In recent months, The Blue Oval has enjoyed quite a bit of success in terms of winning comparison tests conducted by automotive experts and reviewers, a list that includes the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse taking down the BMW M2, the Ford F-150 Raptor R beating the GMC Hummer EV pickup, the Ford F-150 Lightning claiming victory over the Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck, and the refreshed 2023 Ford Escape beating the 2024 Dodge Hornet. Now, with the all-new 2024 Ford Ranger reaching the public and the Ranger Raptor winning over critics, the regular variant of the redesigned mid-size pickup just claimed a major victory over the redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma in a new comparison test from MotorTrend.
Fresh off taking down the Tacoma in a test conducted between the prior-generation versions of each back in 2022, the all-new 2024 Ford Ranger has once again defeated its foe in a comparison test, which is notable given the market dominance the Tacoma has enjoyed for years now. Both of these new trucks are marketed improvements over their rather ancient predecessors, however, with fresh styling and tech inside and out.
In this case, MT pitted a Ranger XLT against a Tacoma TRD Sport, both of which are four-door, four-wheel drive pickups with five-foot beds with as-tested pricing around $46k. When the dust settled, it came away with some interesting takeaways – including, it seems, the fact that the Tacoma hasn’t really improved by much in spite of its overhaul. “Despite an abundance of modern hardware, impressive digital displays, and edgy, eye-catching looks, the 2024 Tacoma tale remains much the same: It’s in need of additional finishing,” the rag noted. However, that wasn’t the case with the 2024 Ford Ranger.
“Although technically not as ‘new’ as the Toyota, the 2024 Ranger turns a page even with largely carryover fundamentals,” MotorTrend said of its selection. “Ford succeeds in hiding the not-new platform and engine under layers of thoughtful and fresh design, pleasant driving dynamics, and useful work-ready equipment. In doing so, the Blue Oval delivers a truck that’s more ready for the needs and whims of today’s midsize pickup drivers than the segment’s bestseller. Harder-working and nicer to drive than the Tacoma – for a slightly lower price – the Ranger is finally the truck it should’ve been.”
We’ll have more on the 2024 Ford Ranger soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Ranger news and ongoing Ford news coverage.
Comments
I’d love to test drive one as I’m ready for something new.
BUT they’re not any of the dealers lots.
Hard to sell with an empty shelf!
It took longer to get the Ranger into production in part thanks to the UAW strike which targeted the Ranger/Bronco plant.
ALL that is history. Things running smoothly @all plants ..esp MAP that builds gen3 Ranger & bigger Broncos.
They on the way as we speak. I’m very interested too. Gen1 & Gen2 Rangers were phenomenal. This Gen3 ’24 Ranger is mostly a heavily updated version w/ excellent proven powertrains. 2.3L GTDI is what my ’19 Ranger had & that engine was perfect for me (275hp).
That’s all well and good but I doubt Ford has the production capacity to outsell the Tacoma.
3 shifts running @award winning Michigan Assembly Plant. Can’t out produce “made in Mexico” Tacoma? 😆 Ford Motor has 30+ Plants in North America alone + 63k employees in NA. Im sure it can accommodate Ranger sales! Truck is phenomenal.
Nice to see all the information, but the reality is that there is absolutely no product (i.e. Rangers) on the lots. The proof is in the pudding and Ford has been unable to produce adequate Rangers. GM is no better with the Colorado or Canyon and Toyota will not meet their announced 2024 goal of 300K units. Is this a trend in poor management?
I don’t see how it can improve much over my 2022 Ranger. The biggest change that I see is that it costs $10,000 more!
Ummm read articles & reviews! 😆 It’s NOT much more $ at all. Gen2 was best midsized truck by far. I owned ’19 Ranger XLT FX4. Was outstanding! Gonna get new gen3 ’24 Ranger XLT FX4. All new interior/ features/ tech/ exterior design/ tweaked proven engines /gen2 – 2.7L V6 option / Ranger Raptor option. Lots new stuff! Kudos Ford. King of trucks!
I ordered a 2024 Ranger Lariat 4WD in December. It is now 3 1/2 months and I have heard nothing. What is taking so long and when will I expect it to be built? Thinking of canceling the order if I do not hear something soon
Patience is a virtue.
You should ask the dealer, not the internet.
My sentiments exactly 💯. Ford sends nice email updates on all factory orders actually!
CALL your selling dealer. Ford gives email updates on all factory orders! 3.5mos isn’t long for an all new truck. FYI, truck will still get built whether you buy it or not. Gen3 Rangers in very high demand. It’s best midsized truck avail. You will regret not getting it. Facts.
Any guess as to when the PHEV version of the ’24 Ranger will hit the streets ? I cancelled my Maverick order when I read that the AWD PHEV version was going into production in South America in late ’24 with the US version soon to follow. Looking forward to US prodution !
Ask your local dealer about upcoming Ranger models. I heard ’25 for hybrid/ PHEV. Can’t wait to get new gen3 ’24 Ranger XLT FX4 crew cab. Order is in! 💯
I am sold. I have been sold. I wish Ford would announce plans for when the Ranger PHEV will become available in the U.S. so we can plan a bit.
With that front air dam the Tacoma managed to beat the Ranger in ugliness.
Tacoma & Tundra are both #1 in UGLY designs. Absolute winners! Lmao.
Gen2 ’19-23 Ranger is very nice looking esp w/ FX4 option. My black ’19 Ranger XLT FX4 got compliments everywhere i went. Got totaled by moron running red light. Saved my life that truck & God almighty. Def getting gen3 ’24 Ranger XLT FX4. Best midsized truck avail. **2.3L GTDI is smart option – 275hp.
The Tacoma went all in on boy racer fake scoops and air dams. JC Whitney take note.
I was a Tacoma guy, had 2011 SR5 truck was a tank then in 2020 was in the south looking for a truck looked at Tacoma, it was end of the year and all the leftovers were in stock. Chose Ford Ranger 2020 FX4 Lighting Blue, there aren’t a lot of that color around. The 2.3 is really powerful sound like a jet when accelerating!! No complaints would like to add cooling seats, is it possible? I have heated seats. Thanks