2024 Ford Ranger vs. Toyota Tacoma: The Mid-Size Truck Battle for St. Louis
When it comes to mid-size trucks, few names carry the weight of the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. Both models are icons in their own right, but with all-new redesigns for 2024, this year marks a turning point. If you’re a St. Louis truck buyer looking for the best balance of power, capability, tech, and value, this showdown is for you.
Let’s break it down across all the key categories that matter to local drivers, from off-road performance on Missouri trails to towing confidence on I-44.
Power & Performance: Ranger Brings Turbocharged Muscle
The 2024 Ford Ranger comes standard with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine that delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque — more torque than Tacoma offers. Opt for the available 2.7L EcoBoost V6, and you’re looking at 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. That’s F-150 level power in a mid-size truck.
The redesigned Tacoma offers a 2.4L turbo-four with 278 hp and 317 lb-ft in its i-FORCE trim, but you’ll need to climb the trim ladder or go hybrid for similar muscle. For those towing boats to Lake of the Ozarks or hauling gear around St. Louis, the Ranger’s low-end torque and smooth 10-speed automatic are a huge plus.
Towing & Payload: Ranger Takes the Lead
- 2024 Ranger: Up to 7,500 lbs towing, 1,805 lbs payload
- 2024 Tacoma: Up to 6,500 lbs towing, 1,709 lbs payload
Whether you’re hauling a trailer to a weekend event in Forest Park or moving landscaping equipment around Ballwin, the Ranger gives you more usable capability without moving to a full-size truck.
Off-Road Capability: Both Are Built for Adventure
Ford and Toyota both brought their A-game for off-roaders. The 2024 Ranger Raptor debuts in the U.S. with 405 horsepower, FOX shocks, 33-inch all-terrains, and trail-ready tech. It’s ready for serious terrain in the Mark Twain National Forest or on your next trip west.
Meanwhile, the Tacoma offers the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims with an available manual transmission (a rarity), locking rear diff, and multi-terrain monitor. It’s impressive, but the Ranger Raptor is simply more powerful and aggressive out of the box.
Interior Comfort & Tech: Ranger Gets a Big Upgrade
The 2024 Ranger feels like a baby F-150 inside. You get a 10.1″ or optional 12″ vertical touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and available 360-degree camera. It’s modern, intuitive, and loaded with Ford’s SYNC 4A system.
The Tacoma improves with Toyota’s new 8″ or optional 14″ display, but its interior design still leans traditional. The Ranger’s tech layout feels more premium — and more useful in daily St. Louis traffic.
Price & Value: Ranger Is the Smarter Buy
Despite its power and tech, the Ranger starts competitively at around $32,000, with most well-equipped XLT and Lariat models landing under $45K. You also get better standard safety features like Ford Co-Pilot360, BLIS, and post-collision braking.
The Tacoma offers Toyota reliability, but many trims creep past $50K quickly, and hybrid models will run even higher. When you factor in Ranger’s standard towing, torque, and in-cabin tech, it wins the value battle for smart St. Louis buyers.
Local Spotlight: Why the Ranger Makes Sense in St. Louis
From navigating the tight streets of Soulard to weekend adventures in Shawnee National Forest, the Ranger hits a sweet spot for urban and outdoor lifestyles. It’s easier to park than an F-150, more capable than a Maverick, and better-equipped than most competitors in this segment.
Plus, with the team at Dave Sinclair Ford, you can access exclusive Ford lease and finance offers tailored for local drivers. We’re also seeing strong trade-in demand for older Tacomas and Colorados right now — a perfect time to upgrade.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 2024 Ford Ranger | 2024 Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost (270 hp) | 2.4L Turbo (228 hp) |
| Max Engine | 2.7L V6 (315 hp) | i-FORCE MAX Hybrid (326 hp) |
| Max Towing | 7,500 lbs | 6,500 lbs |
| Off-Road Trim | Raptor (405 hp) | TRD Pro (326 hp) |
| Touchscreen | 10.1″ or 12″ vertical | 8″ or 14″ horizontal |
| Starting MSRP | ~$32,000 | ~$31,500 |
Verdict: The Ranger Rules St. Louis
If you value power, towing, modern tech, and a truck that feels at home on city streets and rural trails, the 2024 Ford Ranger is the clear winner. It offers more truck for the money, and with new trims like the Ranger Raptor, it’s the most exciting mid-size option on the market today.
Visit Dave Sinclair Ford today to test drive the new Ranger and see how it fits your life in St. Louis. We’ll help you compare trims, value your trade, and lock in exclusive offers while inventory lasts.
Disclaimer: Specifications accurate at time of publication. Always verify towing capacity and features with your Ford dealer. All offers subject to credit approval.
