2025 Ford Ranger vs. Toyota Tacoma: Which Midsize Truck Is Right for Montgomery, AL Drivers?

Standing out in a market as competitive as the midsize pickup truck segment is never easy. However, Ford and Toyota are two automakers that have seemingly unlocked the formula for success in this niche. Both brands routinely rank among the best midsize pickups, and the trend continues in 2025. But how do these two long-standing rivals stack against each other, and which one should you go for? To find out, join us as we compare the Tacoma vs. Ranger across several key metrics.

Styling and Design: What Truck Makes a Stronger Impression in Alabama?

The 2025 Ford Ranger has remained largely unchanged since last year's major redesign. It retains the rugged exterior styling of its predecessor with notable design elements, including LED headlamps, a black front grille, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. However, you'll be delighted by the three new color choices: Marsh Gray, Ruby Red Metallic, and Desert Sand.

Like its rival, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma's exterior design mostly builds upon the foundation of its immediate predecessor. However, front tow hooks are now standard across the lineup, and the Terra paint color is now available on all TRD models. Besides these minor changes, the new Tacoma carries over most of the styling elements of its predecessor, including LED bed lighting, LED fog lamps, and 17-inch alloy wheels for the base model.

Which Truck Offers the Best Interior Comfort and Tech Features?

The 2025 Ford Ranger boasts a practical and comfortable cabin with ample room for up to five passengers. Its generous headroom and legroom ensure passengers don't have to squirm from fatigue during long drives. The model also comes with numerous convenience features that elevate its cabin comfort beyond the ordinary.

The base model features cloth-trimmed seats with eight-way manual adjustability for the driver's seat and six-way manual adjustability for the front passenger seat. Models higher up in the trim lineup provide leather seating with 10-way power adjustability for the driver's seat and eight-way power adjustability for the front passenger seat. Other standout comfort amenities available on the 2025 Ranger include a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, a memory driver's seat, ambient lighting, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system.

The new Ranger doesn't disappoint on the technology front either. It has a 12-inch center stack display that runs the advanced SYNC 4 infotainment system and offers convenient access to essential apps. There's also the available 12-inch digital instrument cluster that provides clear visuals of critical vehicle information so you always stay in control behind the wheel. Other innovative tech features available include a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Sirius XM radio, USB ports, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with HD radio.

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma offers an equally compelling cabin that seats a maximum of five, with plenty of features to transform any drive into a one-of-a-kind experience. The base model comes with fabric-trimmed seats, with six-way manual adjustability for the driver and front passenger seats. This model's standard two-way lumbar support adjusts the seat cushions for optimal back support.

Higher models take comfort to new heights thanks to their eight-way power adjustability for the driver and front passenger seats and four-way power lumbar support. Other creature comforts you can access, depending on the trim you choose, include a leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration, and a power tilt and slide moonroof.

The new Toyota Tacoma also comes with a slew of sophisticated tech features to keep you connected and entertained during drives. The available 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display provides seamless access to navigation and entertainment apps. There's also an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that lets you check important vehicle information quickly. Additional entertainment and connectivity tech offered in this model year include a 10-speaker JBL audio system, fast-charging USB-C ports, and wireless Bluetooth connectivity.

2025 Ranger vs. Tacoma Performance: Power, Torque, and Towing Capability

The new Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma both offer multiple engine configurations to fit how you like to drive. The Ranger's base engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that churns out 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides both performance and efficiency, making it a great choice for daily commuting and light towing.

A 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 is also available, providing more power for adventure driving. This powertrain generates a remarkable 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. If you seek to max out the Ranger's power, Ford also offers a monstrous 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine. This engine, standard on the Raptor trim, outputs an astonishing 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.

The 2025 Tacoma offers equally robust engine choices. Its base engine is an i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a maximum output of 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Also available on this model year is an i-FORCE hybrid powertrain that pairs the 2.4-liter I-4 engine with a 48-horsepower electric motor. This hybrid setup delivers a combined output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.

Advanced Safety Features That Matter to Montgomery Truck Owners

The 2025 Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma are equally equipped with sophisticated safety systems to keep you safe and confident behind the wheel. The Ranger's Co-Pilot360™ safety suite comprises several advanced driver-assistance systems designed to minimize distractions and aid driver responsiveness. Among its notable technologies are a Blind Spot Information System, a lane-keeping system, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, auto high beam headlamps, and a rearview camera.

New for 2025, the Ford Ranger also offers BlueCruise hands-free driving technology on select trims. This system enables hands-free driving on thousands of miles of pre-mapped divided highways across the U.S., using a driver-facing camera and adaptive cruise control to maintain safety. It adds an extra layer of convenience for long-distance commuters or frequent highway travelers in and around Montgomery, AL.

Similarly, the new Toyota Tacoma offers an impressive selection of active safety systems in its Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 safety suite. They include lane departure alert, road sign assist, lane-tracing assist, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Experience the 2025 Ford Ranger at Stivers Ford of Montgomery

Understandably, deciding which pickup truck to buy can feel overwhelming, especially when comparing two strong contenders like the 2025 Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma. Both offer powerful features, but the right choice often comes down to how the vehicle feels when you're behind the wheel.

That’s why we always recommend taking the next step with a hands-on test drive. Schedule a free, no-obligation test drive of the Ford Ranger at Stivers Ford of Montgomery to experience its performance, technology, and interior comfort firsthand. Whether you're interested in daily driving, towing, or trail-ready utility, the Ranger makes a strong impression in every category.

Ready to start the buying process from the comfort of your home? You can also get pre-approved for financing online in just minutes. Our team will guide you through flexible loan and lease options that fit your budget, so you're fully prepared when it's time to drive off the lot.

Images by OEM