Ranger trounces Tacoma in testing
 

Obviously, everyone here knows that the Blue Oval knows how to build trucks. But it's still awesome to see how well it compared to the Tacoma in the PickupTrucks.com test — particularity when it comes to cargo capacity. Check out all the findings here!

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...bd6bf1de08.jpg

Put the 3.7 NA V6 and a 6 speed stick in the Ranger and I might be interested.

The Tacoma is available with a stick from what I saw on the TFL test.

Im pretty excited about the 2.3L / 10spd combo. Should be plenty potent, reliable for daily driving, and returning pretty decent MPG as well



I just hope Ford keeps the pricing down on these. If they're selling for mid to high 30s without any discounts, it would be slow seller compared to a decently equipped F150 at mid 40s with 8-10k marked down

Going from the Ford.com price/build section a pretty much bare bones Ranger XL super cab 4x2 was 25K. A full blown Ranger lariat crew cab 4x4 was 46K.

Similarly equipped F150: Bare bones f150 XL super cab 4x2 was 33k. A full blown F150 Lariat crew cab 4x4 was 55K

It appears they are trying to keep the price spread almost 10K between the two. I think you are correct, the discounts will make the difference. If not offered on the Ranger, then the F150 will be the best buy.

I can get a full blown F350 w/PSD 4x4 SRW Scab for $55k locally here.... without the PSD, $46k.

Just like SUVs. I've been looking in a these Explorers and I don't see the justification in spending so much. My limit for a decked out mini SUV is $35k -- and that is too much.

For a truck, that is totally different. I'd spend a little more cash for something that is suitable.

The capability chapter does not surprise me. The Ranger is a world pickup product and in most markets in the world there are no fullsize pickups available, so Ford and other companies are developing their midsize-pickups with capability figures that are covered by fullsize trucks in the US. The Tacoma is a product mainly for North-America (although it is based on the world-truck named Hilux) so Toyota is covering only the typical US-midsize truck numbers with the Tacoma whereas the Tundra is covering you if you need more payload, towing etc. I am pretty surprised that Ford is not limiting the Ranger capabilites in the US-version in order to lead customers towards the F-150, since I am sure they make more money out of a F-150.
I am pretty sure the Ranger will be just as successful as it once was until 2006, leading the midsize truck segment.

Yeah, it's cool they still offer a stick.

Put a 3.7 NA V6 and 6 speed auto in it and I'll order one tonight.

Cannot think of anything worse that a 10 or 15 speed automatic with a expired warranty :eek:
Might Ford offer a bed mount to install dual .50 Cals for the Middle East customers?