The midsize truck segment has seen fierce competition in recent years, with the 2021 Toyota Tacoma and 2021 Ford Ranger vying for the attention of pickup enthusiasts. In this detailed comparison, we'll dive into key aspects of these trucks to help you make an informed choice.
2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Ford Ranger: Pickup Trucks Compared
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Toyota Tacoma at 8 out of 10 for its rugged and traditional truck design. The Tacoma's iconic styling includes boxy fender flares, a bold grille, and clean, functional lines. Notably, the Tacoma offers unique styling features in some trims, such as the Trail Edition with distinctive wheels and the Nightshade Edition with blacked-out trim. The top-tier TRD Pro boasts a rugged look with exclusive elements like LED fog lights and Lunar Rock color.
Inside, the Tacoma maintains its rugged charm with a robust dashboard featuring chunky plastic elements. While the material quality suits the base models, it may feel somewhat lacking in the more expensive TRD Pro trim. However, this aligns with the TRD Pro's focus on off-road prowess rather than luxury.
The 2021 Ford Ranger also receives an 8 out of 10 rating for its design. Compared to the Tacoma, the Ranger offers a more streamlined appearance. Rather than the upright grille and boxy dimensions of the Tacoma, the Ranger sports a sloped front grille and a rear end that looks like it sits a bit higher than the front end.
The Ranger Tremor package adds unique features, including dark gray wheels, all-terrain tires, and red grille accents, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. Inside, the Ranger boasts a clean and contemporary cabin design with user-friendly controls, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and pleasing switchgear.
Performance
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Tacoma at 7 out of 10 for performance. Toyota offers two powertrain options: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower and a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 278 horsepower. The V6 employs Toyota's D4S fuel-injection system for better fuel efficiency. The Tacoma also features various off-road enhancements, including a locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks, Multi-Terrain Select drive modes, and Crawl Control. On the road, the Tacoma maintains a traditional truck feel but suffers from somewhat slow acceleration and a moan from the exhaust.
The Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds and has a maximum payload capacity of 1,685 pounds, making it respectable but not class-leading.
The 2021 Ford Ranger also earns a 7 out of 10 for performance. It comes equipped with a potent turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine delivers brisk acceleration and a refined driving experience.
The Ranger Tremor package enhances off-road capabilities with an off-road suspension, Terrain Management System, electronic locking rear differential, and Trail Control. It boasts impressive ground clearance, approach angles, and maneuverability.
When it comes to towing and payload, the Ranger offers up to 7,500 pounds of towing capacity and 1,860 pounds of payload, making it one of the class leaders.
Form and Function
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma earns a 6 out of 10 for form and function. While it offers a choice of body styles, including Access Cab and Double Cab, it falls short in rear-seat space, with limited headroom and legroom. The cabin feels somewhat cramped and bunker-like, affecting visibility.
In terms of storage, the Tacoma features rear-seat storage cubbies and a wireless charging pad but lacks clever in-bed storage solutions.
The 2021 Ford Ranger scores 5 out of 10 for form and function. The Ranger Tremor offers convenient features like step bars, a passcode entry system, and comfortable front seats. However, taller drivers may find the driver's seat lacking in adjustability for a higher position.
Rear-seat space is more accommodating than most rivals, except for the Honda Ridgeline. The cargo bed is roomy, but it could benefit from additional storage solutions.
Technology
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Toyota Tacoma's technology at 6 out of 10. While the Tacoma doesn't lead the pack in this department, it still offers a respectable range of tech features.
The base Tacoma SR trim comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, while all other Tacoma models get an 8-inch touchscreen. Standard tech features across the Tacoma lineup include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio (with a three-month free trial). Additionally, higher trim levels offer an optional six-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer for enhanced audio quality.
The Tacoma's infotainment system, although functional, doesn't stand out as a highlight. It features a responsive touchscreen and user-friendly interface with shortcut buttons for main menus and steering-wheel-mounted controls. However, the graphics are rather plain, and Toyota doesn't offer advanced features beyond basic functions like navigation and phone connectivity. An optional Multi-Terrain Monitor surround-view camera system is available on select trims, aiding off-road navigation and parking.
In contrast, the 2021 Ford Ranger takes a step ahead in the technology department, earning an impressive 8 out of 10 rating from CarGurus experts.
The Ranger comes equipped with Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system, boasting an 8-inch touchscreen display. This feature-rich system includes voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, AppLink with Waze and Ford + Alexa, and FordPass Connect with a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot for connectivity on the go. The Ranger also offers an optional Bang & Olufsen premium sound system for exceptional audio quality.
During testing, the voice-recognition technology in the Ranger's Sync 3 system displayed occasional inconsistencies. However, it still offers a wide range of functionalities, from providing directions to controlling media playback. Furthermore, the climate control system is seamlessly integrated with Sync 3, allowing drivers to adjust settings conveniently using voice commands.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Toyota Tacoma's safety at 7 out of 10, indicating a strong focus on safety features and performance.
In crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Tacoma Double Cab received top "Good" scores in most categories, with an "Acceptable" rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test. Headlight ratings vary depending on the trim level, with a mix of "Good" and "Marginal" scores. However, the Tacoma excels in front-crash prevention tech, earning the highest "Superior" rating.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded both the Access Cab and Double Cab configurations a four-star overall rating, with high marks in frontal and side crash tests.
The Tacoma comes well-equipped with standard driver-assist features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. These features enhance safety, making the Tacoma a solid choice for safety-conscious buyers.
The 2021 Ford Ranger also boasts commendable safety features and earns a CarGurus safety rating of 7 out of 10.
Ford equips the Ranger with its Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist features, which includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. Notably, this blind-spot system offers coverage for both the truck and any attached trailer, enhancing safety while towing.
Additional safety-oriented features include rain-sensing wipers, wiper-activated headlights, a wiper de-icer system, and front and rear parking sensors, which aid in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
In terms of safety ratings, the Ranger performs well in crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA gives it an overall rating of four stars, primarily due to a three-star rollover resistance rating. In IIHS testing, the Ranger achieves top scores in most categories, with a rating of "Acceptable" for front-passenger protection in the small-overlap frontal-impact test and a "Marginal" rating for headlights.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Toyota Tacoma's cost-effectiveness at 5 out of 10. While the Tacoma is known for its reliability and ruggedness, it may not be the most economical choice in terms of certain aspects.
In terms of fuel economy, the base four-cylinder Tacoma achieves EPA ratings of 21 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 23 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 20 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway) with four-wheel drive (4WD). When equipped with the automatic transmission, the V6 Tacoma returns nearly the same fuel economy, at 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway) with RWD and 20 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 22 mpg highway) with 4WD. However, opting for the manual transmission with the V6 engine results in decreased fuel efficiency, at 18 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway).
The TRD Pro model, known for its off-road prowess, incurs a fuel economy penalty, returning 18 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 20 mpg highway).
Pricing for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma starts at $27,325 for a base RWD SR with the Access Cab. Our 4WD TRD Pro Double Cab test vehicle, equipped with various features, had a base MSRP of $47,955, making it one of the more expensive Tacomas available. While it may not offer the best value in terms of pricing, the Tacoma retains its reputation for reliability, which can't be said for some American competitors.
In contrast, the 2021 Ford Ranger presents a more balanced picture of cost-effectiveness, earning a 7 out of 10 rating from CarGurus experts.
While the Ranger may not be the most budget-friendly option in its segment, it stands out for its well-rounded appeal. It offers a comfortable interior, a capable turbocharged engine, high tow and haul ratings, and impressive off-road capabilities with the Tremor package.
The Ranger's pricing aligns with its competition, with the Ranger Lariat Tremor and similarly equipped rivals offering similar price points.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is 6.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford Ranger scores 7 out of 10.
Choose the 2021 Toyota Tacoma if:
You prioritize a rugged, no-nonsense truck designed for towing, hauling, and off-roading.
Reliability is a top consideration, and you value Toyota's reputation for building dependable vehicles.
You prefer the iconic styling and the traditional truck feel offered by the Tacoma.
In conclusion, both the 2021 Toyota Tacoma and the 2021 Ford Ranger have their strengths and are suitable for different types of buyers. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific needs and preferences, but in terms of overall scoring, CarGurus experts give the advantage to the 2021 Ford Ranger.
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