2021 Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma Comparison
If you are in the market for a new mid-size pickup, the 2021 Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma are often compared. Offering off-roading capabilities, considerable towing capacity, and ample cargo space, the mid-size pickup class is particularly versatile.
While both the Ranger and the Tacoma offer similar capabilities, the 2021 Ford Ranger speeds past the Toyota. The Ranger boasts a remarkable towing capacity and payload combined with exciting infotainment features, making it a top contender for a mid-size pickup.
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2021 Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma Performance
The 2021 Ford Ranger comes standard with one engine and, though it has fewer options than the Toyota Tacoma, the Ranger’s engine is exceedingly more capable than any of the Tacoma’s available powertrains. This includes an impressive towing capacity up to 7,500 lbs. and a best-in-class payload up to 1,860 lbs.
Choosing strength does not mean a comfortable ride is sacrificed. The Ford Ranger comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission that provides quick acceleration and effortless shifting. Additionally, its suspension absorbs most of the harshness of the road and provides great handling for a pickup.
2021 Ford Ranger
- Turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine with 270 HP and 310 lb.-ft. torque
- Standard 10-speed automatic transmission
- Up to 21mpg city, 26mpg highway
- Available Tremor off-road package
- Towing capacity up to 7, 500 lbs.
- Payload up to 1,860 lbs.
- Standard trailer sway control
- Up to 9.7-inches ground clearance
2021 Toyota Tacoma
- Standard 2.7L four-cylinder engine with 159 HP and 180 lb.-ft. of torque
- Available 3.5L V6 engine with 278 HP and 265 lb.-ft. of torque
- Standard six-speed manual transmission
- Available six-speed automatic transmission
- Up to 20 MPG city, 24 MPG highway
- Available TRD off-road trim
- Towing capacity 6,800lbs
- Payload up to 1,685lbs
- Available trailer sway control
2021 Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma Seating/Storage/Cargo
At first glance, the Ranger and the Tacoma appear similar in terms of seating, cargo, and storage. Both pickups seat between 4 and 5 people, and both come in either 5-foot or 6-foot bed lengths.
Ford sets itself apart from the rest with ample interior space, providing a comfortable backseat even for adults. Conversely, the Toyota’s rear seats are cramped with limited legroom. If cargo space is what you’re after, the Ford Ranger offers a unique option to omit the backseats altogether for additional storage.
2021 Ford Ranger
- Seats up to 5
- Option to forgo rear seats entirely on XL model
- Standard small-item storage throughout cabin
- Standard under-seat storage
- 6’ or 5’ bed length options
2021 Toyota Tacoma
- Seats up to 5
- Standard under-seat rear storage
- Standard removable tailgate and bed rail system with adjustable tie-downs
- 6’1” or 5’ bed length options
2021 Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma Technology Features
Across the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma, you’ll find similar technology features that are common in new vehicles. Ford is set apart by its latest SYNC3 infotainment system and available 8-inch touchscreen. Sync3 boasts bold graphics and a responsive touchscreen along with exciting features like Ford+Waze and Ford+Alexa.
2021 Ford Ranger
- Standard Bluetooth
- Standard 4 speakers
- Standard Wi-Fi hotspot
- Standard USB port
- Available remote start and push-button start
- Available 6 or 10-speaker audio system
- Available voice-controlled SYNC connectivity system with 4.2-inch screen
- Available SYNC3 infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen
- Available navigation
- Available 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
- Available satellite and HD radio
- Available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Two available USB ports
2021 Toyota Tacoma
- Standard 7-inch touchscreen
- Standard six-speaker sound system
- Standard Bluetooth
- Standard satellite radio
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Standard Amazon Alexa
- Available eight-inch touchscreen
- Available navigation
- Available wireless device charging
- Available six-speaker JBL premium stereo
- Available remote keyless entry
- Available push-button start
2021 Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma Safety Features
Both the Ranger and the Tacoma are equipped with the latest, most common safety features found in new vehicles. Still, the 2021 Ford Ranger is an excellent family vehicle and has key safety features to back it up. Notably, Ford comes standard with the Ford MyKey system, allowing speed and audio limits to be set for secondary drivers. This feature proves to be particularly useful for families with teenage drivers. It is also equipped with easy-to-use LATCH sets for child seats. Conversely, the Tacoma’s set of LATCH connectors are set deep in the seats and can be difficult to use.
2021 Ford Ranger
- Standard rearview camera
- Standard forward collision warning
- Standard automatic emergency braking
- Standard Ford MyKey system
- Standard traction control
- Available front and rear parking sensors
- Available cruise control
- Available adaptive cruise control
- Available lane departure warning
- Available lane keep assist
- Available blind spot monitoring
- Available rear cross traffic alert with trailer coverage
2021 Toyota Tacoma
- Standard forward collision warning
- Standard forward automatic emergency braking
- Standard pedestrian detection
- Standard lane departure warning
- Standard automatic high-beam lights
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- Available rear parking sensors
- Available blind spot monitoring
- Available rear cross traffic alert
2021 Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma Interior
Though neither the Ranger nor the Tacoma fall into the luxury vehicle category, the Ford Ranger still offers a polished interior and a comfortable ride. The Toyota Tacoma is scattered with hard plastics throughout its interior, even at the higher trim levels. The Ford Ranger offers higher quality materials and a sleek interior design at a lower price point.
2021 Ford Ranger
- Standard cloth upholstery
- Available premium cloth, vinyl, or leather upholstery
- Available leather-trimmed seats and leather wrapped steering wheel
- Available power-adjustable front seats
- Available heated front seats
- Available dual-zone automatic climate control
2021 Toyota Tacoma
- Available power adjustable driver’s seat
- Available dual-zone automatic climate control
- Available moonroof
- Available heated front seats
- Available leather-trimmed seats
- Available power sliding rear window
Why Buy From Heritage Ford near Louisville, KY?
If you are in the market for a mid-size pickup near Louisville, Kentucky, Heritage Ford is an excellent choice. We have an expansive inventory, and our experts want to help you find the vehicle that best suits you. The 2021 Ford Ranger blazes the trail when it comes to strength, versatility, and style, and we are confident you will love it as much as we do.
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