Tacoma vs The Others: What Pickup Trucks Are Like the Tacoma?

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The Toyota Tacoma has a loyal fan base due to its excellent features that only a few midsize trucks can compete with it within the market. However, sometimes one may be looking for other alternatives to the Toyota Tacoma. The good news is that they are other alternatives worth trying before coming up with the final decision on which pickup truck to get.

1. 2021 Ford Ranger

[Image courtesy of Ford]

For the third year in a row, the Ranger remains to be of great value in the U.S market. The Ford Ranger XL has a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine power with 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

It is more superior to Tacoma in this department, as the Tacoma has 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque in terms of power.

When you buy a Ford Ranger, you get more power for less money because the price of a Ranger is starting at $25,000, while the price of a Tacoma is $26,150. In addition, the Ranger offers more perks in terms of automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning.

It is an excellent alternative, but it has some cons, such as having a dull interior, and it is not good for off-road terrains. Despite that, if you buy a Ranger, you will get value for your money.

2. 2021 Jeep Gladiator

Jeep Gladiator with DECKED Storage system in the back [Image Courtesy of DECKED]

The Jeep Gladiator is a more expensive option than the Tacoma, and this is because of its versatility. It is excellent off-road, offers doorless and roofless configurability, and can tow up to 7760 pounds. It is one of the best midsize trucks to use for any function you have at home or in your workplace.

Its 3.0-liter capacity engine has 260 horsepower and a 442 pound-feet of torque which is more powerful than the Tacoma. Other perks include rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

The cons of the Jeep Gladiator include; its expensive price (starting at $35 535) and its high fuel consumption. The Jeep Gladiator is a fancy car and a versatile tool (especially if you have a DECKED system) you can use for your functions whether you are off-road or on the highway.

3. 2021 Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevrolet Colorado is one of the cheapest midsize trucks in the market, with a starting price of $ 21,300.

However, its features cannot attract a wider audience. It does not have essential perks, such as the common driver assists in other pickup trucks, including the Tacoma.

It is easier to drive than most pickup trucks because it has an excellent balance on the road. Its base four-cylinder engine is weak, but one can replace it with the V6, offering up to 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque for an extra cost.

The Chevrolet Colorado is a decent truck offering comfortable driving, but its lack of technology and dull interior makes it less of a truck than Tacoma. However, if you are looking for a cheaper alternative, Colorado is the best option for you.

4. 2021 Nissan Frontier

The 2021 Nissan Frontier is another option you can consider. It has a starting price of $ 27,090, which is a good price considering that the Frontier is equipped with a V6 offering 310 horsepower and a 281 pound-feet of torque.

The Nissan Frontier has a great towing ability as it can tow up to 6700 pounds and carry up to 1400 pounds in the cargo bed. It also offers comfortable seats for the driver and passengers. However, the 2021 frontier does not have any driver-assisted technology like its competitors.

It also has a high consumption rate, large turn radius and a cheap interior that is anything but aesthetically pleasing. The Frontier is not close to being the best in the market, but it is a good alternative to Tacoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most reliable midsize pickup truck?

This article talked a lot about who compares to the Tacoma, however none of the competitors are quite as reliable as the Tacoma. While the platform for the Tacoma is considerably older than the rest, it still maintains a crazy amount of reliability.

Why are Tacomas so expensive right now?

Due to its reliability, and popularity. The Tacoma holds a considerable amount of its value, and results in higher prices than its competitors on the used market. If you are on a budget, you likely won’t be finding yourself in one of these, however if you pride yourself in reliability, there really isn’t an alternative.

Which is better, F-150 or Tacoma?

Tacoma’s have been, and always will be smaller than the F-150. If you want more space in both the cab and bed, then the F-150 is going to be your best bet. However if you want something a bit more agile and off-road oriented, the Tacoma can’t be beat.

Conclusion

The Tacoma is an excellent vehicle with a wide audience in the marketplace, but there are other good options in the market, such as the Ranger, Frontier, Jeep, and Colorado. Before you rush yourself into buying a Tacoma, research these models and find out whether there is a better alternative for you.

There is a wide range of pickup trucks (some are not on our list) out there, so explore the options and choose the best one.