Ford Ranger vs Toyota Hilux: Your choice?

Both Ford & Toyota have been competing with rugged pickup trucks. Which, however, is ideal?

If you look at monthly sales data, you'll discover that the HiLux is consistently the most popular pick-up truck in Australia. Ford Ranger is currently in second place, but it is reducing the gap on the HiLux every single month.

Comparison of the Toyota Hilux against its rival, the Ford Ranger. It's not a matter of which truck is more potent; both are rugged and capable on their own. Rather of asking which pickup has more muscle, we should be asking which has more desirable characteristics.

The competition between both the Hilux and the Ranger is strong. These 2 bakkies are the most popular LCVs in South Africa, with monthly sales in the thousands.

A head-to-head comparison between the Hilux vs Ranger was conducted in 2016, and the two vehicles were nearly identical in almost every detail, including price. Things are different now, though, and a wider chasm separates these traditional opponents. Significant revisions were made to the Hilux lineup in 2018, and a redesigned Ranger was released not too long ago with two different 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine options and a brand-new 10-speed automatic transmission. A rematch between these two bakkie titans is obviously warranted.

The Background

Australia was one of the first places to get the Toyota HiLux after its 1968 debut. You won't find another ute that has been to both poles like this one. Similarly rugged HiLux utes have competed through the Dakar Rally. After 50 years on the market, a staggering 17.7 million HiLux vehicles have been sold all over the world, with Oceania accounting for 5.7% of those transactions.

It is well recognised as one of the most sturdy pickups available. Toyota uses ads like this one featured in New Zealand to satirise the absurdity of its target market.

Top Gear is known for their attempts to ruin a 305,000-kilometer HiLux by burning it on fire, dumping it in the ocean, dropping heavy objects on it, and smashing it with a massive wrecking ball. At long last, they parked the pickup truck on top of a condemned structure. The subsequent massive explosion and 70-meter plummet didn't break it. The HiLux justifiably enjoys a well-earned reputation for sturdiness.

Present day, Toyota's ute is always the best-selling car model in Australia. For twenty years in a row, it has been the most in-demand work truck.

After many years as a badge-engineered Mazda, the Ranger is a relatively newer truck compared to Toyota's HiLux. Ford discontinued the Courier name in 2006 in favour of the Ford Ranger name, which sounds less like the postal service. The Ranger is a well-respected car, even though it hasn't sold as many vehicles as the HiLux. It has won several one-tonner competitions throughout the world and has dethroned its Japanese rival as 2017's best-selling 4x4. In contrast to the HiLux, Australia has been developing the Ranger platform since 2011. T6 platform, as it's known in Australia, became the foundation for worldwide standard Rangers. Mazda BT50 shares its mechanical foundation with the Ford Everest and Ranger Raptor.

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Ford Ranger

All of the Ranger's engine options are stronger and more fuel-efficient. Depending on your needs, you may equip your Ford Ranger with either a fuel-efficient 2.2-liter four-cylinder Duratorq diesel engine or a larger, more powerful 3.2-liter inline 5 Duratorq oil burner. Models with rear-wheel drive and a smaller engine consume only 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres. Manual 4x4 versions of the bigger 3.2 consume up to 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The new 2.0-liter bi-turbo engine introduced for 2019 improves both performance and efficiency. This power plant generates 157kW and 500Nm while consuming just 6.7 litres of fuel per hundred kilometres. A ten-speed automatic transmission is standard on this model. Toyota is stumped when it comes to this particular set of gears and engine.

This ute is among the best in terms of handling. Motoring journalists unanimously praised the Ranger's handling, calling it "among the best available." User feedback indicates that it maintains a stable and secure platform even when loaded down.

An off-road Ranger can hold its own. It's also a bit of a powerhouse when you get off the beaten path. While the HiLux couldn't handle rivers deeper than 700 millimetres, a Ranger can (850mm). It's clear the Australian development & engineering effort has made this vehicle truly ready to leave the tarmac.

Quite a few amenities may be found on the Ranger. The Ranger's inside looks different depending on the trim level you choose. The interiors of base models are more robust so that they can be used as workhorses. However, base-level pickup utes are equipped with Bluetooth, cruise control, parking sensors, and active safety aids. A 230v inverter allows you to charge devices using a regular outlet, and brighter headlamps are just one of the perks of the luxury package. Load-bed illumination is a little but welcome touch.

The Ranger has better design. We prefer the Ranger's square appearance. This truck looks like it could take a beating and keep on trucking. The HiLux's design is more complicated than before, but it still looks amazing. Finally, we think the budget-friendly Mitsubishi Triton is one of the toughest-looking utes on the market right now.

In terms of construction, the Ranger is solid. Auto journalists knew Toyotas were bulletproof, but they were pleasantly surprised to find out that the Ranger was also remarkably well constructed.

The Ranger is quite costly. Both the original purchase price and the expense of maintenance for the Ranger are deemed high by critics. Ford's maintenance guarantee for 2019 Ranger models lasts four years and costs no more than $299. (or until 60,000kms). However, the costs to repair older models tend to be more expensive. A 2.0-liter 4x4 crew cab service in early 2019 will set you back $365. Subsequent servicing will cost $590 and $475, respectively (including GST). The first 6 services for a Toyota HiLux within three years or 60,000 kilometres are capped at $240 apiece.

Simple to use entertainment centre. Journalists have praised the Ranger's Ford SYNC 3 system, noting that it is both user-friendly and far more straightforward than the Hilux's cumbersome system. The Hilux lacks the smartphone connectivity offered by the Ford ute, which is available for both Android and Apple smartphones.

There's a high-speed variant you can have. Ford offers a high-powered pickup truck called the Ranger Raptor. This monster ute has been through extensive off-road testing and features flared wheel arches, heavy-duty springs, and aggressive tyres. Toyota's Rugged X is a similar attempt, but it hasn't been met with the same level of acclaim as that of the blue oval's luxury ute.

The Ranger Wildtrak-X is capable of heavy lifting, but it prefers to flaunt its abilities rather than actually get the job done. There's always that one person in every group.

And that's not a bad thing, because the Wildtrak X is a solid and well specified (if a bit pricey) dual-cab truck that you could do a far worse than.

The Ranger Wildtrak has skyrocketed in popularity. Generation PX Rangers have been widely purchased, customised, driven off-road, and deployed to work.

Ford has released a new trim level above the base Wildtrak for the 2019 model year. The Ranger Wildtrak-X has a little extra equipment for a little bit more cash, hence the 'X' in the model name.

The Wildtrak X's cabin is as spacious as that of any other Ranger dual-cab. There is enough room for three persons to sit across the back, making the total passenger capacity five adults. Unfortunately, there are no back air vents, so the back seat can get stiflingly hot on sunny days.

There are bottle compartments in all 4 doors and cup holders up front and at the back. If the tub is too small for all of your belongings, simply lift the seat base.

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The foyer is adequately sized, with adequate storage and an intuitive media setup. We haven't mentioned this before, but all the alarm bells and sirens can get annoying.

The bathroom is ready now. Because of its dimensions of 1549mm in length, 1560mm in width, and 1139mm in the space between its wheel wells, an Australian pallet would not fit (1165mm minimum). The tub is 511 mm deep, however in the Wildtrak variants, its depth is effectively cut in half by the roller cover structure at the tub's far end.

The hardtop roller covering and the tub liner are both wonderful additions, but the lack of middle tie-down hooks and the four hooks in the tub's corners make it difficult to secure cargo.

Ford's 3.2-liter turbo-diesel five-cylinder Wildtrak-X starts at $65,290 + on-road fees, while the 2.0-liter Bi-turbo four-increased cylinder's power and refinement will set you back an additional $1500.

Ford claims you're getting an additional $6,000 in value, therefore the price is justified.

Additional stylistic equipment found on the Wildtrak X adds to the already extensive standard features found on the Wildtrak.

All the Wildtrak X body upgrades (for more information, see the Design section), an integrated tow bar & wiring harness, a tub-liner, a 12-volt socket in the tub, a hard roller top, and the model-specific interiors with part-leather trimming and a dark headlining are standard on this trim level.

There is also a 6-speaker sound system with even a CD player, Bluetooth phone & audio streaming, and satellite radio on the 8.0-inch touchscreen media system. In addition to the 230-volt PowerPoint, there are 2 Usb ports, a 12v charger, and a 12-volt outlet in the back seat.

Although many modern utes don't yet provide it, this one includes heated front seats and an electrically adjustable driver's seat, as well as a digital display up front for navigation and other driving information (including a digital speedometer).

The big bad Wildtrak model features the most impressive specifications, including the most towing & pickup-bed payload capacity, the greatest engine & exterior dimensions, and the greatest fording depth (rated at 800mm). To top it all off, it includes the most advanced electronic safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, frontal collision avoidance, lane departure warning, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution, and traction as well as stability controls. The one subpar feature is the 237mm of ground clearance, which is 42mm lower than the Hilux.

When it comes to off-roading, the Ranger is unrivalled in an expanding industry. Right out of the box, it's the toughest and most capable truck over rough terrain. You won't be able to make it stuck on even the roughest of surfaces. If you put a tyre in a hole that was about a metre deep and as wide, the pickup can pull itself out, leaving the driver's side rear wheel dangling in the air like a dog that has trouble holding its bladder.

This Volvo XC90-sourced monster of a motor boasts a 3.2-liter five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. You may expect 197 horsepower and 470 Newton-meters from it. The Ranger's engine and off-road capabilities make it the best choice for frequent Overlanding, towing, and hauling. Because of that aforementioned hole, the Hilux was entirely immobilised and rendered worthless. If you leave the Ford in Drive while you loaded up the Hilux with your recovery equipment and hitched it to the Ranger. It extricated the Toyota without any difficulty or excitement.

On the other hand, the Ranger is not perfect. The truck's suspension is fine for off-roading, but it is too soft for use on the highway in light of the vehicle's weight, power, and torque. The wheel has the same rubbery self-centering movement and lack of feel as the control stick on a video game system.

These drawbacks make driving this pickup at night in hazardous conditions on the twisting road challenging. Noon time on the highway is a different story, however, and if you aren't careful the Ranger may quickly reach speeds of just under 200kph.

On the other hand, the Ranger is unstoppable during daylight hours when driven off-road. Doing search-and-rescue work or mining for a living? That's the right truck for you.

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Toyota HiLux

When compared to the Ranger, how does Toyota's HiLux fare?

Lower barrier to entry cost. The lowest price point is $27,929. That's $6,650 less than the cheapest Ranger, albeit the Ranger will feature a robust diesel while the HiLux will use a slightly less robust petrol one.

a gas-powered motor is an available alternative. The HiLux is still available in a gasoline-powered version, unlike the Ranger. Modern critics felt such engine was inadequate and underperforming, although it does sell at a steep bargain.

The diesel versions of the HiLux often have less torque and power than the gasoline versions. Reviewers favoured Toyota's 2.8-liter diesel, but the company's 2.4-liter diesel produces significant torque and power as well. The engine's lack of power relative to competitors like the Ranger was a common complaint from reviewers. The 2.8-liter diesel in the HiLux generates 160Nm per litre for a grand total of 450Nm. The sweet spot for torque is between 1,600 and 2,400 RPM, where it is consistently available. The new Ford 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel generates 157kW of power and 500Nm of torque (250Nm per litre), but in a tighter and higher 1,750-2,000rpm range.

Low efficiency in fuel use. On paper, even the most efficient Toyota HiLux can only achieve 7.2L/100km, whereas the 2.0-liter diesel Ranger with the same body design needs 1⁄2 a liter per hundred kilometres less.

The level of ease was variable. The HiLux was rated poorly for its ability to provide a smooth ride over long distances.

Off-road, they pair up rather well. The HiLux performs well off-road, with a higher minimum ground clearance (277 mm vs. 229) and a higher approach angle (30 ° or 31 ° on some versions) compared to the best Ford can offer (28 °). The HiLux is much more prone to ground out while departing hills, whereas the Ranger can venture 100mm (800mm total) further into the water due to its slightly higher departure angle of 28°. Both 4x4 pickups share the same standard RWD high, 4WD high, and 4WD low drivetrain configuration and electrical controls. A lockable rear diff is standard on the 4x4 Rangers and the HiLux, but not on the base WorkMate HiLux. On the Ranger, hill descent control comes standard, whereas on the HiLux, it's an optional extra that drives up the price.

HiLux has lower maintenance and operating costs. As for maintenance costs, the HiLux comes out ahead of the Ranger. For the initial 36 months approximately 60,000 kilometres of ownership, the cost of a HiLux repair is set at $240. Dealer maintenance on a newer Ranger can set you back $299, while work on an older model would cost considerably more.

The aesthetic quality of HiLux has decreased. The HiLux's design has sparked more debate than the Ranger's more conservative, rugged aesthetic.

Solid construction. The HiLux's quality of construction is undeniable. A number of reviewers have remarked on the high quality of the internal plastics, comparing them to solid oak.

The steering column can be adjusted for optimal driving comfort. While the HiLux's steering column may be adjusted for driver comfort, the Ranger's cannot. It's possible that the Toyota ute will allow you to locate a more comfortable driving position.

Investing in a fully loaded luxury version of the HiLux will cost you extra. Drive-away pricing for a Toyota HiLux Rogue is $69,030 in 2000 zip code, whereas the Ranger Wildtrak is $66.920. The Ranger Wildtrak offers more potent and torquey engine options, including a ten-speed automatic, as well as advanced driver assistance features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. When compared to the Rogue's 3.2 tonnes, Ford says it can tow 3.5 tonnes.

Toyota obviously did their research when designing the HiLux, because there are huge cupholders all over the frontal seats for enormous bottles, meat pies, and sausage rolls.

A tiny trench can be found behind the vents for the air conditioner, the passenger side features a dual glove box, and the centre console has a large storage compartment.

Rear legroom is adequate but not great. Although there isn't much room for my knees, my 6 feet tall (182 cm) frame fits behind my seat. The SR5 trim's rear air vents are a lifesaver in the sweltering heat of a typical Australian summer.

There is a 60/40 split at the seat bases in the back, allowing you to easily convert the space behind the seats into a useful cargo hold.

The SR5's tray is too narrow to accommodate a common Australian pallet. A length of 1550 millimetres and a width of 1520 millimetres are the specs.

Toyota specifies that the tub's four tie-down points, rather than the steel sports bar, should be utilised to secure cargo. Those who intend to put the tray to more practical use will likely stop frequenting the sports bar.

The maximum payload for a HiLux in high-riding 4x4 form is 955 kilogrammes, while the maximum towing capacity is 750 kilogrammes unbraked and 3200 kilogrammes braked.

To get a better sense of the HiLux's capabilities, it's important to delve beyond Toyota's official specifications.

The SR5 version of the HiLux retains the previous generation's highly regarded 2.8-liter turbo-diesel motor. Average outputs for the market are 130kW/450Nm, therefore performance is typical.

Nothing fancy or novel about it. Unlike the Ranger, which has engines that either have an extra cylinder or an extra turbo to boost power, the Navara, which has an extra turbo, and the D-Max, which has a truck engine.

However, the HiLux's engine appears to propel it at a respectable clip for leisure uses. According to a recent tow comparison, the HiLux is less capable of towing than the Ranger due to its lower available torque, but it is superior to the Mercedes-Benz X Class, which matches its powertrain with of Nissan Navara.

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The six-speed vehicle proved extremely reliable on both the highway and the untreated roads, and it has shown the same level of reliability in prior comparison testing. As part of its armament, the SR5's drivetrain features a low range transfer-case with even a rear differential lock.

In light of recent DPF problems, this truck's 'unbreakable' reputation has been challenged, but Toyota asserts that these problems are in the past thanks to the addition of a manual burn-off button.

The Hilux's higher ground clearance would give it a little advantage over the Nissan Navara as well as the Mitsubishi Strada. To be honest, we entered the game expecting an easy victory for. Oh, how mistaken we were: the Hilux's super stiff ride felt like getting punched in the guts, and in the harsh off-roading conditions, it was downright painful.

Toyota's ground clearance is superior, but its axle articulation is worse than that of Ford's. Furthermore, while it does feature a locking back differential, it is considerably more likely to become bogged down due to the absence of A-Trac or comparable off-road focused assists like a locking front differential. It's embarrassing that perhaps the Ranger had to practically save its rival from certain doom.

To add insult to injury, the Toyota Hilux is a lot more cumbersome to manoeuvre. The steering and braking feel stronger than usual to match the stiff suspension. Contrary to other Hilux models the steering feels like it takes a lot more effort with this one. There is plenty of room inside, which is a big step forwards over the previous generation of the Hilux, but the Ranger still manages to edge it out. However, the Hilux's well-sculpted seatbacks and lofty seating position give its passengers more legroom in the backseat than those of the other vehicles tested.

The Hilux's cabin looks and feels high-end, and it's well-made to boot. The touchscreen info-tainment system is basic, and while it does have Bluetooth and GPS, it does not support either Android Auto nor Apple CarPlay.

Cloth upholstery is standard on the 2.8 GD 6 Raider 4x4 model. A manual height-adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, air conditioning in just one zone, an auxiliary input jack, power door locks, windows, and mirrors, and a rearview camera round out the list of noteworthy interior features.

Although the Toyota Hilux Raider 2.8L -GD-6 4x4 is better matched against the Ford Ranger 2.0 Bi Turbo 4x4 Wildtrak, rather than the 2.0 4x4 XLT, the two vehicles are otherwise comparably equipped and powered. The Ford, with its extensive list of standard features, is, nonetheless, a better financial investment than the Toyota.

As an example, adding leather seats and a tow bar to a Hilux 2.8L GD6 Raider 4x4 Automatic (R637,500) raises the price to R657,500, which is R87,300 more than the Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 Automatic. When comparing the Ranger to the Hilux, the Ranger came out on top in this review due to its superior performance, refinement, fuel economy, ride and handling, and standard equipment. One more thing to keep in mind is that Ford offers a longer warranty.

Should you spend the extra money on the Raider rather than the XLT just because it has a Toyota badge? There is a reason why Toyota is so popular. During the four years that the Consumer Awards have been held, the Japanese brand has twice been named Brand of the Year. In contrast, Ford has never even been in the top three. When a brand wins "Brand of the Year," it's because its sales methods, customer service, product satisfaction, and resale value are all top-notch.

Therefore, the Ford Ranger 2.0 4 x 4 XLT wins this comparison in terms of raw value for money, but, based on feedbacks from many of South African car owners, the Hilux 2.8L GD6 Raider 4x4 remained the stronger long-term ownership option.

Conclusion

Toyota's Hilux pick-up vehicle has been the best-seller down under for many years. Although the Ford Ranger is now in second place, it is closing the gap on the Toyota HiLux every single month. Neither truck is inherently superior to the other; they each have their own set of strengths. The Ranger is a newer vehicle than the Toyota HiLux, despite sharing a name with it for a long time. It has triumphed in a number of international one-tonner championships and overtaken its Japanese competitor to become 2017's best-selling 4x4.

One of the most rugged-looking utes available today is the Toyota HiLux. The Ford SYNC 3 system has been lauded by the media for being more user-friendly and less complicated than the Hilux's system. In comparison to the Ford Ranger, the Hilux does not have smartphone connectivity. For 2019, Ford has introduced a new Wildtrak trim that sits above the standard Wildtrak. For a modest premium, you may upgrade to the Ranger Wildtrak-X and take advantage of several additional features.

For an extra $1500, you may get the potent and refined 2.0-liter Bi-turbo four-cylinder engine. Base price is $65,290 Plus on-road expenses. When it comes to off-roading, no vehicle compares to the Ford Ranger. It can haul the most, has the largest engine and exterior proportions, and can ford the deepest (800mm). The 237mm of ground clearance is 42mm less than the Hilux's, so that's the only real drawback. The base pricing is $6,650 cheaper than the base Ranger price.

The suspension works well for rough terrain, but it's too sloppy for interstate driving. Between 1,600 and 2,400 RPM is where most of the torque is accessible. When compared to the best that Ford can give (28 degrees), the HiLux has a greater approach angle (30 degrees or 31 degrees on some variants) and a higher minimum ground clearance (277 millimetres vs. 229 millimetres). Utes come equipped with a rear differential that can be locked, however the base WorkMate lacks this feature. Price goes up with the addition of hill descent control.

The SR5 trim of the HiLux keeps the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine from the previous generation. There is enough room for my legs and feet, but my knees don't have much wiggle room at the back. Maximum unbraked towing capability is 750 kg, while maximum braked towing capacity is 3200 kg. Toyota has better ground clearance than Ford, but inferior axle articulation. The firm suspension is matched by equally robust steering and braking.

Compared to its predecessor, the Hilux's interior space has significantly improved. Comparing the price of a Ford Ranger 2.0 4 x 4 XLT and a Hilux 2.8L GD6 Raider 4x4 Automatic reveals a price difference of R87,300. Toyota has won the Consumer Award for Brand of the Year twice in the past four years. When ranked among the best, Ford has never even made the top three.

Content Summary

• Both Ford & Toyota have been competing with rugged pickup trucks.
• If you look at monthly sales data, you'll discover that the HiLux is consistently the most popular pick-up truck in Australia.
• Comparison of the Toyota Hilux against its rival, the Ford Ranger.
• The competition between both the Hilux and the Ranger is strong.
• These 2 bakkies are the most popular LCVs in South Africa, with monthly sales in the thousands.
• In contrast to the HiLux, Australia has been developing the Ranger platform since 2011.
• Ford has released a new trim level above the base Wildtrak for the 2019 model year.
• The Wildtrak X's cabin is as spacious as that of any other Ranger dual-cab.
• The Ranger's engine and off-road capabilities make it the best choice for frequent Overlanding, towing, and hauling.
• On the other hand, the Ranger is not perfect.
• The truck's suspension is fine for off-roading, but it is too soft for use on the highway in light of the vehicle's weight, power, and torque.
• The lowest price point is $27,929.
• HiLux has lower maintenance and operating costs.
• The SR5's tray is too narrow to accommodate a common Australian pallet.
• In light of recent DPF problems, this truck's 'unbreakable' reputation has been challenged, but Toyota asserts that these problems are in the past thanks to the addition of a manual burn-off button.
• The Hilux's higher ground clearance would give it a little advantage over the Nissan Navara as well as the Mitsubishi Strada.
• Toyota's ground clearance is superior, but its axle articulation is worse than that of Ford's.
• As an example, adding leather seats and a tow bar to a Hilux 2.8L GD6 Raider 4x4 Automatic (R637,500) raises the price to R657,500, which is R87,300 more than the Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 Automatic.
• When comparing the Ranger to the Hilux, the Ranger came out on top in this review due to its superior performance, refinement, fuel economy, ride and handling, and standard equipment.
• Therefore, the Ford Ranger 2.0 4 x 4 XLT wins this comparison in terms of raw value for money, but, based on feedbacks from many of South African car owners, the Hilux 2.8L GD6 Raider 4x4 remained the stronger long-term ownership option.