2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 Ford Ranger

The 2020 Ford Ranger re-entered the American market as a larger and more sophisticated version of its international counterpart. It featured a design that was distinct from the typical American truck trend, with a clean and somewhat aggressive appearance that highlighted its sporty and capable nature. The interior of the Ranger was functional and modern, though not particularly inviting, with hard plastics that could withstand some wear and tear. The Ranger was available in three trims: XL, XLT, and Lariat, each offering a range of features from basic to more upscale, with options for various appearance and off-road packages.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma presented a classic truck aesthetic with its boxy fender flares, tall hood, and shield-like grille. It offered unique styling features in certain models, such as the Trail Edition and Nightshade Edition, and maintained a body-on-frame construction that favored towing and off-road capability. The Tacoma was available in Access Cab and Double Cab configurations, with the latter offering more passenger space. However, the interior space was limited, with the rear seats providing minimal headroom and legroom. The Tacoma's rugged styling extended to the interior, which was functional but not luxurious, especially at higher trim levels like the TRD Pro.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, offering either rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive with low-range gearing. The Ranger excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 7,500 pounds, and offered a payload capacity of 1,860 pounds in the SuperCab 4x2 configuration. The Ranger's ride was somewhat stiff, with noticeable chatter and body roll, but it offered off-road packages like the FX2 and FX4, which enhanced its off-road capabilities with features like Trail Control and the Terrain Management System.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma offered two engine options: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine was available with both automatic and manual transmissions, and the Tacoma featured a part-time 4WD system with a standard electronic rear limited-slip differential. The TRD models, including the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, enhanced the Tacoma's off-road prowess with features like upgraded suspension, Multi-Terrain Select drive modes, and Crawl Control. However, the Tacoma's on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and poor ride quality. Its towing capacity was 6,800 pounds, and the payload capacity was 1,685 pounds, both respectable but not class-leading.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab featured a 2+2 layout with rear-opening clamshell half-doors, while the SuperCrew offered a full four-door setup with seating for five. The SuperCrew provided more comfortable seating for adults, and both configurations offered ample storage options, including fold-up rear seats and various in-cabin storage compartments. The Ranger paired a six-foot bed with the SuperCab and a five-foot bed with the SuperCrew, offering features like a remote locking tailgate and LED bed lighting.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma's Double Cab configuration offered limited interior space, with the rear seats providing the least headroom and legroom in the segment. The front seats also lacked headroom, contributing to a bunker-like feel inside the cabin. The Tacoma's rear seats folded up to reveal storage cubbies, but overall in-cab storage was limited. The Tacoma's bed featured a standard rail system with tie-down cleats and an available 120-volt outlet, but it lacked innovative storage solutions found in some competitors.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's base XL trim offered basic entertainment features, including an AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. FordPass Connect was included, providing remote access features and WiFi hotspot capability. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim featured a premium B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen on the SR trim, while other models received an 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth. A six-speaker JBL audio system was available on higher trims. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features, with plain graphics and basic functionality. The TRD Pro model offered an optional Multi-Terrain Monitor surround-view camera system.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came standard with a comprehensive array of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The XLT trim added Ford CoPilot 360, which included lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Ranger received top scores in most IIHS crash tests and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it had a recall for an issue with the ten-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score for the passenger-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating. Standard driver-assist features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Tacoma's safety features were comprehensive, but the Ranger offered additional features like lane-keep assist and trailer blind-spot monitoring.