Which midsize truck best handles your wild Colorado lifestyle, the 2025 Ford Ranger or 2025 Toyota Tacoma? Our buying guide walks you through this tough choice!
Key Takeaways
- Pay less for your midsize truck with the 2025 Tacoma!
- After a recent redesign, the Ranger delivers more interior comfort and innovative tech features.
- The Ranger scales mountain trails with maximum ease, thanks to its three powerful engine options.
- Get the job done with the Ford Ranger, which tows and hauls more weight than the Toyota Tacoma!
Lowest Price: 2025 Toyota Tacoma
Although both trucks are competitively priced, the 2025 Tacoma can save you a little money up front. Toyota’s midsize truck starts at $31,590. By comparison, the 2025 Ranger only costs a little extra, starting at $33,080. As always, though, the final cost of any midsize truck will vary according to things like trim model, equipment, local taxes, and other fees.
Best Features Lineup: 2025 Ford Ranger
After a redesign for the 2024 model year, Ford’s midsize truck became more comfortable and high-tech than ever! New suspension tuning somehow delivers both a smooth ride and a very capable performance. And the standard lineup now includes a digital gauge cluster, the SYNC 4 infotainment system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Some of the Ranger’s newly available tech features are segment exclusives, including a blind-spot warning system that includes trailer coverage!
Although the Tacoma’s ride isn’t quite as smooth, Toyota’s midsize truck does offer supportive seating and plenty of interior space. The base lineup also includes infotainment basics like an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, the Tacoma has a robust list of standard safety aids, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Unfortunately, though, it lacks the Ranger’s standout features, like a standard digital gauge cluster or advanced adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go technology.
High-Altitude Power: 2025 Ford Ranger
With more power and an over-the-top trim model, the Ranger Raptor, Ford’s midsize truck feels like it was designed to take on Colorado’s rugged terrain. To transform the XL, XLT, or Lariat trims into mountain climbers, just add the FX4 off-roading package. And if you’re looking for a high-speed romp down the trail, nothing beats the Ranger Raptor and its advanced off-roading equipment (including standard Fox shocks, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and front and rear locking differentials)!
2025 Ford Ranger Powertrain Options
- Standard 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (270 hp, 310 lb-ft)
- Available for XLT, Lariat: 2.7L turbo V6 (315 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- Raptor-exclusive 3.0L turbo V6 (405 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
Then again, the Toyota Tacoma also has an excellent reputation in wild terrain. Although it’s not as versatile as the Ranger and its FX4 package, you can choose from four trail-ready trim models: the TRD PreRunner, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. The TRD Pro is the most likely to give the Ranger Raptor a run for its money, thanks to features like Fox shocks, 33-inch tires, and underbody skid plates. Unfortunately, though, its 326-horsepower i-Force Max engine trails pretty far behind the Raptor’s 405-horsepower turbo V6.
2025 Toyota Tacoma Powertrain Options
- Standard 2.4L turbo four-cylinder engine (228 hp, 243 lb-ft)
- Available high-output 2.4L turbo four-cylinder engine (278 hp, 317 lb-ft with automatic; 270 hp, 310 lb-ft with manual)
- Available 2.4L turbo i-Force Max hybrid four-cylinder engine (326 hp, 465 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Available six-speed manual transmission
Workhorse Performance: 2025 Ford Ranger
When it’s time to get to work, the Ranger’s greater hauling capacity — up to 1,805 pounds — will help you move bigger payloads. Ford’s midsize truck also totes the bigger camper! Properly equipped, the Ranger can tow max loads of 7,500 pounds.
While the Tacoma lags behind, it’s not too far behind. Depending on body style and equipment, this Toyota truck can haul up to 1,710 pounds of gear. If you want to tow a camper or boat trailer with your Tacoma, it needs to weigh 6,500 pounds or less.
In the end, it’s easy to name the Ford Ranger the best off-road midsize truck for Colorado mountains 2025! Whether you want to take on the Rockies or enjoy a smooth, comfortable commute, this is the truck for you. Call or text us at Brighton Ford to schedule a test-drive with this popular pickup.