A Tacoma driving up a mountain road

Safety

  • Get more standard active safety features included with the base model 2022 Toyota Tacoma.
  • You'll need to purchase a safety package to get similar features with the base model Ranger.
  • While both the Tacoma and Ranger received 4-star Overall Safety Ratings from NHTSA, the Tacoma had a better Rollover Star Rating.

Wherever your travels take you, drive with confidence from the active safety features that come standard with the Tacoma.

Standard Safety Features

Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) technology is designed to work to help you stay safe on the road. This active safety suite adds a Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Automatic High Beams (AHB) to every Tacoma.

Ford drivers will have to purchase the Ford Co-Pilot360™ package in conjunction with the 2022 base model Ranger XL to get Auto-High Beam Headlamps, BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Tow Monitoring, Lane-Keeping System, and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). These features come standard with the XLT and Lariat.

When most recently evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), both trucks received 4-star Overall Safety Ratings. The Tacoma received a higher 4-star Rollover Star Rating, while the Ranger got a 3-star rating.

The interior of a Tacoma.

Interior

  • The Tacoma Double Cab models have more space in the backseat for your passengers who want more hip and shoulder room.
  • No matter what Tacoma model you choose, you get an interactive touchscreen display. The same can't be said for the base model Ranger, which doesn’t have a touchscreen standard.
  • Get more speakers and connectivity options standard with the Tacoma.

Enjoy your drive with the standard multimedia features and more wiggle room in the back row in the Toyota Tacoma.

Comfort and Convenience

The Toyota Tacoma Double Cab models help keep you and your passengers in the back comfortable with more hip and shoulder room. Passengers will have 57.2/56.3 inches of hip room (front/rear) and 58.3/58.9 inches (front/rear) of shoulder room. Comparatively, the Ford Ranger SuperCrew® models have 55.8/53.5 inches of hip room (front/rear) and 56.7/56.3 inches of shoulder room (front/rear).

More space isn't all you get with the Tacoma. Enjoy the benefit of a 7-in. standard touchscreen infotainment center, while the Tacoma SR5 and higher have a standard 8-in. touchscreen. The Ranger XLT and Lariat come with an 8-in. LCD Capacitive Touchscreen. You'll need to purchase an available package to get the same on the base model 2022 Ford Ranger, which just comes standard with a 2.3-in. productivity screen.

Listen to the latest hits with standard Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, and Amazon Alexa compatibility in the Tacoma. Hear it all through six standard speakers. For similar standard features, you'll need to get the 2022 Ranger XLT or Lariat, higher-priced Ranger trims that come with six speakers and SYNC® 3 with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® standard.

A Tacoma driving down a dirt road.

Performance

  • Both the Tacoma and Ranger have models with premium off-roading features.
  • You get a higher standard ground clearance with the Toyota Tacoma.
  • While Toyota and Ford offer maintenance plans, Toyota doesn't require you to earn points before you can use the services of the ToyotaCare plan.

A truck is no fun if it's all work and no play. Take the kayak out to the lake. Splash up some mud on the trails. Whatever you want to do, these vehicles have what it takes to get you there.

Off-Roading Capabilities

The Tacoma is the perfect off-roading vehicle with features like 4WDemand part-time 4WD with electronically controlled transfer case and Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD) across all 4x4 models. For extreme terrain, the TRD Off-Road has an electronically controlled locking rear differential to prevent slippage, TRD Off-Road tuned suspension with Bilstein® shocks, and available Crawl Control (CRAWL) with Multi-Terrain Select (MTS). You can get the optional Terrain Management System™ with four selectable drive modes in the 2022 Ranger. With 4x4 Ranger models, you can also upgrade to the optional FX4 Off-Road package, which includes an electronic-locking rear axle and off-road tuned suspension.

To give you more distance from the ruts and rocks below, the Tacoma has a standard ground clearance of 9.4 in. The standard ground clearance for the Ranger 4x2 is 8.4-in. and 8.9-in. for the 4x4 models. You'll need to get the Tremor SuperCrew® 4x4 cab style to get a 9.7-in ground clearance.

After miles of driving, it's important to take your truck in for regular tuneups. The Tacoma has two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, of factory-scheduled maintenance included with the ToyotaCare plan. Ford customers can accumulate complimentary maintenance points by earning FordPass™ rewards when they purchase services and goods.

Conclusion: Tacoma vs. Ranger

These mid-size trucks are ready to help you hit the road — or the road less traveled.

To keep you going over rocks, mud, or other things that Mother Nature throws at you, the Tacoma TRD Off-Road comes with Crawl Control (CRAWL) with Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) and an enhanced suspension. Similar features are available on the 2022 Ranger 4x4 models, but you'll need to add the FX4 Off-Road package.

Make your drive more interesting with the Tacoma's six speakers and standard Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Comparable features are only available on the Ranger XLT and Lariat or when you add the STX Special Edition Package to the base model Ranger XL.

When you choose the 2022 Tacoma, you get more standard features and an overall fun-to-drive pickup truck.

  • For the adventurers out there, try the Tacoma TRD Off-Road, which has the capabilities to take you just about anywhere.
  • Get more standard multimedia options with the Toyota Tacoma.
  • The Toyota Tacoma checks more boxes than the Ranger in the categories covered in this comparison.