The Battle Of The Mid-size Pickups: Ford Ranger Vs Dodge Dakota – Who Will Win?

What To Know

  • In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Ford Ranger vs Dodge Dakota to help you decide which truck is right for you.
  • The Ford Ranger has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,860 pounds.
  • The Dodge Dakota has a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,600 pounds.

When it comes to midsize pickup trucks, the Ford Ranger and Dodge Dakota are two of the most popular choices. Both trucks offer a variety of features and capabilities, but there are also some key differences between them. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Ford Ranger vs Dodge Dakota to help you decide which truck is right for you.

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that was first introduced in 1983. The Ranger is known for its ruggedness, reliability, and affordability. It’s also a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts.

Dodge Dakota

The Dodge Dakota is a midsize pickup truck that was first introduced in 1987. The Dakota is known for its powerful engines, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. It’s also a popular choice for towing and hauling.

Key Differences

There are a few key differences between the Ford Ranger and Dodge Dakota. Here’s a closer look:

  • Engine: The Ford Ranger offers a variety of engine options, including a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 3.0L V6 engine, and a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine. The Dodge Dakota offers a 3.7L V6 engine and a 4.7L V8 engine.
  • Towing and Payload Capacity: The Ford Ranger has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,860 pounds. The Dodge Dakota has a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,600 pounds.
  • Fuel Economy: The Ford Ranger gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The Dodge Dakota gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
  • Interior: The Ford Ranger has a spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Dodge Dakota also has a spacious interior, but it’s not as roomy as the Ranger’s.
  • Price: The Ford Ranger starts at $24,820. The Dodge Dakota starts at $28,995.

Which Truck Is Right for You?

The Ford Ranger and Dodge Dakota are both great trucks, but they offer different features and capabilities. The Ranger is a good choice for those who want a rugged, reliable, and affordable truck. The Dakota is a good choice for those who want a powerful, spacious, and comfortable truck.

Ford Ranger Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Rugged and reliable
  • Affordable
  • Good fuel economy
  • Spacious interior
  • Off-road capabilities

Cons:

  • Not as powerful as the Dakota
  • Lower towing and payload capacity
  • Less comfortable ride

Dodge Dakota Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Powerful engines
  • Spacious interior
  • Comfortable ride
  • Good towing and payload capacity

Cons:

  • More expensive than the Ranger
  • Lower fuel economy
  • Not as rugged as the Ranger
  • Fewer off-road capabilities

Key Points: The Verdict

The Ford Ranger and Dodge Dakota are both great trucks, but they offer different features and capabilities. The Ranger is a good choice for those who want a rugged, reliable, and affordable truck. The Dakota is a good choice for those who want a powerful, spacious, and comfortable truck. Ultimately, the best truck for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. What is the difference between the Ford Ranger and Dodge Dakota?

The Ford Ranger is a rugged, reliable, and affordable truck. The Dodge Dakota is a powerful, spacious, and comfortable truck.

2. Which truck has a higher towing capacity?

The Ford Ranger has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. The Dodge Dakota has a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

3. Which truck has a better fuel economy?

The Ford Ranger gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The Dodge Dakota gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.