Which Workhorse Is The Better Buy? Ford Ranger Vs Mazda B2500 Compared

In the competitive mid-size pickup truck segment, two prominent contenders stand out: the Ford Ranger and the Mazda B2500. These capable workhorses offer a blend of versatility, ruggedness, and everyday practicality that appeals to a wide range of buyers. Whether you’re a contractor, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who needs a dependable vehicle for hauling and towing, the Ford Ranger and Mazda B2500 are worthy of consideration.

Performance and Powertrain: A Tale of Two Engines

At the heart of the Ford Ranger lies a choice of two potent engines: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 turbodiesel that produces 250 horsepower and a substantial 440 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering a refined and responsive driving experience.

The Mazda B2500, on the other hand, offers a single engine option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 155 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. While not as powerful as the Ranger’s engines, the B2500’s powertrain is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It is mated to a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic transmission.

Capability and Payload: Hauling and Towing Prowess

When it comes to hauling and towing, the Ford Ranger takes the lead. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,860 pounds, the Ranger is a capable workhorse that can handle even the most demanding tasks. The Mazda B2500, while not as robust, still offers respectable towing and payload capacities of up to 5,000 pounds and 1,600 pounds, respectively.

Interior Comfort and Features: Creature Comforts and Convenience

Inside the cabin, the Ford Ranger and Mazda B2500 offer different levels of comfort and features. The Ranger boasts a spacious and well-appointed interior with comfortable seating, intuitive controls, and a user-friendly infotainment system. It comes standard with features like a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium audio system.

The Mazda B2500, while not as refined as the Ranger, still provides a comfortable and functional interior. It features supportive seats, a simple dashboard layout, and a basic infotainment system. However, it lacks some of the modern features found in the Ranger, such as a touchscreen display or advanced driver assistance systems.

Off-Road Capability: Exploring the Untamed Paths

For those who venture off the beaten path, the Ford Ranger offers impressive off-road capabilities. It comes equipped with a four-wheel-drive system, a locking rear differential, and a terrain management system that allows drivers to select different driving modes for various terrains. The Mazda B2500, while not as capable as the Ranger off-road, still offers decent ground clearance and a four-wheel-drive system for tackling light off-road trails.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Protecting Your Journey

In terms of safety, the Ford Ranger and Mazda B2500 offer a range of driver assistance features to enhance your peace of mind on the road. The Ranger comes standard with features such as lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Mazda B2500, while not as well-equipped as the Ranger, still offers essential safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control.

Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Power and Economy

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Mazda B2500 takes the lead with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. The Ford Ranger, with its more powerful engines, offers slightly lower fuel economy, achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the EcoBoost engine.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Partner for Your Needs

Ultimately, the choice between the Ford Ranger and the Mazda B2500 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize power, capability, and off-road prowess, the Ford Ranger is the clear winner. Its potent engines, impressive towing and payload capacities, and advanced off-road features make it an ideal choice for demanding tasks and adventurous lifestyles.

If, however, you value fuel efficiency, affordability, and basic functionality, the Mazda B2500 is a solid option. Its reliable engine, decent towing and payload capacities, and comfortable interior make it a capable and practical choice for everyday use and light-duty tasks.

Answers to Your Questions

1. Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?

• The Ford Ranger offers more powerful engine options, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 turbodiesel.

2. Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?

• The Ford Ranger boasts a higher towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds, compared to the Mazda B2500’s maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

3. Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency?

• The Mazda B2500 offers better fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, compared to the Ford Ranger’s 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

4. Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?

• The Ford Ranger offers a more spacious interior with comfortable seating and more legroom and headroom compared to the Mazda B2500.

5. Which vehicle offers more advanced safety features?

• The Ford Ranger offers more advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, while the Mazda B2500 offers basic safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control.