So, every single review of the Ranger compares it with the Tacoma. Even Ford had the Tacoma on site during their launch event for comparison purposes.
I suppose this makes sense, seeing as the Tacoma is far and away the sales leader in the segment, and is therefore the benchmark. Anyway, it's like Ford took the measure of the Tacoma, and set out to beat it: Acceleration, Payload, Towing, Interior Comfort, Features.
And yet, I still don't think the Ranger will eat into Tacoma sales all that much. Trucks, more than any other type of vehicle, are bought on reputation, and the Tacoma's reputation is Legen-(wait for it)-Dary. I think the Ranger will cannibalize F-150's sales numbers a little, as well as eat into the Colorado/Canyon sales numbers. Those people who were going to buy a Tacoma will probably still buy a Tacoma. Even though the 3.5 D4S engine was a mistake for that truck (shoulda stayed with the 4.0).