2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 Ford Ranger

The 2020 Ford Ranger marked its return to the North American market after an eight-year break, bringing with it a design influenced by its international version. This iteration was larger and more sophisticated than its predecessor, with a styling language distinct from the F-Series, avoiding the trend of oversized American trucks. The Ranger's exterior was clean and somewhat aggressive, reflecting its sporty and capable nature. Inside, the Ranger featured a function-first cabin with hard plastics, which, while durable, gave it a less premium feel compared to competitors like the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline. The Ranger was available in three trims: XL, XLT, and Lariat, each offering varying levels of features and comfort, with the XLT being recommended for its balance of content and price.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma, on the other hand, embodied the quintessential truck design with its boxy fender flares, tall hood, and shield-like grille. It offered unique styling features in certain models, such as the Nightshade Edition and TRD Pro, which added distinctive elements like blacked-out trim and model-specific grilles. The Tacoma maintained a body-on-frame construction, enhancing its towing and off-road capabilities. However, the interior space was limited, with the Double Cab offering less headroom and legroom compared to other midsize pickups. Despite its rugged styling, the Tacoma's interior materials were more suited to its base models, and the TRD Pro's focus was more on off-roading than luxury.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was equipped with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing power to a standard 4WD system in Canada. The Ranger excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 3,401 kilograms (7,500 pounds) and a payload capacity of 748 kilograms (1,649 pounds) in the SuperCab. However, its ride was stiff, with noticeable chatter and body roll, sacrificing some comfort for capability. The FX4 Off-Road package enhanced its off-road prowess with features like an electronically locking rear differential and Trail Control.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, utilizing Toyota's D4S fuel-injection system for improved efficiency. It offered both 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions, with a part-time 4WD system. The Tacoma's TRD models, particularly the TRD Pro, were equipped for off-road adventures with features like Fox shocks and a front skid plate. However, on-road performance was less refined, with slow acceleration and poor ride quality. The Tacoma's towing capacity was 2,948 kilograms (6,500 pounds), and its payload capacity was 571 kilograms (1,259 pounds), trailing behind the Ranger in these aspects.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab, with its 2+2 layout, offered tight rear seating accessed via clamshell half-doors, while the SuperCrew provided more adult-friendly seating with a full rear bench. Both configurations featured practical storage solutions, including fold-up rear seats and deep in-door pockets. The Ranger's bed options included a 1,848 mm (six-foot) bed for the SuperCab and a 1,550 mm (five-foot) bed for the SuperCrew, with features like a remote locking tailgate and LED bed lighting.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma's Double Cab, while offering four doors, compromised on interior space, with the least rear headroom and legroom in its segment. The front seats also lacked headroom, contributing to a bunker-like feel. Storage was limited, though the rear seats folded up to reveal storage cubbies. The Tacoma's bed featured a standard rail system with tie-down cleats and an available 120-volt outlet, but lacked innovative storage solutions found in competitors like the Honda Ridgeline.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's base XL trim offered basic entertainment features, including an AM/FM stereo and Bluetooth connectivity. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim offered an optional B&O sound system. FordPass Connect was standard, providing remote access and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma featured a 7-inch touchscreen in the base model, with an 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with SiriusXM available in all but the base model. A JBL audio system was optional in higher trims. The TRD Pro model included a Multi-Terrain Monitor, useful for off-road and parking maneuvers.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Ford’s CoPilot360, which offered technologies like automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. The Ranger received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it had a recall related to its 10-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. It received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though its passenger-side small overlap front test score was slightly lower. The Tacoma's safety features were comprehensive, but the Ranger offered additional options like lane-keep assist.