The Toyota Tacoma has been the dominant midsize truck sales leader for years. The new 2019 Ford Ranger is the latest truck to enter the sales race. The Ranger should start reaching U.S. dealerships in the next few weeks. We had to find out how the Ranger FX4 off-road package compares against the Tacoma TRD Off-Road. We took both truck to the icy and snowy Gold Mine Hill trail to see how they do.
2019 Ford Ranger
The FX4 off-road package is available one every trim level of the Ranger. If you are starting with a base Ranger XL, the FX4 package adds about $3,500 to the price. Otherwise, it’s priced at $1,295 and includes: skid plates, unique front end, FX4 off-road shocks, all-terrain tires, rear locker, Terrain Management system with three off-road modes, and Trail Control slow speed system.
The Ranger 4×4 has 8.9 inches of ground clearance, which is less than the Tacoma 4×4. The Tacoma also has a better approach angle. However, Ranger wins on departure and breakover angles.
The fully-loaded Ranger Lariat FX4 you see here has a price of just over $46,000. This is basically the top of the price range, with the exception of fancy paint and a tonneau cover.
However, a Ranger crew cab 4×4 FX4 starts at just over $35,200.
2019 Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma offers more powertrain and trim level choices than the Ranger, but the TRD Off-Road is a stand-alone trim level, not a package you add to another trim.
It’s a different philosophy between the two manufacturers, but the Tacoma is not easy to beat in terms of off-road prowess as we found out during a suspension articulation comparison. The Tacoma handily won the articulation battle with more suspension travel.
The Tacoma TRD Off-Road you see here has a M.S.R.P. of over $41,000. It a couple of optional packages, and a bigger optional front skid plate. However, a Tacoma crew cab 4×4 starts at just over $34,800.
Tacoma and Ranger pricing is very close, but it has to be to remain competitive.
