Fuel efficiency vs. towing power: toyota tundra vs. ford ranger showdown

The full-size pickup truck market is a fiercely competitive one, with two of the most popular models being the Toyota Tundra and the Ford Ranger. Both trucks offer a wide range of features and capabilities, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Toyota Tundra vs. Ranger head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Engine Power

The Toyota Tundra offers a choice of two powerful engines: a 5.7-liter V8 with 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Ranger, on the other hand, comes with a single engine option: a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of performance, the Tundra’s V8 engine provides more power and torque than the Ranger’s four-cylinder engine. However, the Ranger’s turbocharged engine offers better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway compared to the Tundra’s 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway for the V8 and 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the V6.

Towing and Payload Capacity

If towing and hauling are important to you, the Toyota Tundra has the advantage over the Ford Ranger. The Tundra has a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds when properly equipped, while the Ranger’s maximum towing capacity is 7,500 pounds. The Tundra also has a higher payload capacity, with a maximum of 2,280 pounds compared to the Ranger’s 1,860 pounds.

Off-Road Capabilities

Both the Toyota Tundra and the Ford Ranger offer off-road capabilities, but the Tundra has a slight edge in this area. The Tundra is available with a TRD Pro trim level that includes features such as a lifted suspension, off-road tires, and a locking rear differential. The Ranger, on the other hand, offers an FX4 Off-Road package that includes features such as all-terrain tires, an off-road suspension, and a locking rear differential.

Interior and Features

The interior of the Toyota Tundra is more spacious and comfortable than that of the Ford Ranger. The Tundra offers more headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in both the front and rear seats. The Tundra also comes with a wider range of standard and available features, including a larger touchscreen infotainment system, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

Safety Features

Both the Toyota Tundra and the Ford Ranger offer a wide range of safety features, including airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. The Tundra, however, has a slight advantage in this area, as it comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which includes features such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Ranger only offers these features as part of an optional package.

Price

The Toyota Tundra has a higher starting price than the Ford Ranger. The Tundra starts at $36,425 for the SR trim level, while the Ranger starts at $27,300 for the XL trim level. However, the Tundra offers more standard features than the Ranger, so the price difference may not be as significant as it seems.

Final Note

The Toyota Tundra and the Ford Ranger are both excellent full-size pickup trucks, but each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. The Tundra offers more power, towing capacity, and off-road capabilities, while the Ranger offers better fuel economy and a lower starting price. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which truck has a better towing capacity?
A: The Toyota Tundra has a higher towing capacity of 12,000 pounds compared to the Ford Ranger‘s 7,500 pounds.

Q: Which truck has a more comfortable interior?
A: The Toyota Tundra has a more spacious and comfortable interior with more headroom, legroom, and shoulder room.

Q: Which truck is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Ford Ranger is more fuel-efficient than the Toyota Tundra, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway compared to the Tundra’s 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway for the V8 and 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the V6.

Q: Which truck has a better safety rating?
A: The Toyota Tundra has a slight advantage in safety, as it comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which includes features such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Q: Which truck is more affordable?
A: The Ford Ranger has a lower starting price than the Toyota Tundra, with a starting price of $27,300 compared to the Tundra’s $36,425.