Ranger had only cosmetic changes, as 2024 started a new generation of Rangers, according to Motor Trend:
- Ruby Red Metallic, Desert Sand and Marsh Gray have been added to the Ranger’s color palette.
- Cactus Gray, Iconic Silver and Hot Pepper Red have been removed.
- A Black Appearance package has been introduced, adding black accents to the Ranger’s grille, bumper and wheels.
The Tacoma is only in its second year in a new generation. Aside from the addition of front tow hooks on all models, upgraded available auxiliary switches, the Terra paint hue’s expansion to all TRD models, it remains the same from the previous model year.
Engine Power and Performance in the Ford Ranger vs the Toyota Tacoma
Currently, the Ranger features the standard 2.3-liter turbocharged I-4 delivering a decent amount of power with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. You can take things up a notch with an available 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 cranking out 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
There are also two options for the Tacoma—a standard turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with either an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. The base trim’s engine is 228 horsepower, but the rest of the lineup jumps up to 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Rear- and four-wheel drive are both available.
Properly equipped Ranger pickups can tow up to 7,500 pounds and haul up to 1,805 pounds, unless you choose the four-wheel drive system that has a payload capacity of 1,711 pounds. The Tacoma falls short in this category—it can tow up to 6,500 pounds and has 1,705 pounds of cargo capacity.
Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma Fuel Economy Comparison and Efficiency Upgrades
The Ranger’s fuel economy
- The 2.3L four-cylinder engine gets about 21/25 mpg city/highway (rear-wheel drive) and 20/24 mpg (four-wheel drive)
- The 2.7L V6 engine gets 19/23 mpg city/highway (four-wheel drive)
The Tacoma’s fuel economy is pretty close—it gets 21 mpg/city and 26 mpg/highway. Four-wheel drive models max out at 20 mpg/city and 23 mpg/highway.
When You're Carrying a Load, Think Ford!
If you need a midsize truck that can handle serious towing and cargo without sacrificing comfort, the 2025 Ford Ranger is the way to go. With impressive payload capacity and a strong towing setup, it’s built for both work and adventure. While the Tacoma is a solid contender, the Ranger’s capability and versatility give it the edge when it comes to hauling and carrying what you need. Stop by and see it today!