If you are looking for a reliable pickup truck, the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger are two of your best options. Given their muscular road presence and powerful engines, it is not hard to see why they are two of the most formidable players in their segment. But which of them makes the better choice as a family-focused pickup truck with a breadth of roughness and toughness?
In this article, we will discuss what makes the Toyota Hilux different from Ford Ranger in terms of styling, safety features, and performance on the road.
Exterior styling
Just as it has always been, the most recent version of the Toyota Hilux looks tough and resilient. Since the first Hilux saw the light of the day, this pickup truck has always been recognized for its butch appearance and the 2021 version follows that tradition pretty well with its blocky exterior and 18-inch alloy wheels. With its beefier stance, larger wheelbase, remarkable exterior features, and dimensions maxing out 5325mm x 1900mm x 1845mm, the new Toyota Hilux comes with an unparalleled rugged exterior that is sure to attract buyers who are looking for a pickup truck that looks hardy and intimidating. You will also never run out of choices with the new Hilux as it lets you pick among its broad range of eight color options!
Meanwhile, the dimensions of the Ford Ranger that max out 5453mm x 1860mm x 1821mm are a bit less remarkable compared to the Hilux. The new Ford Ranger features significant upgrades on its exterior to make it look more muscular, but you may not like how its fog lights are now smaller. Even then, its wider front bumper, enhanced front fascia, and cool color options are sure to catch your fancy. You can also choose among 12 color options.
Comfort and interior technology
If you have been a car enthusiast for long, you know how pickup trucks normally skip out on gadgetries and stuff to complement their craggy charms—but that is not the case with the new https://www.carexpert.com.au/toyota/hilux and Ford Ranger. With these pickup trucks, you get the rugged, intimidating look you want in a pickup truck without sacrificing comfort and modern-day tech that are usually only featured in more expensive SUVs. The new Hilux, for instance, boasts of its 4.2-inch multi-information display and many other technologies you will not find elsewhere. These features include modern outside temp controls, an “eco” monitor, and shift range indicators. If you plan to use your Hilux as a family-focused pickup truck, you will love how it is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity which you can access via its 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports. It also has impressive Smart Device Link capabilities and just the right number of car speakers here and there for quality audio output.
As for the Ford Ranger, this pickup truck also comes with a wide range of interior features, including a modern touch screen infotainment system, projector headlamps, auto climate control, cruise control, semi-digital instrument console, and many others—which you will also find in Ford’s popular SUV, the Ford Everest. But while its overall interior styling is far better than its predecessor, it still cannot match how ergonomic, convenient, and user-friendly the interior features of the new Toyota Hilux are.
Capacity
With its modernized ladder chassis and better deck structure, the Toyota Hilux now comes with improved capacity and rigidity. It has a towing capacity of 3,175kg and payload capacity of 1,115kg, making it truly one of its kind. But while other models are more heavy-duty than the others, you can trust that regardless of the model you choose, your Hilux’s towing capacity will range anywhere between 2500kg and 3500kg and will come with spacious and comfortable seating in its cabin. The double-cab Hilux can accommodate up to four regular sized adults, but you have the option of an extra cab with small rear suicide doors if you are planning to go for a low-spec model.
The Ford Ranger, on the other hand, has a smaller payload capacity than the Toyota Hilux. While it also offers spacious seating for up to four adults in its cabin and can provide ample space for all types of cargo with its impressive dimensions, its payload capacity is only 766kg—which is far below that of the Toyota Hilux’s 1,115kg payload capacity. Then again, you will love how its suspension lets you deal with even the most challenging off-road conditions with so much ease. Its chassis also features durable low alloy steel that makes it ideal for driving on tough surfaces.
Safety
When it comes to safety, neither the Toyota Hilux nor the Ford Ranger is a slouch. This is because even if you opt for their entry-level models, what you get is a pickup truck that is well equipped with avant-garde safety features. Cruise control, ISOFIX tethers, ABS, and ample airbags come as standard in all models, but there is a slight difference when it comes to how safe their lower models are. For instance, the Toyota Hilux features a much better standard kit with vehicle stability control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, hill start assist control—features you will not find in Ford Ranger’s entry-level models.
The Toyota Hilux also has an advantage over Ranger in terms of how it offers rearview camera options across all its models, and how its higher trim levels step up the game with even more impressive safety features in the active protection department. While both pickup trucks come with their own merits in terms of safety, the Toyota Hilux comes out on top in this category.
Verdict
While the specs of the Ford Ranger are truly remarkable, we cannot look past the legendary capabilities of the Toyota Hilux. Compared to its rival, the new Hilux offers far more features and more options at a price you can afford. It is also impressive how plentiful the features of its lower trim variants are—especially when it comes to the safety department—so it is without a question the better option if safety is a priority for you.
