Compare | Farmington, MO
Two midsize pickups, two very different ideas about cabs, beds and power. The right one depends on what you pull, what you haul and how many people ride along.
Midsize trucks make a lot of sense around Farmington. They fit in the garage and slide into a downtown parking spot, and they still pull the bass boat to Clearwater Lake on a Saturday. The two names that come up most when people shop this size are the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma.
Both were redesigned recently, the Ranger for 2024 and the Tacoma on Toyota's newer TNGA-F platform. They land in the same class but make different choices on engines, cab sizes and bed lengths. The right one depends on what you pull, what you haul and how many people ride along.
Quick answer: The Ford Ranger tows more, up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped versus up to 6,500 for the Toyota Tacoma, and every Ranger uses a 10 speed automatic with an available 2.7L EcoBoost V6. The Toyota Tacoma offers more cab and bed combinations, a six speed manual on select trims and a hybrid engine. Drivers in Southeast Missouri who tow a boat or camper often lean toward the Ford Ranger.
Ford Ranger towing
Up to 7,500 lbs with the Trailer Tow Package
Toyota Tacoma towing
Up to 6,500 lbs when properly equipped
Ford Ranger cab and bed
SuperCrew with a 5 foot box
Which Tows Better, the Ford Ranger or the Toyota Tacoma?
Towing is the clearest split between these two. Ford rates the Ford Ranger at up to 7,500 pounds with the available Trailer Tow Package, and that rating holds for both the standard 2.3L EcoBoost and the available 2.7L EcoBoost V6. Toyota lists the Tacoma at up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped.
A thousand pounds can matter. It's the margin between towing a loaded pontoon or a small travel trailer with room to spare and running right at the limit. If you tow to Lake Wappapello a few times a summer, or haul a skid steer on a trailer for farm work, that extra headroom is the reason a lot of buyers pick the Ranger.
Engines and transmissions
The Ranger's standard 2.3L EcoBoost makes 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2.7L EcoBoost V6, offered on XLT and Lariat, bumps that to 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. Every Ranger uses a 10 speed automatic. The Ranger Raptor runs its own 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with 405 horsepower, though it's built for desert running and tows less than the regular trucks.
Toyota's standard 2.4L turbo four makes up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid pairs that engine with an electric motor for 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft through an 8 speed automatic. The Tacoma also keeps a six speed manual on select models, something you won't find on a Ranger.

How Do the Cab and Bed Choices Compare?
This is where the Tacoma gives you more to choose from. Toyota builds it as an XtraCab on the SR, SR5 and TRD PreRunner, plus a four door Double Cab, with either a 5 foot or a 6 foot bed depending on the build.
The Ford Ranger keeps it simple. Every Ranger sold in the US for 2026 is a SuperCrew with four full doors and a 5 foot box that measures 59.6 inches long. Seating for five comes standard, and rear seat space works for adults on a drive to Ste. Genevieve.
- Ford Ranger: SuperCrew only, 5 foot box, five seats, available box side step and Pro Power Onboard outlets.
- Toyota Tacoma: XtraCab or Double Cab, 5 or 6 foot bed, and a 2400W outlet setup standard on hybrid models.
If you need a 6 foot bed for plywood, fence posts or a dirt bike with the gate up, the Tacoma's longer bed option is a real point in its favor. Most crew cab buyers we talk to are hauling people as often as cargo, and the Ranger's single configuration covers that well.
Which Handles Gravel Roads and Trails Better?
Both trucks have serious off road versions. Plenty of Ranger and Tacoma owners around here never go farther than a gravel county road, a muddy field gate or the boat ramp, though, so the everyday 4x4 hardware matters more than the halo models.
On the Ranger, 4x4 is available on every model. The FX4 Off-Road Package adds off road shocks, a steel bash plate, an electronic locking rear differential, all terrain tires and Trail Control, which handles throttle and braking at a set low speed so you can focus on steering. Most Rangers sit at 9.3 inches of ground clearance, and selectable drive modes for mud, sand and rocks are available.
Toyota's off road ladder starts with the TRD Off-Road and its Bilstein shocks, then moves up to the Trailhunter with Old Man Emu shocks and the TRD Pro with adjustable FOX shocks. A stabilizer bar disconnect comes standard on the Trailhunter and TRD Pro and is optional on the TRD Off-Road.
Fredericktown driver tip
Spring rains turn low water crossings on the back roads toward Fredericktown and the Mark Twain National Forest into a different animal overnight. Four wheel drive and a locker won't help if the water is moving, so turn around and find another way.
The Ford Ranger Raptor sits above all of it with FOX shocks, locking front and rear axles and a Baja mode. It's a lot of truck for most local driving, but owners who spend weekends on the sand at St. Joe State Park tend to love it.
The right one depends on what you pull, what you haul and how many people ride along.
Shop New Ford InventorySee the Ford Lineup
What Is Daily Life Like in the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma?
The Ford Ranger XL and XLT run SYNC 4A on a 10 inch center screen, and the XLT can be optioned up to a 12 inch screen. Lariat and Raptor get the 12 inch center screen with a 12 inch digital cluster. New for 2026, Ford made the FX4 Off-Road Package available on the XL, so even the work truck trim can get the off road hardware.
Pro Power Onboard is available on the Ranger with up to 400 watts from outlets in the cab and the bed. That's enough for phone chargers, a small air pump or a box fan at a tailgate. Hybrid Tacomas come with a larger 2400W outlet setup, which handles heavier tools.
Commuters headed up US 67 every morning should drive both. A body on frame truck rides like a truck, and how each one handles the expansion joints and patched lanes on your route is something only a test drive tells you.
Which Midsize Truck Fits Your Life in Southeast Missouri?
Both brands back a new truck with three year or 36,000 mile basic coverage and five year or 60,000 mile powertrain coverage. Toyota adds ToyotaCare scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, and its hybrid battery carries a 10 year or 150,000 mile warranty.
Every new Ford sold at Sam Scism Ford also includes Warranty Forever at no charge. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the truck, as long as you keep up with the customary maintenance and keep records. Service happens right here on Flat River Road.
Fits you if
Ford Ranger
- You tow a boat, camper or equipment trailer and want up to 7,500 pounds of rating
- You want V6 torque from the available 2.7L EcoBoost
- A four door crew cab with a 5 foot box covers your hauling
- You'd like FX4 hardware with a rear locker and Trail Control
- You plan to service close to home in Farmington
Fits you if
Toyota Tacoma
- You need a 6 foot bed or an XtraCab body
- A six speed manual is high on your list
- You want a hybrid engine and 2400W of onboard power
- Your towing stays well under 6,500 pounds
If you can't find the exact Ford Ranger you want on the lot, Sam Scism Ford can place a custom factory order for the trim, engine and packages you pick.

Warranty Forever
Every new Ford Ranger sold at Sam Scism Ford includes Warranty Forever at no charge. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the truck, regardless of miles, with no deductible. Keep up with the customary maintenance and records. See the dealer for details.
How it worksTowing and Power
How much can the Ford Ranger tow?
Ford rates the Ranger at up to 7,500 pounds with the available Trailer Tow Package on both the 2.3L EcoBoost and the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. The Ranger Raptor is rated lower, at 5,510 pounds.
How much can the Toyota Tacoma tow?
Toyota lists the Tacoma at up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped. The exact rating depends on cab, bed, engine and drivetrain.
Does the Ford Ranger come with a V6?
A 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft is available on the XLT and Lariat. The Raptor uses a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with 405 horsepower.
Cab, Bed and Configuration
Is the Ford Ranger available with a long bed?
The current US Ranger comes only as a SuperCrew with a 5 foot box. Buyers who need a 6 foot bed in this size often look at the Tacoma, or step up to a Ford F-150.
What cab styles does the Toyota Tacoma offer?
Toyota offers an XtraCab on the SR, SR5 and TRD PreRunner, plus the four door Double Cab. Bed lengths are 5 or 6 feet depending on the build.
How many people fit in a Ford Ranger?
Every Ranger SuperCrew seats five, with four full size doors. Rear seat room works for adults on shorter drives and for car seats.
Off Road and Gravel
What does the Ford Ranger FX4 package add?
FX4 brings off road shocks, a steel bash plate, an electronic locking rear differential, all terrain tires and Trail Control. For 2026 it became available on the XL as well.
Is 4x4 available on every Ford Ranger?
Ford offers 4x4 on every Ranger model, and it comes standard on the Raptor. Rear wheel drive versions suit buyers who rarely leave pavement.
Which Tacoma models are built for trails?
The TRD Off-Road, Trailhunter and TRD Pro carry Toyota's off road hardware, including upgraded shocks and an available stabilizer bar disconnect.
Technology and Comfort
What screen comes in the Ford Ranger?
The XL and XLT have SYNC 4A on a 10 inch center screen, with a 12 inch screen available on the XLT. Lariat and Raptor get a 12 inch center screen and a 12 inch digital cluster.
Can I run tools from a Ford Ranger?
Available Pro Power Onboard supplies up to 400 watts from outlets in the cab and bed. That covers chargers, small pumps and lights.
Does the Toyota Tacoma offer a manual transmission?
Toyota offers a six speed manual on select Tacoma models with the standard 2.4L turbo. Every Ranger uses a 10 speed automatic.
Buying and Ownership
Does a new Ford Ranger include Warranty Forever at Sam Scism Ford?
Every new Ford sold at the store includes Warranty Forever at no charge, covering listed powertrain parts for as long as you own it. Keeping up with the customary maintenance and records keeps it in force.
Can I trade my Toyota Tacoma toward a Ford Ranger?
We take trades of any make and condition. Start with an online value or bring the truck to 5019 Flat River Road for an appraisal.
Can I order a Ford Ranger built my way?
Sam Scism Ford can submit a custom factory order to Ford for the trim, engine and packages you choose. Lead times vary by model and build.