Ranger and tacoma gas mileage face-off: who offers the best value for your pocketbook?

When it comes to midsize pickup trucks, fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for drivers. The Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma are two popular options in this segment, and their gas mileage performance is often a key consideration for buyers. In this blog post, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma gas mileage, exploring their respective strengths and weaknesses in this area.

Fuel Economy Ratings

The official fuel economy ratings provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) serve as a benchmark for comparing the gas mileage of vehicles. According to the EPA, the 2023 Ford Ranger has an estimated fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma, on the other hand, has an estimated fuel economy rating of 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for the 3.5L V6 engine.

Engine and Transmission Options

The Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma offer a range of engine and transmission options that can impact their gas mileage. The Ranger is available with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard. The Tacoma comes with a 3.5L V6 engine mated to either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.

Drivetrain Configurations

The drivetrain configuration can also affect fuel efficiency. The Ford Ranger is available with both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options. The Toyota Tacoma also offers RWD and 4WD configurations, as well as an optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Generally, RWD vehicles tend to have better fuel economy than 4WD or AWD vehicles.

Towing and Payload Capacity

Towing and payload capacity can impact fuel consumption, especially when carrying heavy loads. The Ford Ranger has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,860 pounds. The Toyota Tacoma offers a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,685 pounds. Vehicles with higher towing and payload capacities tend to have lower fuel economy when these capabilities are utilized.

Real-World Fuel Economy

While EPA fuel economy ratings provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and other factors. According to Fuelly, a website that tracks real-world fuel economy data, the average fuel economy for the Ford Ranger is 19.5 mpg, while the average fuel economy for the Toyota Tacoma is 18.2 mpg.

Fuel-Saving Features

Both the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma offer fuel-saving features to help maximize gas mileage. The Ranger features an Auto Start-Stop system that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is idling, such as at stoplights. The Tacoma comes equipped with an Eco mode that adjusts engine and transmission settings to enhance fuel efficiency.

Key Points: The Fuel-Efficient Choice

Based on the comparison of EPA fuel economy ratings, real-world fuel economy data, and fuel-saving features, the Ford Ranger has a slight edge over the Toyota Tacoma in terms of gas mileage. However, both trucks offer competitive fuel efficiency within the midsize pickup truck segment. The specific choice between the two vehicles will depend on individual needs, priorities, and driving habits.

Questions You May Have

Q: Which vehicle has better fuel economy in the city?
A: The Ford Ranger has slightly better fuel economy in the city, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg compared to the Tacoma’s 20 mpg.

Q: Which vehicle has better fuel economy on the highway?
A: The Ford Ranger also has better fuel economy on the highway, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg compared to the Tacoma’s 23 mpg.

Q: Which vehicle has a higher maximum towing capacity?
A: The Ford Ranger has a higher maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds compared to the Tacoma’s 6,800 pounds.