Toyota Hilux Vs. Ford Ranger: Which is better?

Toyota Hilux Vs. Ford Ranger

An age-old argument that's ruined many friendships over a few beers beside a camelthorn braai fire. Which is best? What determines if one is better than the other? Does brand-loyalty play a big role in how popular one is over the other? I try to sum up the differences and give my opinion below.

I chose the top of the range Diesel models with the highest trim-level from both manufacturers. Both double cabs, 4x4 and with automatic transmissions.

* The prices and specs below are based on what I found on the South African Toyota and Ford manufacturer websites and therefore prices are in Rands, as on 1 August 2018.

Comparison

  Toyota 2.8 GD-6 4X4 Dakar AT Ford 3.2 TDCi Wildtrak 6AT 4x4 HR
 
Price
Rands, incl. VAT From R621 000 From R633 700
Emissions Tax (incl. in price) R6 038 R10 523
Engine Details
No. of Cylinders 4 5
Cylinder Layout Inline Inline
Bore x Stroke (mm) 92.0 x 103.6 89.9 x 100.76
Compression Ratio 15.6 : 1 15.8 : 1
Displacement (cm³) 2755 3198
Performance
Power (kW @ r/min) 130 @ 3400 147 @ 3000
Torque (Nm @ r/min) 450 @ 1600-2400 470 @ 1500-2750
Top Speed (km/h) 175 175
0-100 km/h (sec) 10.8 -
Transmission
Type 6-speed Automatic 6-speed Automatic
1st Gear Ratio 3.600 4.171
2nd Gear Ratio 2.090 2.312
3rd Gear Ratio 1.488 1.521
4th Gear Ratio 1.000 1.143
5th Gear Ratio 0.687 0.867
6th Gear Ratio 0.580 0.691
Differential Lock Front / Rear Rear Only
Fuel
Type Diesel Diesel
Consumption (l/100km) 8.5 8.9
CO2 Emissions (g/km) 244 236
Driver Support Systems
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Standard Standard
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) Standard Standard
Hill Assist Control (HAC) Standard Standard
Downhill Assist Control (DAC) Standard Standard
Traction Control (TRC) Standard Standard
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) Standard Standard
Stability Control VSC ESP
Drive Mode Select Normal Eco, Sport Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Sand, Mud/Ruts, Tow, Sport, ECO
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (mm) 5330 5354
Width (mm) 1855 1860
Height (mm) 1815 1851
Interior Height (mm) 1170 -
Ground Clearance (mm) 286 237 (fully loaded)
Wheelbase (mm) 3085 3220
Turning Circle (m) 12.8 12.7
Front Overhang (mm) 1000 905
Rear Overhang (mm) 1250 1226
Track (mm) 1550 1560
Approach Angle (degrees) - 25.5
Departure Angle (degrees) - 21.8
Payload (kg) 810 1155 [passenger (65kg) and fuel (80l) removed]
Loadbox (l x w x h) (mm) 1525 x 1540 x 480 1549 x 1560 x 511
Towing Capacity - Unbraked (kg) 750 750
Towing Capacity - Braked (kg) 3500 3500
Gross Weight (GVM) 2810 Kg 3200 Kg
Unladen Tare Kerb Weight 1945 Kg 2117 Kg
Fuel Tank Size 80l 80l
Interior Features & Comfort
Seating Capacity 5 5
Seat Trim Partial Leather Partial Leather
Shift Lever & Knob Leather Leather
Steering Wheel 4-Spoke Leather, Multifunction 4-Spoke Leather, Multifunction
Centre Console Box Standard front Long, double lid, cool box
Cupholders 4 4
Door Trim PVC PVC
Floor Carpet Trim Carpet with Heel Pad Nonwoven fabric Carpet with Wildtrak Front & Rear Carpet Mats
Rear View Mirror Day & Night Electrochromatic
Airconditioning / Climate Control Auto Dual Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC)
Audio System Toyota/Display Audio with 6 speakers, RDS, DAB, DVD, USB, Bluetooth Ford SYNC® 3 with 6 speakers, CD, 2 x USB ports, MP3, Bluetooth, 8" Colour TFT screen & 2x 4.2" TFT screens in Cluster
Bluetooth connectivity Yes Yes
Auxiliary input - Yes
Lane change blind spot warning No yes
Rain sensor auto wipers No Yes
Voice control No Yes
Steering column adjustment reach / depth / in / out rake / tilt / height / up / down
Head up display No Yes
Tyre pressure sensor No Yes
Lane departure warning No Yes
On board computer multi information display Yes -
Electric Windows Power Front and Rear with One Touch Driver only Power Front and Rear with One Touch Driver only
Rear Armrest Standard Standard
Front Seat Adjustment Manual reclining and vertical adjuster 8 way power driver seat adjuster with lumbar adjustment
Cruise Control Standard Adaptive Cruise Control with Heads Up Display, Forward Alert, Collision Mitigation and Distance Alert
Power Sockets Front - 220V, Front - 12V x2 Front - 12V, Rear - 12V, Loadbox - 12V, 230V/150W power converter
Reverse Camera Standard Standard
Park Distance Sensors Optional Front/Rear Standard
Navigation System Standard Touch Screen Standard Touch Screen
Exterior Features
Headlamps LED Halogen
Auto Headlamps Standard Standard
Headlamp Levelling Automatic Manual
Daytime Running Light Standard Standard
Fog Lamps Standard Standard
Engine Under Cover & Protector Standard Standard
Tow Hook Standard Standard
Side Mirrors Gloss Black, Power, Retractable, Indicator Silver, Power, Heated, Puddle Lamp, Indicator
Side Step Standard Standard
Mud Guards Front/Rear Front/Rear
Wheels & Tyres
Wheel & Tyre 265/60R18 Alloy 265/60R18 Alloy
Spare Tyre Full Alloy Full Alloy
Spare Wheel Carrier Under Body Under Body
Safety
Safety rating (NCAP) 5-star (34.45/37.00) 5-star (36.72/37.00)
Front Airbag(s) Standard Driver & Passenger Standard Driver & Passenger
Side Airbags Standard Front Standard Front
Curtain Airbags Standard Standard
Knee Airbag(s) Standard Driver Only Standard Driver Only
Anti-Theft System Siren/Alarm, Immobiliser, Intrusion Sensor Volumetric Burglar Alarm System
ISOFIX Outer Rear Outer Rear
Front Brake Ventilated Disc Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Drum Ventilated Disc
Service & Warranty
Service Intervals (km) 10 000km 15 000km
Service Plan 5 years/90000 km 6 years/90000 km
Warranty 3 years/100000 km 4 years/120000 km

Pros & Cons

  Pros Cons
Toyota Hilux Dakar
  • Great reputation for reliability
  • Front as well as rear difflocks
  • Low on standard equipment
  • Low on technology
  • No rear disk brakes
  • Small service intervals
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
  • Packed with technology
  • Large load capacity
  • Great warranty and service plan
  • Lacks good reputation

Conclusion

It is clear to see why there's a massive dispute about these two bakkies - They are very similar!

What the Ford might lack in credibility it makes up for in equipment. What the Toyota lacks in technology it makes up for with it's rock-solid, tried-and-proven engine and drivetrain. When it comes to personal taste I like both the Hilux and Ranger for their styling, although I dislike the Toyota's massive front overhang. The Ranger's size gives it a more aggressive look and better presence overall.

Toyota has a long-standing reputation for build quality in Namibia and I feel modern-day Ford has yet to prove itself. The Ford's warranty, however, tells me Ford does not lack any confidence in their bakkie.

My "gun to the head" verdict - I'll buy the Ford Ranger because it beats the Toyota on all fronts when it comes to technology, it boasts a better load capacity, it has a better warranty and service plan, and its slightly more powerful.

I might get prosecuted by brand-loyal Namibians for this verdict, but I think it's time Toyota ups their game when it comes to the money buyers need to fork out versus the equipment they receive.