I'm not asking about reliability. I've owned both Toyota and Ford vehicles. But when it comes to trucks, I'm not very experienced because I'm going to buy the first one and it will replace my Camry. I don't want to own 2 vehicles at once.
The main reason I want a truck now is I own a small business and I need a mid size truck to buy supplies. I won't need a big truck like a F150. My supplies are gigantic. I will also use the truck for daily commute. I live in a densed city as well so parking a F150 will be a war lol. I've heard that the interior of the Tacoma is quite small. I'll go to the dealers to see them both to confirm that.
One thing I won't be able to find out at the dealerships is how much "truck" I can get out of the Ranger or the Tacoma.
I'd appreciate if anyone who has had experience with these two trucks input.
Adding @USAFdozerpilot to the discussion
Clarification: How many years and miles do you need to get out of it?
Ranger will out tow and has more power. With that comes a small, turbo charged, GDI motor. More plumbing and maintenance over time. Small fuel tank only 18 gallons. The 10 speed transmission is still going through the phases of working kinks out to get it right. Tacoma is a tried and true V6 with eh amount of power and not impressive towing capability. With that comes less plumbing which means theoretically less that goes wrong. The 8 speed transmission is not bad but it not good either, unless Toyota has worked that issue out by now. Both motors the 2.3 Ecoboost for ranger and the V6 for Tacoma you can find on motorreviewer.com. They will tell you everything you need to know about. Both motors. Ranger will be cheaper upfront and you could get more for your buck if you care about that. If you’re wanting to take this truck over 150k mi in this case I’d pick Tacoma. As you said you will use it for a work truck Id follow the severe maintenance schedule and keep up with it 100%. IF you go with the ranger, do not follow Fords maintenance schedule. Way to long intervals. install an oil catch can immediately to prevent carbon buildup, change the oil on time every time meaning no more then 5000 mi, change spark plugs EVERY 60k mi and theoretically the ranger should do you well. It’s still a relatively new truck on the market and it’s hard to say how that motor and transmission will hold up over time.
The Tacoma automatic transmission was 6-speed. Also, depending on the trim you can get a 6-speed manual to go with the 3.5L V6.
@daywalker my mistake, thanks for the correction 👍. I know many people have reported that transmission like the 8 speed has been a rough shifter and bumps people around. I’m just unaware if Toyota has fixed that issue with a software update or something.
You say you aren't asking about reliability... If you aren't worried about reliability the Ranger is a much better bet.
Between better numbers in fuel economy, power, and price, the Ranger is the only option. (if you aren't worried about its life in 7-10 years)
They Tacoma will probably have fewer issues over an extended period of time, but if you aren't worried about that go Ranger.
There's no question about it, Toyota by far.
I would suggest adding the Frontier to your research if you want a good middle ground. The 2020 and up has a DI 3.8 engine that’s still new-ish, so I might suggest looking at 2019 or older for the well-established 4.0 minus the DI.
