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The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger are competitive compact pickup truck models. They both provide excellent value in different areas. Bigger isn’t always better, but the dimensions of a truck can provide crucial information for consumers curious about cabin space and truck bed length. Is the Toyota Tacoma larger than the Ford Ranger?

The Toyota Tacoma is the longer truck, but is it the better truck?

A green Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup truck is parked on dirt.
The Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

The Toyota Tacoma is about 212.3 inches long, 74.4 inches wide, and 70.6 inches high. It has a bed length of about 60.5 inches. The rear row has 28.1 cubic feet of space. The Tacoma is classified as a midsize or compact pickup truck, rivaling models like the Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline.

It starts at $26,700. The Toyota Tacoma uses a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine to make 159 horsepower. It achieves 20 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Toyota Tacoma retains its value incredibly well over time. Used Tacoma sales skyrocketed throughout the pandemic as the automotive industry experienced supply chain issues. The Taco just keeps on getting more popular over time because of its unique capabilities. It is the dominant off-road pickup truck in its vehicle segment.

The Tacoma tosses comfort and ride quality aside in favor of rugged, off-roading prowess. Consumers love the Taco because it is born to be wild and is now offered with even more capability in certain trim levels like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road.

The Ford Ranger is no longer the Blue Oval’s smallest pickup

The Ford Ranger was once the Blue Oval’s smallest pickup truck. Today, the Maverick has taken its place as the smallest truck in Ford’s lineup. The Ranger offers plenty of utility, yet it’s small enough to park and maneuver more easily than larger pickup trucks.

The Ford Ranger is about 211 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 71 inches high. Its truck bed is about 60 inches long. Its bed length can increase to 72 inches for some trim levels and configurations. The Ranger has 30.4 inches of second-row legroom. The Toyota Tacoma is slightly longer, and the Ranger is slightly wider.

The midsize pickup truck starts at $25,500. It uses a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine to make 270 horsepower. The Ranger gets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. Consumers enjoy the midsize pickup because of its towing capability, turbo engine option, and many driver assistance features.

Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger

A green Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup truck is driving off-road.
The Toyota Tacoma | Toyota
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How Much Does a Fully Loaded 2022 Toyota Tacoma Cost?

The Toyota Tacoma costs $1,200 more than the Ford Ranger. The Ford Ranger is more powerful and has slightly better fuel economy than the Toyota Tacoma. When it comes to the Toyota Tacoma vs. the Ford Ranger, the Ranger is the more well-rounded pickup truck. That being said, the Tacoma is a better off-road truck.

If you’re looking for the better daily driver, the Ford Ranger has a clear advantage. If you plan on regularly taking the road less traveled, the Taco is the way to go.