Toyota Tacoma vs Ford Ranger: towing
For 2008, the Toyota Tacoma has the higher printed conventional maximum, by 500 lb. Comparing the best row for the same cab and drivetrain, the Toyota Tacoma is higher in 2 of 4 setups and the Ford Ranger in 2. Across 20 model years where both are cited, the Toyota Tacoma led 7 times, the Ford Ranger 13 times.
Every figure is a printed manufacturer chart value for its own model year. Maximums need specific equipment; the same-setup table is the fairer comparison.
2008: same cab, same drivetrain
2008 is the newest year with substantial chart coverage for both trucks. Best printed conventional rating for each body style; “No row” means the transcribed chart has none for that setup. Extended cab groups SuperCab, Double Cab, Quad Cab, King Cab and Access Cab; crew groups SuperCrew, CrewMax and Mega Cab.
| Setup | Toyota Tacoma | Ford Ranger | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular cab 2WD | 3,500 lb 2.7L I4, Regular Cab, 3.31 axle, 5-speed manual; Standard towing capacity, without Towing Package | 6,000 lb 4.0L V6 SOHC, Regular Cab, 7-ft. Box, 3.55 axle, Automatic transmission | Ford Ranger +2,500 |
| Regular cab 4WD | 3,500 lb 2.7L I4, Regular Cab, 4.10 axle, 5-speed manual; Standard towing capacity, without Towing Package | 5,740 lb 4.0L V6 SOHC, Regular Cab, 6-ft. Box, 3.73/4.10 axle, Automatic transmission | Ford Ranger +2,240 |
| Extended cab 2WD | 6,500 lb 4.0L V6, Access Cab, 3.73 axle, 6-speed manual; PreRunner | 5,860 lb 4.0L V6 SOHC, SuperCab, 6-ft. Box, 3.55 axle, Automatic transmission | Toyota Tacoma +640 |
| Extended cab 4WD | 6,500 lb 4.0L V6, Access Cab, 3.73 axle, 6-speed manual | 5,600 lb 4.0L V6 SOHC, SuperCab, 6-ft. Box, 3.73/4.10 axle, Automatic transmission | Toyota Tacoma +900 |
2008 rating ranges
| Hitch | Toyota Tacoma | Ford Ranger |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 3,500–6,500 lb | 1,420–6,000 lb |
2008 Toyota Tacoma by engine
- 4.0L V63,500–6,500 lb
- 2.7L I43,500 lb
Source: Toyota, 2008 Toyota Tacoma eBrochure
2008 Ford Ranger by engine
- 4.0L V6 SOHC5,600–6,000 lb
- 4.0L SOHC3,140–3,280 lb
- 3.0L V62,240–2,640 lb
- 2.3L I41,420–2,240 lb
Source: Ford, 2008 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
Year by year
Highest cited conventional rating for each model year. A blank means that year is not cited or the model was not sold, never zero.
| Year | Toyota Tacoma | Ford Ranger | Higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6,500 lb | 7,500 lb | Ranger |
| 2025 | 6,500 lb | 7,500 lb | Ranger |
| 2024 | 6,500 lb | 7,500 lb | Ranger |
| 2023 | 6,800 lb | 7,500 lb | Ranger |
| 2022 | 6,800 lb | 7,500 lb | Ranger |
| 2021 | 6,800 lb | 7,500 lb | Ranger |
| 2020 | 6,800 lb | 7,500 lb | Ranger |
| 2019 | 6,800 lb | 7,500 lb | Ranger |
| 2018 | 6,800 lb | — | |
| 2017 | 6,800 lb | — | |
| 2016 | 6,800 lb | — | |
| 2015 | 6,500 lb | — | |
| 2014 | 6,500 lb | — | |
| 2013 | 6,500 lb | — | |
| 2012 | 6,500 lb | — | |
| 2011 | 6,500 lb | 5,960 lb | Tacoma |
| 2010 | 6,500 lb | 5,940 lb | Tacoma |
| 2009 | 6,500 lb | 6,000 lb | Tacoma |
| 2008 | 6,500 lb | 6,000 lb | Tacoma |
| 2007 | 6,500 lb | 6,000 lb | Tacoma |
| 2006 | 6,500 lb | 6,000 lb | Tacoma |
| 2005 | 6,500 lb | 5,980 lb | Tacoma |
| 2004 | 5,000 lb | 5,980 lb | Ranger |
| 2003 | 5,000 lb | 5,960 lb | Ranger |
| 2002 | 5,000 lb | 6,020 lb | Ranger |
| 2001 | 5,000 lb | 6,070 lb | Ranger |
| 2000 | 5,000 lb | 6,060 lb | Ranger |