What truck would you get?

Step up to the SR5. Better interior package. The rear-locker is minimal issue, the reality is you may need it a very few times if at all.
Toyota resell value alone is a big reason to pick it.
Good luck on finding anything, by any manufacturer.

 

The manual transmission programming solved that issue.

 

They exclusively did all Manual Transmission models, Access Cab models, Pro's, and Canadian market models but over the past year or so they started shifting those away and will stop completely at the end of model year 2021.

 

Thank you for that info!

 

Hypothetically, I'd buy the Toyota SR

I buy a would not buy a Ford - especially with a Turbo.

Ford has build crappy turbos for a long time -yes. (some early ones were down right useless...). I would hope they are better now...

But it is not an issue of experience in building turbos. It is more about build quality and precise tolerances required (both are attributes that Ford is not known for...)
HOWEVER physics also plays a part... turbos are delicate, expensive to repair, AND put more stress on the rest of the engine parts which again furthers the need for high build quality and precise tolerances. This is how turbos work, right?

In reality, I would not buy either because the MT was a primary criteria for me. The fact that Toyota offered the Tacoma in an MT - made it an very easy decision.

 

AC Tacoma OR 4x4 with a manual transmission is the answer to this question. You are, consciously or not, broadcasting that you want a manual with a diff locker.

This market is insane though...

 

You add should add new Frontier to your shopping list.

 

The OP would have to go to Canada for that model though, the Sport is the only AC MT here.

 

Are we allowed to visit the Nissan dealership?

Current scenario, Toyota.

 

Further context:

> Around 60% of 3rd gens were made in the Mexico plants, the other 40% in San Antonio.

> A Mexico-based plant has more quality awards than the Texan one.

> Tacoma production is being 100% shifted to MX. No US jobs lost.

https://www.hagerty.com/media/news/toyota-to-move-all-tacoma-production-to-mexico/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Motor_Manufacturing_de_Baja_California


People get stupid xenophobic (even dog-whistle racist) about this shit.



On topic: Great question for a Tacoma forum, OP. Big brain move.

 

Ah yes that’s very strange! The AC that I test drove with a manual was indeed a sport, I forgot about that.

OP, if an MT really isn’t a priority I’d go SR5 Tacoma. The SX package is just cosmetic after all.

 

But have they learned or improved much? Remember Focus RS?

 

Just because they have experience, doesn't mean they learned anything. I burned out two exhaust valves on my '84 SVO because the engine leaned out during a downshift and another time also blew a huge cloud of oily smoke out the tailpipe racing an old 911. The crankcase breather was unbaffled in the valve cover and could suck up engine oil like a straw under hard boost.

 

You do realize that you are asking in a Tacoma forum if we like a Tacoma or a Ford .

 

Id still choose a tacoma. The Ford Ranger has like 5 inches of rake from the factory and its very unsettling

 

I had a similar option and even test drove a well-equipped Ranger, but still went with the Tacoma.

Resale value is a key factor. Tacoma’s hold their value much better than Rangers.

FWIW, my new Tacoma was built in Mexico, so I’m glad to hear of that plant’s quality awards. It doesn’t make sense to be xenophobic about an object that was largely built by robots.

 

Can confirm, my Canadian market ACLB was made in Mexico. Took delivery in March 2021.

 

I test drove a 2019 ranger before I bought my 2020 Tacoma. It was a little too car like for me.

 

I liked the powertrain of the ranger much better than my tacoma, but that was it. the interior is terrible in my opinion. i am on the dark side in my colorado zr2 diesel these days, turns out it has been fantastic so far. i've also gotten trade offers that are not much lower than what i paid for it. very tough to find these in canada so the resale is high. that said next truck will either be the same or trd pro manual... the toyota is about 2k less the way i want it configured...

 

Not sure if it matters OP, but I've heard that thr ranger is slated for a redesign in the next few years as the current version is just a refresh to meet U.S. regulations on the ranger that already existed globally.

To that end, we will also see a new model tacoma in 2024 as well, so not too far off.

If I were choosing between the two, as others have said I needed a double cab so that would make the ranger the only choice from your options. That said, personally I think the ranger is hideous and bland, and wouldn't want to own one myself so I'd either look at the DC tacoma or wait.

Edit: you didn't even mention the Colorado, those can be nice and imo, better than the ranger.

Edit2: and I used to be a ford guy myself