Compare the2026 Ford Ranger RaptorVS 2026 Toyota Tacoma

To allow off-road and deep snow capability, Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the Ranger Raptor. But it costs extra on the Tacoma.

The Ranger Raptor has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Tacoma’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Ranger Raptor has standard Cross Traffic Alert, helping the driver avoid collisions. Toyota charges extra for Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the Tacoma.

Both the Ranger Raptor and the Tacoma have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Ranger Raptor is safer than the Toyota Tacoma:

	Ranger Raptor	Tacoma
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	3 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	3 Stars
HIC	110	248
Neck Injury Risk	29%	42.8%
Neck Stress	281 lbs.	456 lbs.
Neck Compression	34 lbs.	35 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	144/203 lbs.	290/453 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	157	252
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	34.9%	64%
Neck Stress	152 lbs.	339 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	210/102 lbs.	461/454 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Ford Ranger Raptor is safer than the Toyota Tacoma:

	Ranger Raptor	Tacoma
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	302	334
Spine Acceleration	32 G’s	38 G’s
Hip Force	473 lbs.	516 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

There are over 2 times as many Ford dealers as there are Toyota dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Ranger Raptor’s warranty.

The Ford Ranger Raptor’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the Tacoma’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

The Ranger Raptor has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Ranger Raptor has a standard 800-amp battery. The Tacoma’s 776-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. With 7 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Ford higher than Toyota.

The Ranger Raptor’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 177 more horsepower (405 vs. 228) and 187 lbs.-ft. more torque (430 vs. 243) than the Tacoma SR’s standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The Ranger Raptor’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 135 more horsepower (405 vs. 270) and 120 lbs.-ft. more torque (430 vs. 310) than the Tacoma’s optional 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The Ranger Raptor’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 127 more horsepower (405 vs. 278) and 113 lbs.-ft. more torque (430 vs. 317) than the Tacoma’s standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The Ranger Raptor’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 79 more horsepower (405 vs. 326) than the Tacoma’s optional 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the Ford Ranger Raptor is faster than the Toyota Tacoma turbo 4 cyl. (automatics tested):

	Ranger Raptor	Tacoma
Zero to 60 MPH	5.3 sec	7 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	15 sec	18.8 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	6.1 sec	7.8 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	3 sec	3.6 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	3.9 sec	4.8 sec
Quarter Mile	14.1 sec	15.3 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	97 MPH	91 MPH
Top Speed	107 MPH	106 MPH

The Ranger Raptor has 2.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Tacoma (20.3 vs. 18.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Ranger Raptor has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Ford Ranger Raptor, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Tacoma.

For better stopping power the Ranger Raptor’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Tacoma:

	Ranger Raptor	Tacoma
Front Rotors	13.4 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13.1 inches	12.2 inches

For better traction, the Ranger Raptor has larger tires than the Tacoma (285/70R17 vs. 245/70R17). The Ranger Raptor’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Tacoma (285/70R17 vs. 265/70R17).

The front and rear suspension of the Ranger Raptor uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Tacoma SR/XtraCab, which uses leaf springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The Ranger Raptor has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Tacoma doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

The Ranger Raptor executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1 seconds quicker than the Tacoma 5-ft. bed Trailhunter Double Cab (28.6 seconds @ .58 average G’s vs. 29.6 seconds @ .55 average G’s).

The Ranger Raptor has a much larger cargo box than the Tacoma Double Cab shortbed (43.5 vs. 39 cubic feet).

The Ranger Raptor’s cargo box is larger than the Tacoma’s in almost every dimension:

	Ranger Raptor	Tacoma XtraCab	Tacoma Double Cab
Length (short/long)	59.6”	73.5”	60.3”/73.5”
Max Width	62.4”	56.4”	56.4”
Min Width	48.2”	44.7”	44.7”
Height	20.8”	20.2”	20.2”

The Ford Ranger Raptor has a standard Integrated Box Side Step, which allows for much easier access to the cargo area. The Toyota Tacoma doesn’t offer a rear cargo step.

The Ranger Raptor’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Tacoma’s (5510 vs. 3500 pounds).

The Ranger Raptor has a higher standard payload capacity than the Tacoma (1373 vs. 1230 lbs.).

When three different drivers share the Ranger Raptor, the memory seats make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position. The Tacoma doesn’t offer memory seats.

The Ranger Raptor’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Tacoma doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Ranger Raptor’s available exterior PIN entry system. The Tacoma doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its Safety Connect™ can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

The Ranger Raptor’s standard Intelligent Access allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Smart Key standard on the Tacoma doesn’t offer a sensor on any door except the driver’s, so you’ll have to walk to the driver's door to touch the handle. Smart Key is not available on the Tacoma SR5/PreRunner/TRD/Limited/Trailhunter.

The Ranger Raptor’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Tacoma’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Both the Ford Ranger Raptor and Toyota Tacoma offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The Ranger Raptor features standard power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the Tacoma’s foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

The Ranger Raptor has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Tacoma.

The Ranger Raptor has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

The Ranger Raptor has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the Tacoma and isn’t available on the Tacoma SR/SR5.

The Ranger Raptor’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Tacoma SR doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

The Ford Ranger Raptor has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the driver’s visor. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Toyota charges extra for Homelink® on the Tacoma.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Ford Ranger Raptor has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Tacoma and isn’t available on the Tacoma SR.

The Ranger Raptor’s Active Park Assist 2.0 can parallel park by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Tacoma doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Car and Driver performed a comparison test in its March 2025 issue and the Ford Ranger Raptor won out over the Toyota Tacoma 5-ft. bed TRD Pro Double Cab.

The Ranger Raptor was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2025. The Tacoma has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.