Ford Ranger Splash Super Cab Versus Toyota Tacoma Xtracab LX V6

Road TestHere's the bottom line: The recently released '9511/42 Toyota Tacoma V6-with a DOHC 24-valve engine, rack-and-pinion steering, and a double-wishbone, coil-spring front suspension-is arguably the most technologically sophisticated pickup on the market. But what does that mean in the real world? That's what we wanted to find out, so we pitted it against the overall best-selling compact pickup in the U.S., the Ford Ranger.

Toyota's pickup is no slouch on the sales charts, either. In fact, it's the top-selling import pickup, as well as the country's overall best-selling compact 4x4 for the past 15 years straight. The Tacoma represents the first major redesign to Toyota's compact pickup line since '89 and is the first Toyota pickup in 19 years to carry a proper noun since the venerable Hi-Lux moniker was dropped for the generic Pickup label in '76. Along with the new name comes entirely new sheetmetal, a redesigned chassis, a choice of three new engines, and a fresh American influence; the Tacoma's styling originated in the studios of Toyota's Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California, and all Tacomas will be built at the joint GM/Toyota NUMMI plant in Fremont, California.

We decided this battle should be fought with two-wheel-drive, extended-cab versions (equipped with automatic transmissions), so we chose the Tacoma Xtracab V6 in the midlevel LX trim.

Having undergone a major revamping just two years ago, the Ranger received understandably minor changes for '95. The front end features a new grille, similar to that on the '95 Explorer, and an improved crush-zone. Other highlights are a new electronically controlled automatic transmission, driver-side airbag, and a face-lifted instrument panel design (also similar to the Explorer's). Ranger buyers can choose from 22 different model configurations, including trim level, drivetrain (two- or four-wheel drive), cab size, and wheelbase choices. We selected the eye-catching Splash SuperCab step-side model, which came dressed in riveting Canary Yellow paint.

It didn't take much time behind the wheels to realize we'd picked ourselves a difficult task. Both are seriously fun sport trucks right off the showroom floor; especially when each is motivated by its top-of-the-line V-6 engine. Here, though, the Toyota's thoroughly modern 3.4-liter 24-valve DOHC six held the advantage. Despite giving up 0.6 liters of displacement to the Ford's 4.0-liter V-6, the Toyota delivers a potent 190 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque, compared with the Ranger's 160/220 specs.

Both are a kick to mash the pedal in, delivering strong, grin-inducing acceleration whenever you ask. Although, from the driver's seat, the Tacoma's stronger launch, coupled with more-immediate throttle response, is readily noticeable. Adding to its aggressive performance, the four-speed automatic tranny features a driver-selectable sport-shift mode. The test numbers back these impressions, with the Toyota logging a quick 8.1-second 0-60 mph and 16.1-second quarter mile; both over a half second ahead of the Ford.

The Tacoma also holds an edge on the fuel-economy front with easy-to-take 19/22 city/highway EPA figures, compared with the Splash's 16/22 rating. Plus, the Toyota provides a dramatic advantage in maximum towing capacity with a beefy 5000-pound rating, over twice that of the Ford's 2000-pound spec.