Choosing between the 2025 Ford Ranger and the 2025 Toyota Tacoma isn’t easy—both midsize trucks bring serious capability, modern tech, and rugged styling. Whether you need a truck for daily driving, weekend adventures, or serious hauling, both have something to offer. Let’s break down how these two pickups compare in performance, towing, and features so you can decide which one fits your needs best.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The 2025 Ford Ranger’s trims range in price from $34,575 to $48,860; the Tacoma’s trims are priced from $33,805 to $54,050. Prices are effective April 1, 2025.
- Both the Ranger and Tacoma have seen only minor changes for the new model year.
- The Ranger is tops at towing and cargo—it has a max capacity of 7,500 pounds with a payload capacity of 1,805 pounds. The Tacoma’s maximum towing capacity is less, at 6,500 pounds. Its cargo capacity is 1,705 pounds.
Changes and Upgrades for the 2025 Ford Ranger vs 2025 Toyota Tacoma
According to Motor Trend, the 2025 Ford Ranger has few cosmetic changes.
- Ruby Red Metallic, Desert Sand and Marsh Gray have been added to the pickups color choices;
- Cactus Gray, Iconic Silver and Hot Pepper Red are discontinued
- A Black Appearance package adds black accents to the Ranger’s grille, bumper and wheels.
The Tacoma is only in its second year of its fourth generation—aside from the addition of front tow hooks and available auxiliary switches across the lineup, and the addition of the color Terra to all TRD models, it remains the same from 2024.
Engine Power and Performance: 2025 Ford Ranger vs. 2025 Toyota Tacoma – Which Truck Delivers?
So, which truck is more powerful? This is the Ranger’s category to win—it features:
- A standard 2.3-liter turbocharged I-4 delivering 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- An available 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 cranking out 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The Tacoma also has two options, but they are not as powerful. Its engine is a standard turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. The base trim’s engine is 228 horsepower; however, the other trims generate 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Rear- and four-wheel drive are available for your trim choice.
Ranger pickups can tow up to 7,500 pounds and haul up to 1,805 pounds when properly equipped; however, their four-wheel drive system has a lower payload capacity of 1,711 pounds. That still beats the Tacoma—it can tow up to 6,500 pounds and has 1,705 pounds of cargo capacity.
The Ranger’s 2.3L four-cylinder engine gets about 21/25 mpg city/highway (rear-wheel drive) and 20/24 mpg (four-wheel drive). Its 2.7L V6 engine gets 19/23 mpg city/highway (four-wheel drive)
The Tacoma gets 21 mpg/city and 26 mpg/highway. Four-wheel drive models max out at 20 mpg/city and 23 mpg/highway.
Both the 2025 Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma bring plenty to the table, but the Ranger’s stronger engine options and better towing capacity make it the more capable choice. Whether you're hauling gear, hitting the trails, or just cruising around town, the Ranger gives you more power without sacrificing comfort. If you want a midsize truck that works hard and plays even harder, stop by our Karl Flammer showroom today!