Motor Trend Jumps Right In: Tacoma vs. Ranger

Really interesting discussion. Feel free to agree or disagree (respectfully, of course) but Motor Trend is not some random dude writing about trucks after just discovering he can cut steak with a pocket knife. I kid. See the scintillating (scintillating, I tell you!) Wes Siler discussion for more info on that "life changing" topic.

2021 Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger: Which Midsize Truck Is Right for You?
Does the new-ish Ranger top the time-tested Taco?

Link:
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/toy...-tacoma-vs-2021-ford-ranger-pros-cons-review/

Money quote:
"IntelliChoice is a MotorTrend subsidiary focused on determining car values. By considering factors including depreciation, maintenance, insurance, and fuel costs over a five-year period, IntelliChoice rates vehicles on their overall value. In its most recent calculations, IntelliChoice gave the Tacoma lineup an Excellent value rating, the highest possible designation. Meanwhile, the Ranger got a Poor rating, the lowest possible score."

 

I will continue pointing the way to the Ranger for those who have extended pissing and moaning about Tacos. So they can wallow in that shit show over there. Just how I roll.

 

I was surprised Motor Trend was that tough on the Ranger, to be honest. It is not a bad truck at all. I am curious to see what they do with the new Ranger (I think it is getting a big refresh) and very curious to see what they do with their budget pickup, the Maverick.

 

I have been a satisfied owner of my 2000 Ford Ranger for more than 20 years. But, it's nearing the end of its useful life. Imagine my disappointment when I saw what Ford has come up with for the next generation. It's just too large! And it doesn't have a manual transmission! These two things alone are deal-breakers for me. Fortunately the Tacoma was available to fill the void. It's actually far closer to the old Ranger than the new Ranger is.

 

Keep your eye out for the new Ford Maverick:
https://www.gearpatrol.com/cars/a35520985/ford-maverick-timberline/

 

Maverick unibody pickup truck:
Problem is, I need a real truck no a car pretending to be one.

Thanks but no thanks

 

May as well be a Ridgeline fighter

 

But..."It can be shifted manually using buttons on the gear selector, but it's no three-pedal"

 

To be quite honest, as with any review, I only put so much into what Motor Trend has to say.

 

When shopping new midsize trucks the Ranger offers more for less money than Tacoma.

 

They lost me at the word "unibody."

 

But they are not the same size! When I find myself in traffic (in my Tacoma) next to a new Ranger, the difference is obvious. The Tacoma is my limit regarding size.

 

The Tacoma is larger than the new Ranger.

 

I don't believe it. Side by side, the new Ranger sits higher and is just larger all around. The Tacoma is only a little larger than my old Ranger, and the new one is a completely different (larger) truck. (We are talking about Access Cabs in each case.)

 

Yeah it's an optical illusion with those crazy high bed sides and tailgate on that Ranger, will have to check access cab dimesions though.
Tacoma DCSB:
212.3"L
75.2"W
71.6"H
127.4" WB

Ranger DCSB:
210.8"L
73.3"W
73.2"H
126.8"WB

 

OK, I looked up the official dimensions and the Tacoma and Ranger are within an inch or two of each other in all dimensions. Nevertheless, the perception is that the Ranger is larger.

 

"Nevertheless, the Ranger's peppy 2.3-liter turbocharged I-4 engine and 10-speed automatic combination seems small but mighty compared to the Tacoma's 2.7-liter I-4 or 4.0-liter V-6 and six-speed transmissions."

How f'ing hard is it to actually do some research and post the correct info anymore? People whine about the death of journalism, and I can't help but agree with it anymore.

 

I went by a Ford dealer today and they had an Avalanche Gray or whatever they call it Ranger with all black trim and wheels sitting out front. It looked really good, but the bedsides are full size height and it makes the whole thing look weird too me.

 

Yeah the Tacoma Access Cab is larger than the Ranger too, l still think it's just an optical illusion with those crazy high bed sides for anyone having a perception that the Ranger is somehow larger. When it first came out in 2019 all the press outlets made a point to say the Ranger was the smallest Mid-Sized truck after the Frontier.
Tacoma Access Cab
212.3 L
75.2 W
70.6 H
127.4 WB

Ranger Extended Cab
210.8 L
73.3 W
70.7 H
126.8 WB

 

They have some kind of plan ... I am dying to know what it is !