The short answer
Ranger wins on V6 EcoBoost availability (315 hp), Raptor halo (405 hp Fox shocks), and a more car-like interior. Tacoma wins on i-FORCE MAX hybrid (326 hp combined), Trailhunter overland spec, TRD Pro lineage, and Toyota reliability reputation. Both are excellent new-gen midsize trucks. Pick by powertrain (V6 turbo vs hybrid 4-cyl) and which off-road tune you prefer.
Engines
Ranger: 2.3L EcoBoost (270 hp), 2.7L V6 EcoBoost (315 hp), 3.0L V6 EcoBoost (405 hp Raptor). Tacoma: 2.4L turbo I-4 (228/270/278 hp) or 2.4L i-FORCE MAX hybrid (326 hp). Ranger has the V6 turbo torque advantage; Tacoma has the hybrid efficiency play.
Off-road
Ranger Tremor: locking rear diff, terrain modes, off-road tires. Ranger Raptor: 405 hp 3.0L V6 EcoBoost, Fox Live Valve shocks, wider track — desert pre-runner spec. Tacoma TRD Off-Road / TRD Pro / Trailhunter: locking rear diff, FOX shocks (TRD Pro), Old Man Emu (Trailhunter). Ranger Raptor is the desert specialist; Tacoma TRD Pro / Trailhunter are the overland specialists.
Towing and payload
Ranger: up to 7,500 lbs tow / ~1,805 lbs payload. Tacoma: up to 6,500 lbs tow / ~1,700 lbs payload. Ranger edges Tacoma on max tow.
Interior and tech
Both got significant interior upgrades in their new generations. Ranger has the 12-inch SYNC 4 portrait screen on mid-trims+, BlueCruise hands-free hardware available. Tacoma has the new Toyota Audio Multimedia 14-inch screen, full digital cluster on top trims. Ranger ride is more car-like; Tacoma feels more like a body-on-frame truck (because it is).
Reliability and resale
Toyota owns the reliability narrative in midsize. Tacoma resale is famously strong. Ranger's new generation is too fresh for long-term reliability data, but Ford has improved markedly in the segment. For long-term resale priority, Tacoma. For a more refined daily, Ranger.
Price
Ranger starts low $30s (XL). Tacoma starts mid $30s (SR). Loaded: Ranger Lariat mid-$50s. Tacoma TRD Off-Road mid-$50s. Halo: Ranger Raptor mid-$60s. Tacoma TRD Pro / Trailhunter / i-FORCE MAX mid-$60s. Comparable price ladders.
How to decide
Pick Ranger for: V6 EcoBoost torque, Raptor halo, more car-like ride, BlueCruise hands-free. Pick Tacoma for: i-FORCE MAX hybrid, Toyota reliability + resale, Trailhunter overland spec. Eugenio at Sunrise Ford handles the Ranger side.