In the fiercely competitive mid-size pickup truck market, two titans continue to dominate the landscape in 2025: the Ford Ranger Sport and the Toyota Hilux SR5. Both vehicles have earned loyal followings for their blend of capability, reliability, and versatility, but which one deserves your hard-earned dollars? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into every aspect of these popular trucks to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Exterior Presence
Ford Ranger Sport
The 2025 Ford Ranger Sport projects a commanding presence with its bold, muscular styling that borrows design cues from its larger F-150 sibling. The front fascia features an imposing grille flanked by LED projector headlamps that give the truck a modern, technical appearance. The Sport Appearance Package adds distinctive blacked-out elements that enhance its athletic stance.
Ford has thoughtfully incorporated practical elements into the design, including an Integrated Box Side Step that makes accessing the cargo bed significantly easier. The Ranger Sport rides on attractive 17-inch aluminum wheels as standard, with larger 18-inch options available for those seeking added visual impact.
New for 2025, Ford has refreshed the Ranger’s color palette, introducing Ruby Red Metallic, Desert Sand, and Marsh Gray finishes while retiring some previous options like Cactus Gray and Iconic Silver. A new Black Appearance package has also been added to the lineup for those preferring a more menacing aesthetic.
Toyota Hilux SR5
The Toyota Hilux SR5 presents a refreshed design for 2025, featuring a broader stance and more aggressive front styling than previous iterations. While the Hilux’s overall design language might feel slightly more conservative than the Ranger’s, it projects an unmistakable sense of durability and purpose.
The SR5 trim elevates the Hilux’s appearance with LED lighting packages (including puddle lamps), more upscale exterior trim pieces, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Color options include the striking Nebula Blue premium paint, which has been turning heads since its introduction.
While the Hilux’s curvaceous styling is starting to show its age compared to more recently redesigned competitors, Toyota has managed to keep it looking fresh with thoughtful updates. The embossed “HILUX” name on the tailgate adds a distinctive touch that emphasizes the truck’s heritage and brand identity.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Ford Ranger Sport
Step inside the Ranger Sport, and you’re greeted by a cabin that successfully balances ruggedness with refinement. The interior layout is driver-focused, with controls positioned for intuitive access. Standard on the XLT (with Sport Appearance Package) is a 10-inch vertical touchscreen that serves as the command center for Ford’s latest infotainment system.
The Ranger’s seats are comfortable for long journeys, with good support and plenty of adjustability. Rear passenger space is generous for the segment, with adequate head and legroom for adults. Storage solutions abound throughout the cabin, from conveniently placed cupholders to numerous bins for stashing smaller items.
Tech features in the Ranger Sport include standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, in-dash navigation, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. A power outlet inside the truck bed adds practicality for work or camping scenarios. Higher trims offer a larger 12-inch digital instrument cluster and premium audio options.
Toyota Hilux SR5
The Hilux SR5’s interior exemplifies Toyota’s reputation for build quality, with excellent fit and finish throughout. Materials feel durable and well-assembled, living up to the truck’s “unbreakable” marketing. The dashboard design is functional if a bit dated compared to the Ranger’s more contemporary layout.
Standard technology includes an 8-inch color touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The SR5 also features a 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster and, in automatic transmission models, a wireless phone charger.
Where the Hilux falls notably short is in rear cabin space. Taller passengers will find the back seats cramped, with limited knee room and headroom. This is one area where the Ranger holds a significant advantage, especially for families or those regularly traveling with adult passengers.
For an additional $2,500, the optional Premium Interior Package adds leather-accented seats and door trims, heated front seats, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat – upgrades that significantly enhance the cabin’s comfort and appearance.
Performance and Powertrains
Ford Ranger Sport
The 2025 Ranger Sport comes standard with Ford’s proven 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing a robust 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant delivers responsive acceleration and good fuel efficiency, making it well-suited for both daily driving and light to moderate work tasks.
For those seeking more power, Ford offers an optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that generates an impressive 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant provides noticeably quicker acceleration and enhanced towing capability, making it the preferred choice for those who regularly haul heavy loads.
Both engines pair with Ford’s refined 10-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth shifts and helps keep the engines in their optimal power bands. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, with four-wheel drive available for those requiring enhanced off-road capability or all-weather traction.
The Ranger offers multiple drive modes that optimize performance for different conditions, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, and Slippery. Four-wheel drive models add additional terrain management modes for tackling challenging off-road environments.
Toyota Hilux SR5
The 2025 Hilux SR5 comes equipped with Toyota’s reliable 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine, producing 150 kW (approximately 201 horsepower) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque when paired with the six-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmission models see a slight reduction in torque to 420 Nm (310 lb-ft).
New for select 2025 Hilux models, including the SR5, is Toyota’s V-Active 48V mild-hybrid technology. This system adds electric assistance to the diesel engine, improving fuel efficiency and providing smoother operation, particularly at lower speeds. While not a full hybrid system, it represents Toyota’s first step toward electrification in their pickup lineup.
The Hilux’s powertrain prioritizes low-end torque and reliability over outright speed, making it particularly well-suited for off-road driving and towing. The diesel engine provides excellent fuel economy, especially on highway journeys, though it can’t match the Ranger’s V6 option for outright performance.
Transmission options include a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, both offering smooth operation. The Hilux SR5 is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations, with the latter featuring a rear differential lock for enhanced off-road capability.
Capability and Practicality
Ford Ranger Sport
The 2025 Ranger maintains its reputation as a capable workhorse with a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. This puts it among the class leaders for mid-size trucks and makes it suitable for towing everything from boats to camping trailers with confidence.
The Ranger is offered exclusively as a crew cab with a five-foot bed for 2025, providing a good balance between passenger space and cargo capacity. The bed includes thoughtful features like an available power outlet and tie-down points to secure loads.
Built on a robust chassis with outboard-mounted rear shocks, the Ranger delivers a composed ride both on and off the pavement. The FX4 Off-Road Package adds additional capability for those who regularly venture beyond the asphalt, including upgraded suspension components and protective skid plates.
Toyota Hilux SR5
The Hilux SR5 has built its reputation on legendary durability and off-road capability, and the 2025 model continues this tradition. With a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg (approximately 7,716 pounds), it slightly edges out the Ranger in this important metric.
The Hilux SR5 double-cab pickup has a load tub measuring 1,570mm long, 1,645mm wide, and 495mm deep, with 1,105mm between the wheel housings. While it can’t accommodate a standard Australian pallet between the wheel arches, it will fit a Euro-sized pallet.
With its 2,150 kg kerb weight and 3,050 kg GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass), the SR5 V-Active has a 900 kg payload rating. It’s worth noting that when towing at maximum capacity, the available payload reduces significantly to around 200 kg due to the 5,850 kg GCM (Gross Combination Mass) limitation – something to consider if you’re planning to tow heavy loads while carrying passengers and cargo.
The Hilux maintains excellent ground clearance at 216mm, facilitating confident off-road driving. Four-wheel drive models include a rear differential lock and terrain-specific driving modes to enhance capability in challenging conditions.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Ford Ranger Sport
The 2025 Ranger’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivers competitive fuel economy for the segment, with EPA estimates varying based on drivetrain configuration. Rear-wheel drive models are typically more efficient than their four-wheel drive counterparts.
The optional 2.7-liter V6 engine predictably demands more fuel, though Ford’s EcoBoost technology helps mitigate the efficiency penalty typically associated with larger engines. The 10-speed automatic transmission contributes to efficiency by keeping the engine in its optimal operating range.
Toyota Hilux SR5
The Hilux SR5’s diesel engine has long been praised for its efficiency, with 2025 models consuming approximately 7.6L/100km (about 31 mpg) in combined driving conditions according to Toyota’s claims. The V-Active 48V mild-hybrid system further improves these figures in stop-and-go traffic.
With its 80-liter fuel tank, the Hilux SR5 offers an impressive theoretical range of over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) between fill-ups – a significant advantage for those who travel long distances or work in remote areas where fuel stations are scarce.
The Hilux’s diesel engine also produces less CO2 emissions than many gasoline-powered competitors, with Toyota claiming 199g of CO2 emissions per 100km for the SR5 model.
Technology and Connectivity
Ford Ranger Sport
Ford has positioned the Ranger as a tech-savvy option in the mid-size truck segment. The standard 10-inch touchscreen (upgradable to 12 inches on higher trims) runs Ford’s latest SYNC infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The system can receive over-the-air updates, ensuring the technology remains current throughout ownership. Available tech features include a wireless charging pad, multiple USB ports, and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system with 10 speakers for superior sound quality.
Higher Ranger trims receive a fully digital 12.4-inch instrument cluster that can be customized to display various information based on driver preference. A 360-degree camera system is available to assist with parking and off-road navigation.
Toyota Hilux SR5
The Hilux SR5 comes equipped with an 8-inch color touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While functional, this system lacks some of the advanced features found in the Ranger’s larger and more sophisticated infotainment setup.
Automatic transmission SR5 models include a wireless charging pad, and double-cab variants receive two rear USB-C ports for passenger convenience. The standard audio system delivers acceptable sound quality but can’t match the optional premium systems available in the Ranger.
The Hilux’s 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster provides essential information like fuel economy, trip data, and vehicle settings. While effective, it’s considerably smaller than the Ranger’s available fully digital display.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Ford Ranger Sport
The 2025 Ranger comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver assistance technologies that includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional available features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Ranger’s structure is designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision, and it comes equipped with multiple airbags throughout the cabin. Advanced safety features like post-collision braking and evasive steering assist are available on higher trim levels.
Toyota Hilux SR5
Toyota has equipped the Hilux SR5 with its Toyota Safety Sense package, which includes pre-collision safety with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, and high-speed adaptive cruise control.
Additional safety features include seven SRS airbags, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Hilux has earned a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, the highest possible score from Australia’s independent vehicle safety authority.
The panoramic view monitor available on double-cab SR5 models provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and avoid obstacles when parking or off-roading.
Price and Value Proposition
Ford Ranger Sport
The 2025 Ford Ranger XLT with the Sport Appearance Package starts at approximately $34,575, with prices climbing to around $45,375 depending on options and configurations. While not the least expensive option in the mid-size truck segment, the Ranger offers competitive pricing given its feature set and capabilities.
Ford’s three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty are standard for the industry but fall short of the coverage offered by some competitors.
Toyota Hilux SR5
The 2025 Toyota Hilux SR5 starts at approximately $60,670 AUD (approximately $40,000 USD) before on-road costs, with the V-Active 48V hybrid variant commanding a premium. While this positions the Hilux SR5 at the higher end of the mid-size truck market, Toyota’s legendary reliability and strong resale values help justify the investment.
Toyota backs the Hilux with a five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty in most markets, providing peace of mind for buyers. The required service interval of 6 months or 10,000 kilometers (whichever comes first) is more frequent than some competitors, potentially increasing long-term ownership costs.
The Verdict: Which Truck Reigns Supreme?
Both the 2025 Ford Ranger Sport and Toyota Hilux SR5 present compelling cases for different types of buyers. The Ranger excels with its more powerful engine options, superior interior space (especially for rear passengers), more advanced infotainment system, and sportier on-road dynamics. It’s the better choice for those who prioritize technology, passenger comfort, and highway driving characteristics.
The Hilux counters with legendary durability, excellent off-road capability, superior fuel efficiency (especially with the new V-Active 48V system), and potentially stronger resale value. It remains the preferred option for buyers who venture frequently off-road, value long-term reliability above all else, or need maximum fuel range for remote work or adventures.
For daily drivers who occasionally need truck capabilities, the Ranger Sport’s more refined interior and better passenger accommodations make it the more livable option. For those who subject their vehicles to punishing conditions or prioritize proven reliability over cutting-edge features, the Hilux continues to make a strong case.
Ultimately, both trucks represent the culmination of decades of development and refinement. Your specific needs, preferences, and brand loyalty will likely guide your final decision – and regardless of which truck you choose, you’ll be driving home in one of the most capable mid-size pickups ever produced.
Also Read –