Why The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Is Better Than The Ford Ranger Raptor

Jun 02, 2023

The more rugged variants of the Taco and Ranger are finally here and are tougher than ever before and here's how the two mid-size pickups compare

The all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma is finally here and it is safe to say that Toyota has delivered far more than we expected. The Tacoma has been the king of midsized pickup trucks for a long now and Toyota wants to make sure that it remains so for the upcoming years. This has led to good drivetrains and many trim levels which provide a truck for everyone.

However, there is a problem, and that problem is called Ranger Raptor. The mid-size Raptor has been gaining traction during the past few years and is trying to dethrone Toyota. In Australia, the Ranger and the legendary Toyota Hilux are fierce competitors, and we expect the same to happen in the U.S. between the Raptor and Tacoma. While neither of the trucks hasn't been driven yet, but we believe that certain attributes make the Tacoma a better choice. In this article, we will be going over what those attributes are.

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When the new Ranger Raptor was released, Toyota hadn't let the new Tacoma loose yet. So, the new Raptor was miles ahead of the dated old Tacoma. However, after a few days Toyota released the Tacoma and on paper, the competition between the two will be close.

Let's start with the most important bits. The underside of the new Ranger Raptor has been greatly updated. In the rear, we now have coil-over suspension which might be a first for the mid-sized pickup truck segment. This is a much more advanced and controlled system than the old leaf springs. Also, side-to-side movement of the rear axle is controlled via a more sophisticated Watts-linage.

The combination of these components leads to great corner stability and amazing high-speed off-road composure. The shocks on this machine are the Fox 2.5 live valve units that can be adjusted via the vehicle's computer system based on your selected drive mode and the terrain. Upfront, we have independent suspension with tougher mounts than the normal Ranger. Oh, and the Raptor is 3.5 inches wider than the standard model which leads to some great-looking wide fenders.

When it comes to power, the Ranger Raptor offers a very impressive 405 horsepower and 430-pound feet of torque via its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6. These are great numbers for the mid-sized segment. Since the Raptor has lighter and smaller tires than other Fords with the same engine (like the Bronco) we expect it to be quick in a straight line.

RELATED: Why The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor Will Be A Game Changer

Aside from the better suspension, and a powerful engine, the Raptor formula also includes a luxurious and technology-filled interior. The new Ranger Raptor hits all these points perfectly. Inside the new Raptor, you will find an Alcantara dashboard and door cards, leather, and code orange accents to remind you of the special version of the truck you are in.

The seats are comfortable with great bolstering, and they offer electric adjustability and a heated setting. Sadly, no cooled seats are available. Finally, rubber floor mats complete the look of the cabin giving it a rugged and easy-to-clean vibe that fits the Raptor's personality perfectly.

In the center of the dashboard, we get a vertically mounted 12.0-inch display that incorporates most functions. Thankfully, some commonly used dials like the climate controls remain physical buttons. A 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster also makes its way in the Raptor and it features cool graphics based on the drive mode your truck is in.

RELATED: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Revealed With Stunning Surprises

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro doesn't have the all-out desert racing vibe of the Raptor. However, it has other benefits that may be more important for most people in the market for an off-road-oriented mid-size pickup truck.

Firstly, let's get some of its specs out of the way. The Tacoma TRD Pro comes standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine paired to a hybrid system for a total output of 326 horsepower and 465-pound feet of torque. Underneath, we also get Fox 2.5 shocks with the rear now being a coil-sprung disc brake setup rather than the old leaf sprung with drum brakes combination of the old Tacoma. As you would expect, the undercarriage features beefy steel skid plates that protect all crucial components.

We also get Toyota's clever electronic traction systems, a rear locker, and a front sway bar disconnect that adds some articulation. In the rear, we get a steel bumper with tow hooks and a side cut out for a better departure angle. The front bumper features cut-outs on the sides for larger tires and a better approach angle.

RELATED: 10 New Features Of The 2024 Toyota Tacoma

The Interior in the Tacoma is perhaps the most impressive part and one of the main reasons why we would choose it over the Ford. First and foremost, its design is incredibly good-looking. Most of the components have edges that give a rugged, upright, and square look to the cabin. At the same time, red leather adds a more luxurious touch that takes the interior to a whole other level. Also, a 14.0-inch infotainment screen, heated and cooled seats, and a heated steering wheel are available.

One of the coolest features that also happens to be a first in the truck industry is Toyota's gimbal seat. This isn't what the seat is called (Iso-dynamic performance seat) but we named it as such because it acts as a gimbal for your body ensuring that you stay comfortable regardless of how rough the terrain you are traveling on gets.

The way it does this is by utilizing shocks that control side to side and up and down movements. This might be the most comfortable seat the mid-sized truck segment has ever seen. Toyota has done an amazing job with this interior and in our opinion is both better looking and better equipped than the one on the Ford.

RELATED: 10 Reasons To Buy The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Over The Ford Ranger

Firstly, we must state that when it comes to all-out off-road performance, the Ford is the better choice. It offers a more off-road capable suspension design and two lockers instead of just one and V-6 power. However, better off-road abilities in the grand scheme of a truck's capabilities may not always be that important, unless you intend to use it solely as a weekend toy. What really matters is the day-to-day usability of these vehicles as most of them won't be used for hard-core desert bashing all the time.

The reason we believe the Tacoma is the better choice is simply because it is a better all-rounder. Its hybrid engine offers great power but also great efficiency. Furthermore, it is more futureproof as hybrid vehicles will remain on roads for far longer than models gas-powered models. Then, we have the fact that it provides a more comfortable and well-equipped interior that is one of the best the class has ever seen. The Raptor's interior is also great, but the Tacoma takes it a step further.

Finally, the Tacoma is better both at towing and hauling as it features a payload number of 1,709 and a tow rating of 6,500 pounds while the Ranger Raptor only manages 1,465 pounds and 5,510 pounds respectively.

As you can see, the fact that the Tacoma is a better all-around vehicle is obvious. If you are in the market for a capable, comfortable, and good-looking truck, then the all-new model from Toyota might be one of the best offerings ever. The Ford is certainly better in some areas, but as a whole package, you can't beat the good old Taco.

Theo has dedicated his life to cars. He has studied the only Automotive Journalism course in the world located at Coventry University and describes this passion as a clinical obsession. Give Theo four wheels and he will drool over the piece of metal, plastic, and glass in between them for hours. Once he is done, he will let you know if it's good or not.