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Welcome to the Toyota Hilux vs Ford Ranger comparison for 2018. It’s been nearly 2 years and we decided to revisit the state of the LCV aka Light commercial or Utility, or Ute class and all it’s various brands again! Although there are plenty of competitors on the market and that includes the Mazda BT-50, Holden Colorado, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton, Volkswagen Amarok and the Mercedes Benz X class and out of this lot the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux are the two most popular.
Toyota Hilux vs For Ranger exterior comparison: In terms of looks not much has changed over the years which is not unusual for the light commercial class. The Ranger is bigger than the Hilux in almost every way, which means it will have the boxiest shape. That said it does vaguely resemble the F series (aka F150) trucks in the US and it’s Asian design clues do show the more you look at it. Furthermore the top range Wildtrack is a example of how you should not add pointless bits of plastic as it just looks cheap. Toyota could have gone the same way as the Ranger or more so the VW Amarok in terms of designing a chunky box but instead have made the Hilux look more like a sports truck than a hauler. With the introduction of the Rogue, Rugged and Rugged X packages which really change the appearance for off road and country town and tradie buyers.
Toyota Hilux vs Ford Ranger interior comparison: Like the exterior the interior design of both are different. The Ford Ranger interior is good to look at and be in. It’s like a regular SUV, exactly like the Ford Everest and a conservative design. The Hilux interior is noticably smaller but there still plenty of space of all sizes. It’s driver and passenger seating feel familiar to any number of prior Hilux models so is familiar. The smaller feel may be a disadvantage to you then it’s probably time to loose some weight! The Hilux interior is unique in the class as it’s a modern design and harks back to the 1980’s and 90’s version of the Hilux. We prefer the Hilux it’s just looks and feels modern and sporty when equipped appropriately the stereo sounds good for the price too.
Toyota Hilux vs Ford Ranger street engine and technology comparison: Both come with diesel engines with the Ford Ranger having a 3.2 litre 5 cylinder turbo diesel that out power the equivalent Hilux engine but not by much. There is also the smaller 2.2 turbo diesel of lessor model grades which matches the entry level engine in the 2wD Hilux. The Ranger’s diesel engines are pretty reliable by all accounts with problems well known although Ford seems reluctant to fix them. The Hilux three engine options the 2.7 petrol, 2.4 turbo diesel and the 2.8 turbo diesel which are modern, reliable and reasonably powerful. You also need to remember that the Hilux engine is built to last a long time and they are amazingly ‘tight’ when new. Safety system are pretty much equal and both do not match their wagon versions. They are primarily utility vehicles after all. Speaking of which when equiped the Ford’s SYNC stereo system works better than the Toyota version.
Toyota Hilux vs Ford Ranger street cred comparison: Arguably this is the biggest factor in choosing between the Ranger and the Hilux is the street cred factor due to it’s primary market, highly opinionated tradies and a growing number of business and private owners. It’s though to beat the Hilux’s brand history where everything about it is purposely designed to live up the the reputation that everyone knows. The Ranger has a loyal following of Ford fans now that the Falcon is no longer made and the Thai built Ranger is definitely an alternative. The bigger size will appeal and is the basis of it’s street cred until owners realise how annoying difficult it is to manoeuvre. The Hilux only needs to be called a Hilux and be priced fairly and it will sell, that the good thing about this Toyota.
The winner of the Ford Ranger Vs Toyota Hilux comparison is a draw. Each appeals to different buyers and if the number of High Rise Ford Rangers we see indicates that size, lack of a 4WD system and a tray are the key selling points. All the Rangers models are priced higher despite being made in a cheaper compared to the Hilux and all the Ranger’s are mostly 4×2 hence missing the any 4×4 capability – which is interesting since it only offers a larger car and the Ford branding. We think Ford Ranger buyers are being ripped off! In comparison the range topping SR5 Hilux is at the magic $50000 mark with a proper 4WD system and it is the most popular model we see driving around indicates where Hilux buyers are at. Which one in the better ute to buy depends on mostly personal preferences and your mental ability to work out the sums hence we’d pick the Hilux due to being the real thing aka 4×4 and better value for money. That said there are plenty of deals for both models shop around.
Toyota Hilux |
Ford Ranger |
Engines | |
1GD-FTV – IL4 Diesel Turbo DI CR 2.8Litre (2799cc) Claimed 130Kw @ 3400RPM Claimed 450Nm @ 1400RPM or Claimed 240Nm @ 1400RPM (MT) |
IL5 Cylinder Diesel Turbo DI CR 3.2 Litre (3198cc) Diesel Turbo DOHC 20V EFI DI CR Claimed 147Kw @ 3000 RPM Claimed 470Nm @ 1750 RPM |
2GD-FTV – IL4 Diesel Turbo DI CR 2.4 Litre (2399cc) Claimed 110Kw @ 3400RPM Claimed 400Nm @ 1400RPM or Claimed 343Nm @ 2000RPM (MT) |
2.2 Litre (2198cc) Diesel Turbo DOHC EFI DI CR Claimed 118Kw @ 3200 RPM Claimed 385Nm @ 1600 RPM |
2TR-FE – IL4 Petrol DOHC 16 Valve EFI 2.7 Litre (2694cc) Claimed 122Kw @ 2500RPM Claimed 245Nm @ 4000RPM |
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Weight | |
FROM Approx 1775Kg (4×4) Towing capacity up to 3500kg |
FROM 2000 Kg Towing capacity up to 3500kg |
Fuel capacity & consumption | |
Up to 80 litres 2TR-FE Petrol 10.4 lts per 100km 1GD-FTV Diesel 8.5 lts per 100km 2GD-FTV Diesel 8.5 lts per 100km |
Up to 80 litres Diesel 2.2lts 9.2 lts per 100km Diesel 3.2lts 8.8 lts per 100km |
Other specifications | |
6 speed Auto or Manual Overall height/width 1815/1855 Overall length/wheelbase 5330/3085 Tray xxxx x Wxxxx x Dxxx mm Total payload – up to 1250kg (Approx) ANCAP safety rating 5/5 |
6 speed manual or 6 speed Auto Overall height/width 1815/1860 Overall length/wheelbase 5426/3220 Tray Lxxx x Wxxxx x Dxxx mm Total payload capability 1120kg (Approx) NCAP safety rating 5/5 |
Capability | |
Varies dependent on configuration. Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover N/A Minimum ground clearance xxx mm Water Fording depth xxxmm MAX 4WD system: Dual range 4WD or 2WD |
Varies dependent on configuration. Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Minimum ground clearance 232 mm Water Fording depth xxxmm Max 4WD system: Dual range 4WD or 2WD |
Performance | |
Pricing (Dual-Cab) |
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2018 From $50,000 AUD 4×4 SR5 Dual Cab 4WD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc… |
2018 From $50,000 AUD XLS 4×2 Dual Cab 4WD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc… |