What To Know
- When it comes to choosing a compact pickup truck, two of the most popular options on the market are the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
- The Tacoma has a more rugged and utilitarian interior, while the Sport Trac features a more upscale and comfortable design.
- The Tacoma gets up to 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with the four-cylinder engine, while the Sport Trac gets up to 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine.
When it comes to choosing a compact pickup truck, two of the most popular options on the market are the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Both vehicles offer a unique blend of ruggedness and versatility, making them ideal for a wide range of lifestyles. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Explorer Sport Trac and explore their key features, capabilities, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Capability
Both the Tacoma and the Sport Trac offer a variety of engine options to suit different needs. The Tacoma comes standard with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, while the Sport Trac offers a 4.0-liter V6 as its base engine. However, the Sport Trac also has a more powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine available, giving it an edge in terms of horsepower and torque.
When it comes to towing and payload capacity, the Tacoma takes the lead. It can tow up to 6,800 pounds and haul up to 1,685 pounds, while the Sport Trac can tow up to 6,500 pounds and haul up to 1,575 pounds.
Off-Road Performance
If off-roading is your passion, the Tacoma is the clear winner. It offers a variety of off-road-oriented features, such as a locking rear differential, skid plates, and an optional TRD Pro package with upgraded suspension and tires. The Sport Trac, on the other hand, is less suited for serious off-roading, although it does offer some features like a four-wheel drive system and an optional off-road package.
Interior and Features
Inside, the Tacoma and the Sport Trac offer spacious and well-equipped cabins. The Tacoma has a more rugged and utilitarian interior, while the Sport Trac features a more upscale and comfortable design. Both vehicles offer a range of amenities, including touchscreen infotainment systems, navigation, and premium audio systems.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is an important consideration for any vehicle, and the Tacoma and the Sport Trac both offer competitive figures. The Tacoma gets up to 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with the four-cylinder engine, while the Sport Trac gets up to 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine.
Safety and Reliability
Both the Tacoma and the Sport Trac have earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Tacoma received a five-star overall safety rating, while the Sport Trac received a four-star overall safety rating.
In terms of reliability, the Tacoma has a slightly better reputation than the Sport Trac. Toyota is known for its reliability, and the Tacoma has consistently ranked well in consumer surveys.
Price and Value
The Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Explorer Sport Trac are both priced competitively within the compact pickup truck segment. The Tacoma has a starting price of around $27,000, while the Sport Trac has a starting price of around $29,000. However, the Tacoma offers more standard features and a better off-road experience, making it a better value for the money.
Which One is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best choice between the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Explorer Sport Trac depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a rugged and capable off-roader with a proven track record of reliability, the Tacoma is the better choice. If you prefer a more comfortable and upscale interior with a more powerful engine, the Sport Trac is a solid option.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re still not sure which vehicle is right for you, here are a few other compact pickup trucks to consider:
- Chevrolet Colorado
- GMC Canyon
- Honda Ridgeline
- Nissan Frontier
What You Need to Know
Q: Which vehicle has a better towing capacity?
A: The Toyota Tacoma has a better towing capacity of 6,800 pounds compared to the Ford Explorer Sport Trac‘s 6,500 pounds.
Q: Which vehicle has a more comfortable interior?
A: The Ford Explorer Sport Trac has a more comfortable and upscale interior compared to the Toyota Tacoma‘s more rugged and utilitarian cabin.
Q: Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Toyota Tacoma is more fuel-efficient than the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, with up to 23 mpg on the highway compared to the Sport Trac’s 22 mpg.