2023 Ford Ranger vs. the Competition

After making its return following a brief hiatus, the iconic Ford Ranger is back to challenge the competition in the midsize pickup segment. Designed to excel at both work and play, the versatile Ranger is available in a variety of trim levels, powertrain combinations, and cab configurations to suit the needs of all types of pickup shoppers. With such a wide range of competitors to choose from, it can be difficult to tell which midsize pickup is the best fit for your lifestyle and needs. Fortunately, Germain Ford of Beavercreek is here to help with this in-depth comparison in which the Ranger goes up against its top rivals. Let’s take a closer look.

Ford Ranger vs Honda Ridgeline

First up to face off against the Ford Ranger is the Honda Ridgeline. The SUV-based, unibody Ridgeline in this comparison is nearly $4,000 more expensive than the Ranger. How much do you actually get for the higher price tag at Honda? As it turns out, not very much.

As we saw in the prior matchup, the Ford Ranger XLT 4X4 offers greater city and combined fuel economy compared to the Ridgeline Sport AWD. It achieves these numbers while still delivering greater torque figures to help you conquer whatever obstacle stands in your way. While Ridgeline drivers will have to settle for a far less capable AWD system, Ranger owners will enjoy the confidence of a dedicated 4X4 system for greater performance off-road.

Safety remains a strong suit of the Ford Ranger thanks to its standard Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies including blind spot monitoring and rear parking sensors. Inside the cabin, choosing Ford means that both the driver and front passenger will have greater headroom and legroom to relax and get comfortable on longer journeys. Speaking of longer journeys, Ford includes roadside assistance coverage for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. That’s a full 2 years or 24,000 miles longer than what you’ll get at Honda.

Ford Ranger vs Nissan Frontier

For the second comparison, the Ford Ranger goes head-to-head against the Nissan Frontier, which has an almost identical price. Comparing performance specs, it’s easy to see why smart shoppers would choose the Ford Ranger. Not only does it offer greater torque than the Frontier, but it’s also vastly superior in terms of fuel efficiency as well. The standard 10-speed automatic transmission offers far greater response compared to the 9-speed automatic found on the Frontier.

Automatic dual-zone climate control helps everyone stay comfortable inside the Ranger. A standard remote start system helps you pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin as well. As we’ve seen previously, standard Ford Co-Pilot360 safety technologies help elevate the Ranger above the competition. Here, the Frontier simply cannot match the standard blind spot monitoring system, rear parking sensors, and intelligent brake assist system found on the Ranger XLT. Overall, despite the similar pricing, the standard equipment of the Ranger makes it a much better value.

Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma

Last but certainly not least, the Ford Ranger goes up against the Toyota Tacoma. When we compare equivalent trim levels, the Ranger offers a modest price advantage right from the very start. In addition to offering greater torque, the Ranger delivers superior fuel economy figures across all three EPA measurements. You’ll experience greater power combined with greater efficiency. That extra torque also means a higher towing capacity, always an important feature in a truck.

Premium standard features offered on the Ranger XLT include a remote start system, a feature not available on the Tacoma SR5. Similarly, the Ranger includes standard blind spot monitoring and rear parking sensors for maximum confidence behind the wheel. Toyota shoppers will be forced to pay extra for expensive options in order to receive the same equipment.

Finally, the Ranger is the superior choice when it comes to both comfort and capability. It offers more legroom across both the front and rear rows of seating. You’ll also have far more cargo-carrying capabilities thanks to a pickup box that’s both deeper and wider than the Tacoma. Three years of additional roadside assistance coverage rounds out the list of reasons why smart drivers continue to choose the Ford Ranger.

Winner - Ford Ranger

Now that we’ve tallied the results, the winner of this in-depth midsize pickup truck comparison is the Ford Ranger. The competition from Honda, Nissan, and Toyota simply cannot match the outstanding versatility, efficiency, performance, and groundbreaking safety features found on the Ford Ranger. Ready to experience for yourself all that the Ranger has to offer? Our team of friendly and knowledgeable Ford sales professionals is standing by to help you choose the model that’s best suited for your needs and lifestyle.