Motor Trend Jumps Right In: Tacoma vs. Ranger

I understand this is Tacomaworld, and I have a Tacoma (!), but I do like to see the market that Toyota is playing in. Very curious to see the new Frontier. I don't think it will knock the Tacoma off its perch as the clear market leader in sales but I do think the Frontier will be number 2 before long. Certainly top three. They are still selling a reasonable amount of the current ones and it is like a 15. year old design. No question Nissan is in the game and will give everyone under the Tacoma a run for the money. They may even grab some Tacoma buyers as well. I am with you. Will be interesting to keep an eye on.

The Ford Maverick is really interesting. Can't wait to see it come out and how it looks. Given that Ford is getting out of the sedan market, this could be the Ford Focus of trucks. If they price it right, it could also become a cult / mod favorite. Again, may not eat into the Tacoma sales -- that is to be seen -- but a very intriguing entry into the market.

Exciting times ...

 

I loved my 2000 frontier. I think that one was an innovator - first compact crew cab in the US. Nissans are great if you buy them to keep mostly stock. You have very few options when it comes to modding.

I'll be watching it closely to see how it compares. Similarly equipped, with similar towing, an inch smaller all the way around, but with slightly higher payload. I could definitely use the couple hundred pounds extra capacity and it does hold some nostalgia.

 

Me too. Not because I am trading in my Tacoma but because I am generally curious. Look at the table here. Think about this. They sold almost 55K Frontiers last year with an outdate truck. Not outside the realm of possibility that they can easily double that number with the new model (granted, it is coming half way through the year, but still!).

 

Yeah but you can sell anything if you lower the price enough....

It’s impressive how much the Tacomas go for and hold their value for and still get the high sales

 

Agree. 100 percent. But this is not a discussion about number 1. Toyota sold 238K Tacomas in the same period. This is about the battle for second place.

 

Coworker this week called second place “first loser” haha

Second place in sales also doesn’t mean 2nd best truck. I couldn’t care where the Tacoma falls in sales numbers as long as the quality stays where it is.

 

I think the Ranger will probably continue to hold onto 2nd spot even with a New Frontier coming.

 

I sat in a new Ranger when they launched. Simple thing about it was, I felt like I was sitting in a Focus crossed with a Transit. I'm sure, by all metrics, and numbers, and probably towing, the ranger is a better truck. Hell, I wouldn't mind owning one if the Taco didn't exist. But what made me smile? The Tacoma. Makes me grin like a child. Also, the interior made me go "Yeah! Let's go bury this thing to the rockers in mud!" and the Rangers made me go "time to go pick the kids up from school and check the stock exchange and then look at charts". I am 17. Which do you think I wanted more and worked my ass off to buy more?

 

Tacoma resale values vs Ranger resale values is a pretty good indicator of how the market views these 2 trucks. I consider myself a "Ford Guy" as I've owned many and currently own a '15 Mustang GT and recently traded a F250 for my Tacoma (didn't really need the capability of a F250 and parking was simply a daily PITA. Otherwise a great truck but I decided to take advantage of the hot trade market). I considered a Ranger but have 2 co-workers who despise their F150 eco-boost trucks and I just have no faith in the entire "EcoBoost" line. I just read today there has been a class-action suit filed over internal coolant leaks on EcoBoost 4-bangers with common symptoms of misfire and seized spark plugs in the affected cylinder(s). I do realize Toyotas are not perfect and some Tacoma owners have had to have head work done due to, what appears to be, valve sealing issues in the 3.5 V6. However, Ford seems to be having a serious of unfortunate events in recent years and are in need on some QA/QC overhaul.

 

My wife and I bought a 2020 Explorer with the 2.3 Turbo and 10 speed. My brother a 2020 Ranger with the same engine/transmission. That engine/transmission combo kicks ass. Only time will tell about longevity, but Ford has been building the Ecoboost engines for 10 years now. They had some growing pains with 2011 and 2012 models, but no major issues since.

The power and torque of that 2.3 is awesome. I can be cruising at 70-75 and if I need to accelerate to get into a better position to change lanes can be doing 80-90 mph almost instantly. It has lots more torque than Tacoma, and does it at lower rpm's. My Explorer will get 25-26 mpg at the speed limit, my brothers 4X4 crew cab Ranger 24-25 mpg. And then there is cost. My brother drove his off the lot for $33,000.

The Ranger is rated to tow 7500 lbs, has a hitch rating of 750 lbs without a WDH, and my brothers payload is 1550 lbs. That's 1000 lbs. more towing than Tacoma, 250 lbs better hitch rating and 300-500 lbs more payload. I don't expect to actually tow 7500 with a Ranger, but it'll come closer to 7500 than a Tacoma will 6500. It is poor payload numbers that kill a Tacoma.

You can run 33" tires on a 4X4 Ranger without lifting the truck. Parked side by side my Tacoma LOOKS bigger to me, but the difference is pretty small. I don't have any plans to buy one right now. In addition to my Tacoma I also have a F150. My old Tacoma serves my small truck needs. But there are times when I just need a bigger truck than either. But if I were in the market for a smaller truck today I'd be a Ranger

 

I haven't sat in a new Ranger yet, I'd like to see what the seating position is like and see how the truck drives. Yes the Ranger does look like a Focus inside. I like the less techy interior of the Ranger over the Tacoma, it's so boring I don't want to take my eyes off of the road.

I think Toyota is paying very close attention to what is happening in the world of the Ranger. The 2nd gen Tacoma and 4th gen Ranger were very differnt trucks the 3rd gen and 5th gen of today are a lot a like. I'd say the Ranger is more advanced than the Tacoma with it's turbo4 and 10spd transmission.

Even if it's not a competition, because no midsize will outsell the Tacoma. Toyota has to pay attention to what the Ranger does. The TRD/Bilstein dealer installed lift was a direct response to the Ranger Tremor. Ford dealers won't get away with the market adjustment on the Tremmor, and Toyota does not want to lose potential Pro customers.

 

Seating position felt really upright to me. And yea, I know it's more advanced, and probably better. I still don't like it as much as my Tacoma.

 

I absolutely would be willing to get another Nissan if they are talking a deal. Money is money, and I have 0 brand loyalty. Problem is they are going to be pricing it very close to the Taco, and that is too close for me. I'm not currently in the market so I'm all for the market being flooded with new trucks and more options. One day I will be in the market and it would be nice to have more than 3 options.

 

This thread has had some weird affect on me as I saw in traffic yesterday a leveled Ranger. It looked like it had a3/1 lift or such as it had the stock tires with about 8" of clearance between the wheel and bottom of the front fender. It looked silly, but it was level. First Ranger I have seen that did not look like a 70's Camaro with air shocks in the rear.

 

You are probably right. But it will be fun to watch, for sure !