Only one Ford pickup was defeated on the list of Best Buys for 2025. Most Ford trucks are doing great in their segments from compact to heavy-duty. However, the Ford Ranger kept dropping the ball and prevented the automaker from winning every truck category. 

Ford trucks nearly dominate the Best Buy awards 

Kelley Blue Book critics have spoken. It just released the Best Buy Awards for 2025 after putting vehicles through an entire year of testing. Ford trucks did extremely well for the most part. 

The 2025 Ford Maverick won best compact truck, the 2025 Ford F-150 is the best full-size truck, and the best electric truck is the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning. 

However, the best midsize truck is the 2025 Toyota Tacoma, meaning the Ranger fell short. It seems to be the weakest link in the Ford pickup lineup. 

The rankings are based on pricing, build quality, reliability, interior quality, comfort, accessibility, cargo space, tech, amenities, and resale value. 

The Tacoma may have an advantage over the Ranger because of its available hybrid engine. We only have the regular gas-powered Ranger in America. 

Plus, the Tacoma has an available coil-spring suspension that provides a comfortable and controlled ride. The updated interior provides more legroom in the front row. However, the second row is still pretty tight. 

The Ford Ranger excels with intuitive tech. However, the Tacoma has a 14-inch infotainment system, wireless trailer camera, in-bed camera views, an auto-close tailgate function, and a 2,000-watt AC inverter to power devices. 

Ford trucks got the win in most categories, but the Tacoma has taken the win over the Ford Ranger. Strangely, the Toyota Tundra doesn’t get the same respect.