2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2019 Toyota Tacoma

2019 Toyota Tacoma
2019 Toyota Tacoma
$25,850MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty
$34,035MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Toyota Tacoma
$25,850MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty
$34,035MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty scores 7.7 out of 10. Given these identical ratings, the final recommendation depends on your specific needs. If you require a rugged, off-road capable midsize truck, the Toyota Tacoma is a solid choice. However, if you need a heavy-duty truck with exceptional towing and hauling capabilities, the Ford F-250 Super Duty is the better option.

Overview

MSRP

$25,850

MSRP

$34,035

Average price

$30,570

Average price

$45,955

Listings

1875

Listings

1045
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Poor ride quality
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Advanced safety features are not standard

2019 Toyota Tacoma Reviews Summary

Unapologetically unrefined, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is a truck, pure and simple. It doesn't try to be anything else, and its raw honesty, at first unappealing, becomes its most endearing trait. Over the course of a week of testing, I went from eagerly anticipating to sadly dreading its departure. Clearly, there’s a good reason it's the best-selling midsize pickup in America.

2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty Reviews Summary

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” Winston Churchill was likely not referring to the heavy-duty pickup truck market when he uttered this quote, but it resonates nonetheless. It seems like every year the Big Three American truck-makers are trying to one-up one another, whether it's towing and hauling, passenger space, or technology.

It's unclear how many truck owners shop on superlatives alone. It’s also unclear how many shoppers need “the most” of one particular attribute. Sure, some will need the towing capability for certain jobs. But far more will buy these trucks and want a balance of attributes that is as well-rounded as their needs. While the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty gives up a bit of ride quality to achieve some best-in-class numbers, it’s a well-balanced truck. Read on to find out why.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.7L 159 hp I4

Engine

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

Seating Capacity

4

Seating Capacity

3

Horsepower

159 hp @ 5200 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

20

MPG City

MPG Highway

23

MPG Highway

2019 Toyota Tacoma
2019 Toyota Tacoma
$25,850MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty
$34,035MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Toyota Tacoma
$25,850MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty
$34,035MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty scores 7.7 out of 10. Given these identical ratings, the final recommendation depends on your specific needs. If you require a rugged, off-road capable midsize truck, the Toyota Tacoma is a solid choice. However, if you need a heavy-duty truck with exceptional towing and hauling capabilities, the Ford F-250 Super Duty is the better option.

Overview
MSRP
$25,850
$34,035
Average price
$30,570
$45,955
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.2
4.5
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Poor ride quality
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Summary
Unapologetically unrefined, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is a truck, pure and simple. It doesn't try to be anything else, and its raw honesty, at first unappealing, becomes its most endearing trait. Over the course of a week of testing, I went from eagerly anticipating to sadly dreading its departure. Clearly, there’s a good reason it's the best-selling midsize pickup in America.

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” Winston Churchill was likely not referring to the heavy-duty pickup truck market when he uttered this quote, but it resonates nonetheless. It seems like every year the Big Three American truck-makers are trying to one-up one another, whether it's towing and hauling, passenger space, or technology.

It's unclear how many truck owners shop on superlatives alone. It’s also unclear how many shoppers need “the most” of one particular attribute. Sure, some will need the towing capability for certain jobs. But far more will buy these trucks and want a balance of attributes that is as well-rounded as their needs. While the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty gives up a bit of ride quality to achieve some best-in-class numbers, it’s a well-balanced truck. Read on to find out why.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.7L 159 hp I4
Drive Train
4X2
Seating Capacity
4
3
Horsepower
159 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
20
MPG Highway
23
Look and feel
2019 Toyota Tacoma
9/10
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty
6/10

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma featured distinct trims with unique grilles, wheels, hoods, and finishes, giving it a rugged and handsome appearance. The design was characterized by solid blocks of metal with carved character lines, flared fenders, and a protruding nose. Inside, the Tacoma prioritized function over form, with hard and durable plastics dominating the cabin. Stylish details like geometric upholstery patterns and evenly spaced dashboard air vents added some flair, but the overall design was simple and utilitarian. The Tacoma was available in extended-cab (Access Cab) and crew-cab (Double Cab) styles, with options for a short or long cargo bed, a 4-cylinder or V6 engine, and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD). The Limited trim, which came only in Double Cab, short bed, V6, 4WD specification, had a base price of $40,865, with a total cost of $42,184 after adding floor mats, cargo bed D-rings, and the destination charge.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty received some updates, with subtle visual differences that keen observers might notice. The front bumper had more black painted areas and less bling, while the massive grille swapped its large two-bar design for a sleeker look. The headlights were also somewhat sleeker, resulting in a truck that showed some styling restraint. The F-250 was available in XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trim levels, each with distinct appearances. The XL had a black grille and bumpers with 17-inch steel wheels, while the XLT added brightwork and 18-inch alloy wheels. The King Ranch featured a unique two-tone paint job and chrome accents, while the Platinum added 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique front bumper. The Limited trim upped the luxury feel with a satin-chrome grille. The Tremor package, available on XLT-and-up trims, included off-road gear and styling touches.

Performance
2019 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty
9/10

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma was equipped with a direct-injected, Atkinson-cycle, 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 278 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 265 pound-feet of torque at 4,600 rpm. This engine was ready for towing with heavy-duty cooling, trailer wiring harness connections, Trailer Sway Control, and a receiver hitch, with a maximum tow rating of 6,800 pounds. A 6-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode and a manual shift gate delivered power to the rear wheels, while the part-time, shift-on-the-fly 4WD system was easy to use. The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro versions offered a 6-speed manual gearbox with a clutch-start cancel switch for off-roading. The Limited trim had 9.4 inches of ground clearance, making it capable for most off-road situations. On pavement, the Tacoma's acceleration was strong, but the transmission could be sluggish unless in Sport mode. The EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving, but the test truck averaged 20.1 mpg. The steering was slow to respond and vague on-center, and the ride quality was bouncy and reactive to road conditions. The brakes, with discs in front and drums in the back, shuddered under prolonged use.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty came standard with a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Ford also offered a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 with 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. A new 7.3-liter gas V8 option produced 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The gas engines were paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel V8 had a six-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was standard, with four-wheel drive (4WD) optional. When equipped with the 6.7-liter diesel, 3.55 axle ratio, and High Capacity Tow Package, the F-250 could tow up to 30,000 pounds. The 10-speed automatic transmission managed power well, providing surprising low-to-mid-range acceleration. The suspension was well sprung for heavy loads, resulting in a bumpy ride when not loaded. The FX4 off-road package added upgraded shocks, skid plates, and Trail Control. The Tremor off-road package included 33-inch tires, a 2-inch lift, rock crawl mode, and dark styling touches.

Form and function
2019 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty
9/10

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma had a high ground clearance, making it easy for tall individuals to slide in, but challenging for shorter people, especially when the rocker panels were dirty. The front seats were wide and flat, with manual adjustments and lumbar support for the driver. Storage was abundant, with various compartments throughout the cabin. The backseat was cramped, with a high bottom cushion and limited space under the front seats. There were no air-conditioning vents or USB charging ports in the back. Exiting the driver's seat was difficult for those with long legs due to limited clearance under the steering wheel. The short 5-foot bed had a plastic liner, LED light, and a 120-volt/400-watt power outlet, with a maximum payload capacity of 1,540 pounds.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, extended SuperCab, and full four-door Crew Cab, with either 6-foot-9-inch or 8-foot bed sizes. The Super Duty featured a tailgate step that telescoped from the opened tailgate and included a handle. The cabin was spacious and functional, with deep cup holders and cubbies designed for large items. The center console was massive, capable of storing files, tools, or a laptop. The rear seats on the SuperCrew and Crew Cab folded up, revealing a load floor for large items, providing secure storage for equipment like a generator.

Technology
2019 Toyota Tacoma
5/10
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty
8/10

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma was not a technological showcase, lacking features like Apple CarPlay. The top infotainment system option had a 7-inch display with stubby volume and tuning knobs that were resistant to twisting and finished in slippery gloss black. The navigation system struggled to find specific addresses, prompting the use of a smartphone for directions. For 2020, Toyota planned to add Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, with an 8-inch screen. The available 6-speaker JBL sound system delivered a decent audio experience.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty's base XL model came with four speakers, an AM/FM/MP3 radio unit, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB-C port. The XLT trim added five speakers for the regular cab and seven for the SuperCab and Crew Cab, along with SiriusXM satellite radio, an additional USB-C port, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect was standard across the lineup, providing a WiFi hot spot for up to 10 devices and allowing remote vehicle control via a smartphone app. Many of these services were subscription-based.

Safety
2019 Toyota Tacoma
8/10
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty
7/10

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, sway warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available. The Tacoma received good crash test ratings from the IIHS, with some areas rated as Marginal or Acceptable. The NHTSA gave the Tacoma Double Cab a 4-star overall rating.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty included standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, trailer sway control, hill start assist, and AdvanceTrac traction control with roll stability control. Optional features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system. The F-250 had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.

Cost Effectiveness
2019 Toyota Tacoma
10/10
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty
7/10
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