Which midsize truck is right for your Midwest lifestyle, the 2025 Ford Ranger or 2025 Toyota Tacoma? Whether you’re shopping for work or play (or both!), our comparison guide helps you select the strongest, most comfortable pickup truck!
Key Takeaways
- The Ranger works harder than the Tacoma, pulling the biggest trailer and hauling the heaviest payloads.
- Both trucks can handle off-road terrain, but the Ranger takes performance to the next level!
- Recently redesigned, the Ranger’s cutting-edge tech features leave the competition in the dust.
- The 2025 Toyota Tacoma (from $31,590) comes at a slightly friendlier price than the 2025 Ford Ranger (from $33,080).
Maximum Muscle: 2025 Ford Ranger
Whether you’re shopping for fun-loving speed or maximum muscle, the 2025 Ranger is the go-to midsize truck. Now available with two V6 engines, Ford’s midsize truck takes performance to new heights. It also tows the biggest camper (or boat trailer), with ratings of up to 7,500 pounds. Plus, the Ranger helps you get through the work week in top form, hauling payloads of up to 1,805 pounds!
2025 Ford Ranger Powertrain Options
- Standard 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (270 hp, 310 lb-ft)
- Available for XLT, Lariat: 2.7L turbo V6 (315 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- Raptor-exclusive 3.0L turbo V6 (405 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma offers three ambitious engine options. However, none of them are quite as impressive as their Ranger counterparts, leaving you literally lagging behind. The same goes for the Tacoma’s towing and hauling capabilities — they’re not too shabby, but they can’t outdo the competition. Properly equipped, the Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 pounds or haul up to 1,710 pounds.
2025 Toyota Tacoma Powertrain Options
- Standard 2.4L turbo four-cylinder engine (228 hp, 243 lb-ft)
- Available high-output 2.4L turbo four-cylinder engine (278 hp, 317 lb-ft with automatic; 270 hp, 310 lb-ft with manual)
- Available 2.4L turbo i-Force Max hybrid four-cylinder engine (326 hp, 465 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Available six-speed manual transmission
Off-Roading Fun: 2025 Ford Ranger
With its V6 performance, trail-friendly technology, and a trim model specially designed for high-speed off-roading, the Ranger takes a big lead here! Thanks to the FX4 package, it’s easy to equip the Ranger XLT and Lariat trim models for your favorite Michigan trails. This package’s rugged essentials include off-road-tuned suspension, an electronic-locking rear differential, and Ford’s Trail Turn Assist system. The latter can help the Ranger make a very tight turn in rugged terrain.
For drivers who want to race up the Silver Lake sand dunes or climb the steps at Marblehead, there’s the Ranger Raptor. Its exclusive upgrades help you hit the trail at high speeds — including Fox shocks, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and locking front and rear differentials. Not to mention its 405-horsepower turbo V6!
While we will say that the Tacoma’s torque-heavy i-Force Max hybrid powertrain is a lot of fun in the dirt, Toyota’s midsize truck can’t quite compete with the Ranger’s off-road upgrades. Instead of a convenient off-road package, the Tacoma offers several trail-ready trim models: the TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. And while the TRD Pro and Trailhunter are nearly as handsomely equipped as the Ranger Raptor, they’re not quite as big on horsepower.
Modern Technology: 2025 Ford Ranger
Not only does the Ranger deliver roomy comfort, but it also comes standard with the most tech-savvy lineup! Every trim model features a digital gauge cluster, 10.1-inch central touchscreen, SYNC 4 infotainment, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In fact, after a major redesign for the 2024 model year, Ford’s midsize truck offers class-exclusive tech features, including blind-spot monitoring with trail coverage, Active Park Assist, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist.
The Toyota Tacoma is also a roomy option with supportive seating. And it’s equipped with the usual tech features, with a standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Better yet, the Tacoma’s standard list of safety aids is pretty impressive, making items like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist widely available. But since the Tacoma isn’t available with any of the Ranger’s more innovative driving aids, it won’t be able to autonomously parallel park or warn you if there’s a vehicle in your boat trailer’s blind-spot.
Friendliest Price: 2025 Toyota Tacoma
Even when it comes to pricing, these midsize trucks are very competitive. But it’s the 2025 Tacoma that delivers the lowest MSRP, starting at $31,590. The 2025 Ford Ranger starts at $33,080, a price that reflects the fact that it comes standard with more power and tech features than the competition. For either truck, the final price tag will vary according to factors like trim model, equipment, tax, title, and local fees.
In the battle of the Ford Ranger vs. Toyota Tacoma for work and off-roading in Michigan 2025, only one truck comes out on top. With more power, off-road upgrades, and everyday comfort, the 2025 Ranger is our number one choice! Come see what we mean — visit us at Lunghamer Ford in Owosso to get behind the wheel of Ford’s all-star midsize truck!