Ford Ranger vs. Toyota Hilux: Tough Truck Showdown on and off the Road

Ford and Toyota are renowned for producing durable, reliable, and powerful vehicles, particularly their best-selling pick-up trucks like the Ranger and Hilux. Consumers prioritize financial strength, interior space, and performance while minimizing fuel consumption. This review compares the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux models in terms of fuel consumption, performance, interior, exterior, and engine capacity, helping you decide which brand to buy.

Interior & Exterior Comparison

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger, first introduced in 1965 as a trim package of larger F-Series trucks, was withdrawn in 1981 and reintroduced in 1983 to 2011 due to declining demand for small pickup trucks. The Ranger comes in single-cab, super-cab, and double cab models with 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains. The latest Ford Ranger, based on the T6 platform, was introduced in 2011 and designed by Ford Australia to replace Mazda and American rebadged Ranger. The latest Ford Ranger features a modern, attractive, and tough-looking appearance.

The Ranger's interior offers ample space with various trims. Standard trims have basic front seats with 4-way manual adjustment and luxurious cloth upholstery. Both the first and second row have storage booths for handbags, goggles, beverages, and smartphones. The front row cabin has door panel storage, cup holders, door pockets, a console bin, and a glovebox. The second row has only front seat jacket storage and door storage panel. The Ford Ranger offers both 6-foot and 5-foot bed options, with the 6-foot bed providing adequate space for larger luggage and the 6-foot bed ideal for longer cargo.

Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux, a utilitarian car, has evolved from a small workhorse to a dual-purpose, fully-featured car. It comes in three outlines: Single Cabin, Extra Cabin, and Double Cabin, each with its own unique features. The Hilux is available in diesel and petrol engines, 2WD and 4WD drive models, and comes with slim projector headlights, LED headlamps, LED tail-lamps, and 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels. 

The Hilux interior features a digital speedometer, redesigned binnacle, and a trip computer for real-world fuel consumption. The cabin offers storage for goggles, handbags, beverages, and smartphones. The first row includes cup holders, a center box, glovebox, and door panel storage, while the second row has only door panel storage. The Toyota Hilux single cabin offers more cargo space than the Ranger double cabin, but it is not sufficient for carrying more luggage, and cannot be added when more space is needed.

Engine, Performance & Fuel Consumption

Ford Ranger

The 2nd generation Ford Ranger is equipped with three engine options: 2.3L EcoBoost I4 turbo petrol, 2.0L EcoBlue I4 turbo, 2.0L EcoBlue I4 twin-turbo, and 3.0L Power Stroke V6 turbo. These engines are paired with a 6-speed manual, 6-speed 6R80 automatic, or 10-speed Ford-GM SelectShift automatic, delivering a maximum power output of 270 hp and 420 Nm. The Ranger's fuel consumption ranges from 8.5 Km/L to 11.05.

Toyota Hilux

The 7th generation Toyota Hilux is available in various engine sizes, including 2.0L 1TR-FE VVT-i I4, 2.7L 2TR-FE VVT-i I4, 4.0L 1GR-FE VVT-i V6, 4.0L 1GR-FE supercharged VVT-i V6 petrol engine, 2.7L 2TR-FE VVT-i I4 Petrol/CNG, 2.4L 2L-T/2L-TE, 2.5L 2KD-FTV D-4D Turbodiesel I4, 2.5L 2KD-FTV D-4D VN-Turbo I4, and 3.0L 1KD-FTV D-4D turbocharged I4 diesel engines. These engines can be attached to a 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, or 5-speed A750F automatic. 

The latest Toyota Hilux AN120/AN130 is powered by 2.0L 1TR-FE I4, 2.7L 2TR-FE I4, 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 petrol engines, 2.4L 2GD-FTV turbocharged I4, 2.5L 2KD-FTV turbocharged-intercooler I4, 2.8L 1GD-FTV turbocharged I4, 3.0L 1KD-FTV turbocharged I4, and 3.0L 5L-E I4 diesel engines. The 2.4L 2GD-FTV inline-4 common rail diesel with VNT produces a maximum power output of 150 hp at 3,400 rpm and torque of 343 Nm at 1,400–2,800 rpm. The fuel economy varies between 9.0 Km/L to 14.4 Km/L depending on the model and engine size.

Finally

The Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux are both excellent pick-up trucks, with the Ranger being a luxury vehicle and the Hilux being a true off-roader. The Hilux is better for towing heavy loads, with higher torque. Both models are limitless in terms of exterior appearance, fuel efficiency, safety features, and interior space. However, the Hilux is ideal for long journeys with a larger fuel tank, making it a better choice for those seeking a more fuel-efficient vehicle. You can now check the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux stock list for more available models.Toyota Hilux stock list for more available models.