everyone is excited for the arrival of the new 2019 ford ranger, and with good reason. the ranger was among the most popular pickup trucks in the u.s. over its lifespan, and ford's decision to kill it in favor of the larger f-150 disappointed truck fans everywhere. what really stuck in the gut was the fact that the ranger continued to live elsewhere in the world, with desirable updates for international markets that weren't available stateside.
but now, the ranger is back — a fully modern truck that's grown considerably in size and offers all the latest technology, such as a torquey turbocharged used engine , a 10-speed automatic transmission, and even automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
however, it will have to work hard to dethrone the perennial sales leader among mid-size pickup trucks, the toyota tacoma. the taco is massively popular, with a reputation for rugged dependability and strong resale value. classic ones are prized, and as long as you maintain them, old toyota pickups seem to run forever. equipped with a choice of used engine and transmissions, as well as an optional four-wheel-drive system that makes it nigh unstoppable, the tacoma has earned its spot at the top of the pack.
how does ford's newcomer stack up against the stalwart tacoma? our colleagues at pickuptrucks.com wanted to know, so they pit a brand-new, fresh-from-the-factory 2019 ford ranger against the 2018 toyota tacoma. through the streets of los angeles, over the canyons and out into the desert, this head-to-head test is one you don't want to miss.
click here to read who came out on top in this battle of mid-size trucks.
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