When you’re shopping for rugged capabilities, modern comforts, and off-road adventure in midsize form, both the 2020 Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma deliver the goods. For anyone having trouble telling them apart, our comparison guide is here to take a closer look. We want to help North Charleston drivers select the best midsize truck for their personal needs.
Comfort
Comfort and Refinement: 2020 Ford Ranger
For interior comfort, the Ranger has the Tacoma beat. Whether you choose the extended SuperCab or SuperCrew body style, this Ford pickup is big on passenger space. Seating is another high point, with cushy padding and supportive contours to keep you comfortable for hours of driving. As you climb the Ranger trim levels, you’ll find more and more to love, including features like remote ignition and leather upholstery.
The Toyota Tacoma also treats you to plenty of passenger space. People of all heights will appreciate the driver’s seat and its wide-ranging adjustments. And outward visibility is great, thanks to the Tacoma’s big windows and low hood profile. But this midsize truck does have a tall step-in height, so that’s something to consider if you’re worried about your knees. And, though the Tacoma generally rides smoothly, hard braking can lead to a nosedive, cutting back on comfort levels.
Savvy Tech
Savvy Tech Lineup: 2020 Ford Ranger
Once again, the 2020 Ford Ranger takes the lead. Its Sync 3 infotainment system is extremely likable, with a fast-acting 8-inch touchscreen and cutting-edge smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Ford’s innate infotainment technology is intuitive and easy to use. And every Ranger comes standard with helpful safety aids – like forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking – so drivers can stay ahead of on-road dangers.
This year, the Tacoma has finally added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to its lineup. That is good news – especially because Toyota’s innate infotainment technology isn’t as intuitive or easy to use as these smartphone integration options. On the safety front, however, the Tacoma is neck-and-neck with the Ranger. Toyota’s midsize truck also features standard driver aids, including lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
Off-Road Adventure
Off-Road Adventure: 2020 Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma’s specialty off-road models, the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, offer an advanced take on adventure. Not only do they give you a superior approach angle in off-road settings, but they also improve precision with features like a lockable center differential and sturdy shock absorbers.
While the Ranger doesn’t offer any specialty off-road trim models, it still provides plenty of potential for adventure. Like the Tacoma, every Ranger offers optional four-wheel drive. This performance technology supplies the traction you need to tackle rugged trails. The FX2 and FX4 Off-Road packages are available to add features like an off-road-ready suspension and trail-ready tires.
Towing and Hauling Capabilities
Towing and Hauling Capabilities: 2020 Ford Ranger
The Ranger is the strongest of the pair. With the right equipment, this midsize Ford truck can tow up to 7,500 pounds. Its payload capabilities are equally impressive; you can load up the bed with up to 2,080 pounds’ worth of stuff. If you’re looking to tow an especially heavy toy – like a boat or a pair of Jet Skis – or haul lots of work gear, the Ranger is your best bet.
By comparison, the Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds. Depending on configuration, this midsize truck can haul payloads weighing up to 1,620 pounds. It’s not as capable as the Ranger, but some North Charleston drivers may find that it suits their own needs just fine.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma impresses with its off-road capabilities, but the 2020 Ford Ranger is our overall pick. This midsize pickup truck is the total package, with robust towing and hauling capabilities, modern creature comforts, and impressive off-road options. Visit us at Jones Ford to experience everything the Ranger has to offer.