Head to Head: Ford Ranger vs Toyota Hilux

The Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux have been duking it out in the pickup truck segment for as long as both trucks have been sold in the Philippines. Though both trucks offer the same utility, the same can’t be said for the experience. 

In terms of popularity too, where you’d expect the Hilux to be the more popular choice of the two trucks, it isn’t as cut and dry as you’d expect. Data from the AutoDeal website shows that in the first half of 2024, the Ford Ranger emerged as the top-selling model, accounting for 6.62 percent of total sales. Surprisingly, the Hilux, despite its strong reputation, captured only 2.41 percent of sales.

However, sales figures tell only part of the story. The Hilux may have features in its spec sheet that could shift the balance in its favor, or perhaps the Ranger has what it takes to solidify its position as one of the top vehicles of 2024. For simplicity’s sake, we’ll be comparing the Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 4x4 AT against the Ford Ranger Bi-Turbo Wildtrak 4x4. Without further ado, let’s dive into this head-to-head comparison.

As always, we start with the exterior beginning with the Hilux. Toyota’s pickup displays a tried and tested look that hasn’t changed much since the current generation’s debut in 2015. The Hilux sports an angular face, characterized by sleek headlights and a wide grille sporting a black plastic overlay to give it a tough and angry look. Simple body lines on the doors and quarter panel give the Hilux a more muscular stance that is further complemented by its 18-inch alloy wheels. Toyota has done a good job of keeping the Hilux refreshed over the years, but despite these updates, its aging design is starting to show. While it remains an impressive sight both on the road and off the beaten path, its familiarity has made the desire for a new generation more noticeable.

Now onto the Ranger, the next-gen model draws inspiration from Ford’s larger F-Series trucks, featuring a flatter front fascia, a bolder, more imposing grille, and signature C-shaped headlights that frame the front. It ditches the curves of the previous generation in favor of a more rugged, angular design, making the Ranger look like nothing else on the road—aside from its SUV sibling, the Everest.

Looks are still subjective and one may look better than the other depending on who’s looking. For us, however, the Ranger’s boxy front end appears more muscular and authoritative, which is why it gets the win.

Winner: Ford Ranger

The Hilux’s interior has been virtually unchanged since it launched in 2016, but, to the benefit of the Hilux, it’s hard to say anything bad about it because it’s intuitively designed and laid out in a neat arrangement. The only qualm we can think of is the limited visibility owing to the higher-than-average dashboard.

In the second row, passengers are treated to leather seats with cup holders and rear A/C vents. Unfortunately, charging ports and 12V sockets are only available at the front which could be an issue on long trips with all seats loaded.

Meanwhile, the Ranger sports a more modern interior characterized by clean lines and geometric shapes. Unique touches include the mesh-patterned air vents and raised contours on the passenger side. The seats feature contrast stitching on the dashboard's crash pad and the leather seats, adding a refined detail to the cabin.

The Ranger has rear A/C vents like the Hilux, but, the Ranger provides additional features in the way of a 12V plug and a USB port. In addition, the Ranger provides front passengers with a wireless charger, unlike the Hilux.

In this category, the Ford Ranger takes the lead. While the Hilux offers a functional interior that meets the needs of both drivers and passengers, the Ranger’s cabin goes beyond its utilitarian design, delivering a more refined and comfortable experience overall.

Winner: Ford Ranger

Under the hood, the Toyota Hilux is powered by the 1GD-FTV 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. Paired with a six-speed automatic, the Hilux 2.8 Conquest 4x4 puts out 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Being a 4x4 pickup truck, the Hilux 2.8 Conquest 4x4 is equipped with locking differentials that work in tandem with its 4x4 system, allowing it to take on rough terrain right out of the showroom.

As for the Ranger, the Bi-Turbo Wildtrak is powered by Ford's 2.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBlue four-cylinder diesel engine, unique to this variant. Despite the deficit in displacement, the addition of another turbo means it delivers 207 hp and 500 Nm of torque, channeled to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It also features an electronic locking rear differential, selectable drive modes, and a terrain management system for enhanced off-road capability.

While both trucks come with 4WD systems, the Ranger's terrain management system makes it more advanced and better suited for a variety of terrains. Although some might prefer the Hilux’s simpler system, we believe the more sophisticated Ranger deserves the win.

Winner: Ford Ranger

A key feature of a pickup truck is its spacious cargo area for hauling heavy loads, making payload capacity a crucial factor in choosing these utility vehicles.

Starting with the Ford Ranger, the Ranger Bi-Turbo Wildtrak 4x4 offers a maximum payload capacity of 985 kg. In comparison, the Hilux surpasses the one-tonne mark with a payload capacity of 1,050 kg. Both trucks can tow up to 3,500 kg.

In this segment, the Toyota Hilux takes the win for its superior payload capacity.

Winner: Toyota Hilux

In terms of entertainment features, the Hilux is equipped with a nine-inch infotainment system while the Ranger has a larger 12-inch infotainment system. Both trucks are equipped with Android Auto and Apple Carplay along with six speakers inside the cabin.

Both trucks come with dual-zone climate control and rear vents for the second row, making them equal in terms of interior comfort. They are also similarly equipped with a 360-degree camera, cruise control, keyless entry, and a push-button start system.

As for ADAS, the Ranger gets Ford’s Advanced Driver Assist Technology which boasts the following features: Adjustable Speed Limiter, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering, Auto High Beam, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, Pre-Collision Assist, Dynamic Brake Support DBS, Distance Alert / Distance Indication DA/DI, Forward Collision Warning System, Evasive Steer Assist, Post Impact Braking, Lane Departure Warning & Lane Keeping Aid, Driver Alert System, and a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert & Braking.

Meanwhile, the Hilux gets the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). Even in the airbag department, both trucks are similarly equipped with seven SRS airbags placed throughout the cabin. 

Both trucks offer a comprehensive array of safety features, but the Ranger clinches the win once again with its slightly superior selection of additional equipment.

Winner: Ford Ranger

Regarding price, at the time of writing, the Ranger Bi-Turbo Wildtrak 4x4 AT costs P1,940,000 while the Hilux 2.8 Conquest 4x4 AT is priced at P2,078,000

With a P108,000 price difference, the Ranger Wildtrak 4x4 takes the win without contest. The Hilux may be a household name with a strong reputation, but it doesn’t justify a large price difference for a truck platform that’s nearly a decade old. 

Winner: Ford Ranger

So, what’s the verdict after comparing both trucks? The Ranger stands out with its superior power, tech features, and overall design, outshining the older Hilux. However, this doesn’t mean the Hilux should be overlooked. Beyond the top-tier models, the more budget-friendly Hilux variants offer an affordable option for those needing a reliable platform for business use.

For buyers deciding between the two, both trucks offer a solid, feature-rich experience for tackling various terrains. The Ranger stands out with its modern features and advanced capabilities, making it ideal for those seeking the latest technology. The main drawback of the Hilux is its steep P2 million price tag, and given its age, it might be worth waiting for a new generation rather than purchasing the current model if you’re looking to buy the top-of-the-line Hilux.

Overall Winner: Ford Ranger

Ready to find your next pickup truck? Explore the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux on AutoDeal.com.ph. Just click the “Get Quote” button for the model you're interested in, and official sales agents from local dealerships will send you quotes within minutes!