How the 2024 Ford Ranger Outperforms Its Rivals

It’s no secret that the Ford Ranger has been creating quite a scene since its return to the streets in 2019. From its capable work ethic to its intimidating appeal on the trails, there’s nowhere this midsize truck can’t travel. Many trucks on the market think they can go head-to-head with this industry giant—especially the braggadocious Toyota Tacoma—and although both trucks experienced a substantial redesign for the 2024 model year, the Ranger reigns on high yet again.

If you’re searching for a Ford dealer near Plainfield, Pearson Ford is here to be your trusted partner for your quest for your next vehicle. We’re experts on the Ford brand and the pickup segment in particular, which is why we feel so confident about the dominance of the Ford Ranger. Rivals should fear squaring up against the Ranger—and a prime example is how it decimates one of its main competitors, the Toyota Tacoma…

Towing & Trailering

Ford trucks are among the strongest in the industry, so it’s no surprise that the Ranger performs better than the Tacoma regarding towing. Armed with either a 2.3L EcoBoost Turbo I-4 or a formidable 2.7L EcoBoost Turbo V6, the Ranger can tow up to 7,500 lbs and haul up to 1,805 lbs of payload. The Tacoma, meanwhile, is only rated to tow a maximum of 6,500 lbs; when it comes to payload, it lacks there as well, falling short by 100 lbs.

It’s not just power that makes the Ranger an all-around better performer; it’s also trailering capabilities, as this truck is equipped with some of the most impressive trailering tech in the biz. The available class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist feature allows you to reverse with enhanced precision by twisting a knob at your fingertips. This makes it easy to guide your boat into the water, maneuver your camper around the campground, or get a trailer right up against the loading bay.

A Trailer Brake Controller allows you to manage your deceleration with precision, so when you hit the brakes, your trailer brakes as well, making it easy to coast through any driving scenario imaginable, even dense traffic. No matter what impedes your path to your destination, you can rest assured that the Ford Ranger and its impeccable trailering tech can handle it, making this one of the best pickup trucks on the market for refined towing and hauling.

Ravenous Raptor

Although the 2024 Tacoma includes its fair share of adventurous trims, it doesn’t have anything comparable to the performance-oriented Raptor model, and that’s a mighty disadvantage for Toyota fans. What makes the Raptor far more appealing to off-road enthusiasts is that it’s armed with the powerful 3.0L EcoBoost Turbo V6, which tackles the elements with 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the Tacoma’s off-road-oriented TRD Pro and Trailhunter models pale in comparison, given that they’re equipped with a Turbo I-4 Hybrid, which only makes 326 hp; your ride will taste sour with this lack of power.

The 2024 Ranger Raptor is a model all it’s own—rather than a trim—and it features superior off-road credibility to propel you to new territories with tremendous enthusiasm. From an on-demand two-speed transfer case and rear locking differentials to a reinforced suspension system and a stronger overall build, the Ranger Raptor is ready to handle any type of environment you find yourself in next.

Various drive modes, as well as Trail Control, work together to help you maneuver through challenging terrain like a seasoned professional, while 10.7 inches of ground clearance ensures that you’re able to coast over obstacles without even batting an eye. It’s immediately apparent that the Ranger Raptor is built to handle what other trucks can’t. It effortlessly glides over any terrain and offers a controlled ride, no matter what lies beneath its tires.

Intuitive Innovation

When it comes to tech, today’s vehicles are loaded up with some of the most impressive gadgets on the market, and you’ll find many of them nestled inside the Ranger’s comfortable cabin. Its standard 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen provides access to the innovative Sync 4 system, making it easy to stay in tune and in contact, even from the trails.

Although the Tacoma has been enhanced for 2024, its standard 8.0-inch touchscreen just doesn’t cut it these days. Drivers enjoy that Ford’s system is capable of over-the-air updates so that you’re always able to enjoy the latest innovation from the brand without having to bring your truck into the dealership for a physical upgrade. You’ll also be able to access contacts, messages, and more with just the sound of your voice in this Ford favorite.

Another big advantage of the Ranger is all the safety and driver assistance features you’ll enjoy. From parking assistance to trailering guidance and other available features, the Ford Ranger is ready to handle virtually anything. The Tacoma is armed with standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, but you won’t find as many or as comparable features as you will in the Ranger—features like BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert. These driver assistance tools come in handy for visibility in tough-to-see areas, as well as backing up with precision, even in busy parking lots.

Cabin Convenience

The Toyota Tacoma has always lacked in interior comfort, opting for a more practical approach to the drive rather than a modern one like you’ll find in the 2024 Ranger. The Ranger is ready to satisfy any driver, with honeycomb-patterned air vents to contemporary appointments throughout, including leather bucket seats, a ten-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and more engaging elements when choosing its upscale Lariat trim. You’ll also find plenty of storage solutions in the Ranger, including a large console bin for concealing valuables and under-seat storage in the rear—and the rear seats fold flat to afford you more space for more gear, whether you’re loading up for the job site, the campsite, a road trip, etcetera.

The 2024 Ranger also showcases a wider bed for 2024 to handle materials like plywood, drywall, and other large items. Its functional tailgate can be configured into a workbench to help you measure materials, lay plans or paperwork, and more—right there on the job site. The Ranger is ready to accommodate anything you need inside and out, making it one of the most functional pickups on the road.

The Ranger KO’s the Tacoma

From intense power to the exciting Raptor trim, the 2024 Ford Ranger is shaking things up in the midsize truck segment. Its cutting-edge innovation, ample cargo volume, and comfortable cabin ambiance continue to set it apart from its competitors. The Tacoma just doesn’t make the grade, with its lack of towing power, less-than-comfortable cabin space, and meager hybrid engine in its off-road-ready models.

Ford has been around for over a century, giving it plenty of time to perfect its offerings like no other automaker can, including Toyota. Whether you’re searching for a rugged rebel in the wilderness or a dedicated workmate, the 2024 Ranger offers you everything you could ask for. When you want to take your drive to the next level, the Ranger is ready to propel you forward with jaw-dropping power and intense finesse—something that other trucks just can’t imitate, the Toyota Tacoma included.