2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 Ford Ranger

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was a straightforward and practical pickup, embodying a clean and simple design. While it didn't boast the aesthetic appeal of some full-size trucks, it maintained a rugged charm with its rounded body and chiseled panels. The Tacoma's TRD Pro package added a touch of flair with redesigned LED headlights, a bold grille, and a striking Army Green paint option. Despite its robust exterior, the Tacoma's interior was more utilitarian, featuring a straightforward dash and a modest touchscreen. The materials used were durable but not luxurious, with bargain plastics and rubbers dominating the cabin. The leather seats in the TRD Pro trim were not particularly impressive, and the overall interior lacked the richness expected in a specialized vehicle.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Ranger returned to the North American market with a more sophisticated design, drawing inspiration from its international version. The Ranger's styling was clean and somewhat aggressive, avoiding the bulky trend of American trucks. Inside, the Ranger's cabin was functional but not overly inviting, with hard plastics that could withstand some wear and tear. The Ranger offered various trim levels, with the XLT and Lariat trims providing more upscale features like dual-zone climate control and leather upholstery. The Ranger's interior was practical, with ample storage options and a modern yet straightforward layout.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, with an optional six-speed manual transmission available for certain trims. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, although these were not available with the manual transmission. The Tacoma's ride was supple, but its on-road performance was less impressive, with slow steering and a noisy V6 engine. Fuel efficiency was subpar, with ratings of 13.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 10.5 on the highway. However, the Tacoma's towing capacity of 2,950 kilograms made it a strong contender for those needing off-road prowess and towing capability.

The 2020 Ford Ranger featured a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing a punchy performance with ample power for highway passing and low-speed manoeuvres. The Ranger's towing capacity was impressive at 3,401 kilograms, and it came standard with Trailer Sway Control. The Ranger's ride was stiffer compared to some competitors, with noticeable body roll and vibration over bumps. The FX4 Off-Road package added off-road enhancements like an electronically locking rear differential and Trail Control, making the Ranger a capable off-road vehicle.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size compared to full-size trucks made it more manageable in urban environments. It was easier to park and manoeuvre, fitting comfortably in standard garages. The Tacoma offered a choice between a 5- or 6-foot bed, with a rail system and optional power outlet. The Double Cab's rear seats were cramped for long journeys, and the lack of a rear defroster was a drawback. Despite these limitations, the Tacoma's practicality and off-road capabilities were appealing to many buyers.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations, with the SuperCab offering a 2+2 seating layout and the SuperCrew providing seating for five. The SuperCab's rear seats were tight and more suitable for children, while the SuperCrew offered more adult-friendly seating. The Ranger's interior featured deep storage pockets and a practical layout, with a six-foot bed for the SuperCab and a five-foot bed for the SuperCrew. The Ranger's bed could be equipped with a remote locking tailgate and LED lighting, although it lacked a bed-step option.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a simple and intuitive infotainment system, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and an optional 8-inch version with navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with a new USB-C port. The Tacoma offered a suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams, although some modern features like a proximity key were optional.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's base XL trim came with a basic AM/FM stereo and Bluetooth connectivity, while the XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen. SYNC 3 included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional voice-activated navigation. The Lariat trim offered an optional B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen, providing a premium audio experience. FordPass Connect was available, offering remote access and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring was optional. The Tacoma received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in most crash tests.

The 2020 Ford Ranger featured a comprehensive safety suite with Ford's CoPilot360 technologies, including automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. The Ranger received top scores in most IIHS crash tests, although it scored lower in passenger-side small overlap tests. The NHTSA awarded the Ranger a 4-star overall rating, with some lower scores in specific tests. A recall was issued for the Ranger's 10-speed automatic transmission, addressing a gear position issue.