Toyota Tacoma vs the Competition

How the New Toyota Tacoma Measures Up to the Mid-Size Truck Competition

Trail expeditions throughout the heart of Vermont are better off in a new Toyota Tacoma. Even tough tasks are made simple. From recreational activities to daily work demands, the Toyota Tacoma allows Vermonters to thrive. At 802 Toyota, we help Vermont truck buyers make informed decisions. That's why we've put together a comprehensive mid-size truck comparison, demonstrating why the Tacoma remains the best-selling pickup in its class. See how the Toyota Tacoma measures up to competitors in the Nissan Frontier and Ford Ranger.

Performance

Unlike the competition, the Tacoma lineup features turbocharged hybrid trucks. Tacoma owners benefit from added power and increased fuel efficiency - up to 22 mpg on the city streets of Montpelier, VT. New Toyota Tacoma trucks with the i-FORCE MAX Hybrid powertrain integrate an electric motor to generate 326 combined horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The Ford Ranger delivers 430 pound-feet of max available torque, and the base EcoBoost® engine is rated for 270 horsepower. The new Toyota Tacoma offers an array of i-FORCE turbocharged gas engines producing up to 278 horsepower. The Nissan Frontier delivers 310 standard V6 horsepower but only 281 pound-feet of torque.

Tacoma trucks deliver more instant torque for better response - from Vermont highways to mountain trails. The Toyota Tacoma also offers the power of choice with an 8-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission. Toyota Tacoma trucks tout a 6,500-pound maximum towing capacity. A Frontier can tow 7,150 pounds, but a handful of configurations only pull 6,300 pounds. The Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds, but the Raptor can only pull 5,510 pounds.

Toyota Tacoma Powertrain Options

i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine: 228 horsepower, 243 pound-feet of torque
i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine: 270 horsepower, 310 pound-feet of torque
i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine: 278 horsepower, 317 pound-feet of torque
i-FORCE MAX Hybrid powertrain: 2.4-liter engine with electric motor: 326 horsepower, 465 pound-feet of torque

Off-Road Capabilities

Toyota Tacoma models offer Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, allowing truck owners to operate in both 4WD high and low ranges. The Ranger is available in 4x4 models, and the Frontier offers 4x4 PRO-4X® models with Bilstein off-road performance shock absorbers. The Ranger Raptor has 2.5-inch FOX™ racing shocks. FOX® QS3® internal bypass shocks on the Tacoma TRD Off-Road provide superior performance on Vermont trails. The off-road heritage of Toyota Racing Development is evident in the Tacoma lineup. Tacoma models from the TRD family allow Plainfield, VT, explorers to play in the sandbox.

Set out to conquer Vermont trails in the Tacoma Trailhunter, which is equipped with a standard Old Man Emu® suspension and 2.5-inch forged monotube position-sensitive shocks with rear piggyback reservoirs. The result is rugged capability and outstanding load-carrying stability. You'll have an easier time navigating obstacles. Tacoma Trailhunter trucks ride on 33-inch Goodyear® Territory® rugged-terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch bronze-finished wheels. These boost ground clearance and deliver superior off-road traction. An ARB® high-clearance steel rear bumper provides additional protection that's not offered by competing trucks. High-clearance trail exhaust improves the departure angle for you to take on more challenging Vermont terrain. The off-road perks don't stop there. Exclusive Rigid Industries® fog lights can switch between amber and white light to suit current trail conditions you may face around Waterbury, VT, with your Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter. Off-road enthusiasts appreciate the unique options and exclusive features of the Toyota Tacoma lineup.

Design

Truck buyers from Barre, VT, can choose between a Toyota Tacoma XtraCab or Double Cab. The Nissan Frontier offers Crew Cab and King Cab options. The Ranger only has one cab style: SuperCrew®. The Tacoma offers more bed utility with boxes that stretch five or six feet. Every Toyota Tacoma features an aluminum-reinforced bed composed of an ultra-durable Sheet-Molded Composite (SMC) surface that is strong, resilient, and lightweight. Tacoma trucks are built on the TNGA-F Chassis, combining high-strength steel with lightweight aluminum for enhanced rigidity and less overall weight. Competing trucks are not built on this highly modular platform. Toyota Tacoma models are available in two-tone paint options, including the vibrant Wave Maker paired with a black roof. Unlike the competition, Toyota Tacoma trucks are styled for the wild. Comparing upholstery? Toyota Tacoma trucks offer SofTex® upholstery, compared to ActiveX® upholstery in the Ranger.

Technology

Tacoma owners who are hiking or camping have access to a JBL® FLEX portable speaker. This is an exclusive feature not seen on rival trucks. The Toyota Tacoma has a 10-speaker JBL® Premium audio system, similar to the 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen® Sound System in the Ranger. The Fender® audio system in the Frontier only has six speakers. All three trucks have wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility. Tacoma trucks come with Toyota Audio Multimedia, similar to SYNC® 4A in the Ranger. Select Tacoma models come with a 14-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The largest Ford Ranger displays are 12 inches - both for multimedia and digital instruments. Frontier trucks have a 7-inch multi-function information display, and the largest NissanConnect® touchscreen is 12.3 inches. Ford Co-Pilot360® is not standard on the Ranger and doesn't enter until the XLT grade, forcing you to splurge on driver-assist technology that's standard in the Tacoma via Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0. Frontier trucks feature Nissan Safety Shield® 360.

Test Drive a New Tacoma Truck Today at 802 Toyota

802ers can redefine their limits with the keys to a new Toyota Tacoma from our Toyota dealership near Randolph, VT. At 802 Toyota, we compare new trucks, so you don't have to. We invite you to explore the variety of new Toyota Tacoma trucks for sale in Berlin, VT, ranging from the Trailhunter to the TRD Off-Road. As a new Toyota truck dealer serving Stowe, VT, we offer traditional gas-powered models and hybrid pickups. Contact us to schedule a test drive, and you'll discover the ways in which the renowned Tacoma surges past the truck competition.

** Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by a consumer including $198 documentation fee, except for licensing costs, registration fees, and taxes.

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Toyota Tacoma vs the Competition