It is really challenging to distinguish between these utes, much like our sales data.
Every time one gains an advantage, the other responds differently. Ford, more technology Toyota has better ergonomics. Ford’s rear passenger comfort. Toyota, longer load space. HiLux costs less to purchase. Run costs are lower, Ranger.
There are countless ways to play tit-for-tat, but in our opinion, there is only one important result.
The 2020 Toyota Hilux SR5 is superior off the road, but the 2020 Ford Ranger XLT is superior on the road. The sales competition has taught us that there is no clear winner, but each automobile has distinctive advantages.
The Ranger offers greater room, technology, and touring comfort if you want your double-cab to travel around town and tour the country on designated roads, sealed or not. Just insist on them including the Tech Pack in the package.
The HiLux, however, has the seamless ability to get you there and back with very little hassle and work if you need your twin-cab to travel outside of town where roads and tracks all blend into one.
With the best-of-breed feature set being virtually same but different enough to cause the almost equal division, it makes sense and even crystallizes the “cultish” Team Ranger or Team HiLux camps.
Both are soon due for updates, and given that Ford’s 2.0-liter Bi-turbo diesel offers better economy along with more power and torque (157kW/500Nm) and that the HiLux update promises an increase to 150kW/500Nm along with the addition of some interior technical goodies, might one of our stalwarts win out?
We are eager to learn the answer, as are one in every 13 Australians who purchase a new automobile.
In This Article...
Is the Hilux superior to the Ranger?
The decision is difficult! In the end, the Ranger has the advantage in terms of comfort and ride quality. In contrast, the Hilux’s stellar reputation for dependability is a strong motivator.
The Hilux is arguably the best option for usage as a typical ute. The Ranger may be a better option for those looking for something a little different that can handle a more varied range.
Which of the Ford and Toyota models is the best?
There is only one option if you want a reliable car, and that is Toyota. Toyota received a 5/5 overall dependability rating and a 5/5 powertrain dependability rating in the 2017 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Survey. Ford received a 3/5 overall reliability rating and a 2/5 powertrain reliability rating.
In addition, according to IHS Automotive’s registration statistics, Toyota builds the automobiles that endure the longest of any full-line automaker. In the last ten years, Toyota sold a total of almost 90% of the Camry, Avalon, Tundra, RAV4, and 4Runner models that are still in use today.
Ranger: Is it larger than Hilux?
As previously indicated, the Toyota Hilux 2018 will have an advantage over the Ford Ranger 2018 due to its class-leading ground clearance. However, it lacks the Ranger’s level of axle articulation. Additionally, because A-Trac isn’t available and the front differential locks, it tends to become stuck considerably more quickly (it only has got a rear one).
The controls of the Toyota Hilux are heavier to complement a hard suspension system, making the vehicle heavier overall. Despite this, the brakes lack confidence, much like their companion.
The new Hilux’s steering is significantly more laborious when compared to its siblings, the Innova and Fortuner in particular. Thankfully, it has a roomier and more comfortable interior than the outgoing model, but it is a touch shorter than the Ford Ranger.
The top of the line The 2.8L CRDi turbo diesel 1GD-FTV engine in the 2018 Toyota Hilux produces 174 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. An automated transmission with six speeds distributes power to the four wheels. The Hilux’s fording depth is only 700 mm, compared to the Ranger’s 800 mm.
Are you interested in learning how much fuel the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux consume? The two trucks are both reasonably fuel-efficient. In combined driving, the Hilux consumes 13.88 km/L of fuel, while the Ford Ranger gets an average of 11.35 km/L.
The Ford Ranger is unbeatable for off-roading, thus it’s accurate to claim that the Hilux performs better on smooth surfaces as opposed to rough roads. Although the American truck has a greater top speed and faster acceleration, the Japanese truck’s seat is safer because of the hard steering’s excellent feel and response, as well as the sturdy suspension and a comfortable driving position. While a backup camera costs an additional P15,000 for the Hilux, it comes standard on the Ranger.
Even if Ford’s multimedia interface is high-tech and more user-friendly, the Japanese brand’s infotainment system sounds more commendable.
As long as you drive on flat terrain, overlanding generally seems to be within the Hilux’s capabilities. Its performance on expressways is especially noteworthy. You can surely tune the tires up and set up a winch for a more fascinating driving experience if you prefer taking on-and-off-road challenges.
What issues do Toyota Hilux vehicles have?
Misfiring and starting issues are among the Toyota Hilux’s most frequent difficulties. A issue with the fuel injectors is the frequently postulated cause of this.
Variants of the Toyota Hilux that use common rail diesel engines are the most frequently affected. Strong fuel stench, fuel leaks, vibrating engines, and illuminated check engine lights are some more potential signs.
Faulty Fuel Injection System
A diesel engine’s fuel injection system is essential to its efficient operation. It aids in fuel delivery to the injectors and modifies timing and volume of gasoline.
What are the Ford Ranger’s drawbacks?
1. Only one engine and transmission are available
The Ranger’s EcoBoost turbocharged engine has impressive power. However, some drivers might want an additional engine. Although the Ranger has respectable gas mileage, it does not have the best fuel economy in its class. The Chevrolet Colorado may achieve 30 mpg with an optional diesel engine. Additionally, Ford does not provide the Ranger with a manual transmission, which puts it at a disadvantage when compared to the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma.
2. Informational System Is Not Standard
Selecting a lower model level will prevent you from getting Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system. Simply put, the 4.2-inch display is inadequate. The majority of the Ranger’s rivals include a bigger touchscreen as standard equipment. Additionally available on the Ranger are Apple Car and Android Auto.
3. There is no extreme off-road model available.
The 2020 Ford Ranger is capable of destroying common trails when outfitted with its optional off-road package. However, some locations are off limits. For drivers who regularly traverse the challenging wilderness, there are better solutions. For instance, outdoor fans rate the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro as one of the top pickups available today for traversing difficult terrain. Chevy, meanwhile, sells the extremely durable Colorado ZR2 Bison.
4. Might Not Have Enough Room for Your Family
The majority of families can comfortably fit in a Ranger SuperCrew. Others, though, will require a tiny bit more room to spread their legs. Consider upgrading to the larger Ford F-150 if passenger room is a major concern. Even NBA-sized men can unwind in the spacious crew cab of the F-150.
5. Some Drivers Might Want a Bolder Appearance
Most folks won’t have any significant problems with the Ranger’s appearance. However, other people might prefer a more daring appearance. None of the Ranger trims appear particularly aggressive.
Which is more durable, Toyota or Ford?
The response is highly debatable. Ford is reportedly the winner, although some reports contend Toyota is more dependable.
For instance, approximately 90% of Ford vehicles received average or higher dependability ratings in Consumer Reports’ annual car reliability survey.
Only the Toyota Prius outperformed the Ford Fusion for Toyota when compared to the Ford vehicles, though.
Toyota is rated as being more reliable than Ford in the J.D. Power Vehicle Reliability Survey. Ford received a pitiful 3 out of 5 for reliability, compared to Toyota’s stellar 5 out of 5.
Going with the J. D. report seems more logical given that Toyota was identified as the manufacturer of vehicles with the longest lifespan in a separate report by Information Handling System (IHS) Automotive.
In addition, numerous Toyota models from the previous ten years, like the Tundra, Camry, and Avalon, are still in use today.
Hilux or Ranger, which costs more?
You get a 6-year/90,000-kilometer service plan, a 4-year/120,000-kilometer warranty, and a 3-year/unlimited-kilometer roadside support with this.
With this, you get a 9-service/90,000-mile service plan and a 3-year/100,000-mile guarantee.
Are Toyota trucks superior to Ford trucks?
Ford is the undisputed champion in terms of truck capabilities. Our Tundra could tow 11,120 pounds and carry a maximum payload of 1,740 pounds when fully outfitted. The Ford, on the other hand, featured a 2,100-pound payload capacity and a 13,900-pound towing capacity with its Max Trailering package. However, even with a less robust trailering gear, the F-150 would still be able to haul 180 pounds more than the Tundra. Capacity and ability, however, are distinct concepts. We’ve always thought the F-150 to be a reliable towing vehicle, and the Tundra shown an equal level of ability when towing our prominent two-horse trailer.
We love Ford’s optional Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology, so we were excited to test out Toyota’s Straight Path Assist system. The main distinction between the two is that while the Tundra simply maintains the trailer’s straight course, the F-150’s dashboard dial allows the driver to maneuver the trailer in reverse. With Straight Path Assist, you can let off of the steering wheel once you’ve steered the trailer in the desired direction, and the Tundra will continue to guide itself in that direction. The Tundra performed a decent job of keeping the trailer on the straight and narrow, but getting the trailer oriented in the appropriate direction is where inexperienced trailer-backers truly struggle. When backing up a trailer, Ford’s system (as well as Ram’s Trailer Reverse Steering) reduces anxiety by 95%; the Toyota, perhaps 50%. Why Toyota didn’t develop a comprehensive trailer-backing solution baffles us.
The best HiLux is…
The family’s dependable workhorse is the standard 3.0 Diesel. Even though it is slower and less potent than the KZ-TE, the SFA 2.4 and 2.8 varieties of diesel are still far superior. These models, in my prejudiced opinion, provide the best fusion of comfort, dependability, off-road prowess, and good looks.
Why is HiLux so well-known?
In 2010, the Hilux fueled with jet fuel successfully completed an epic 5,900-mile drive to the South Pole without encountering a single mechanical issue. This was done in an effort to surpass the South Pole in addition to the North Pole.
As a result, the HiLux continues to be successful due to a number of factors, including its reputation as a dependable workhorse, Australia’s continued love of four-wheel driving, a vast array of variants, a comprehensive sales and service network, high resale prices, and a large market share.
No rivals in the major Japanese brands have been able to match the overall sales numbers of the Toyota HiLux for decades.
Still, since the 2011 arrival of Ford’s most recent Ranger, there has been activity at the station.
The Ford and Mazda engineers that designed the Ranger in Australia did a fantastic job.
The Ranger might lead in private sales if the fleet and government purchases were eliminated.
As it stands, the four-wheel-drive Rangers edged out the four-wheel-drive HiLuxes for the entire year of 2017 (36,932 to 35,297 sales), with Mitsubishi’s Triton coming in third with 20,513 sales.
With 11,796 two-wheel drive utes delivered as opposed to 5796 for the Ranger, the HiLux struck back.
However, despite the fact that the four-wheel-drive ute category is highly competitive, with competitors from all over the world, it will be decades before Toyota’s legendary HiLux goes out of business.