2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 Ford F-150

2020 Ford F-150
2020 Ford F-150
$28,745MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford F-150
$28,745MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Ford F-150 is 8.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Tacoma scores 6.5 out of 10. Based on this comparison, the recommended choice would be the 2020 Ford F-150.

Overview

MSRP

$28,745

MSRP

$26,400

Average price

$33,340

Average price

$34,605

Listings

5082

Listings

4080
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Excellent off-road capability
Cons
  • Sluggish performance
  • Poor handling
  • Underwhelming base engine

2020 Ford F-150 Reviews Summary

The modern pickup truck has to play the role of commuter car, grocery-getter, long-haul road tripper, and children's shuttle bus. And yet, these trucks still have to tow and haul whatever and whenever you need. The 2020 model year Ford F-150 answers that call by providing an accommodating and modern interior, comfortable road manners, and a lineup of engines that provide the power and torque to help it hold its own at the worksite.

2021 Toyota Tacoma Reviews Summary

Last redesigned for the 2016 model year, The Tacoma once dominated midsize-truck sales. In recent years, though, it’s faced stronger competition from the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, the Ford Ranger, and the Jeep Gladiator. A redesigned Nissan Frontier and heavily-updated Honda Ridgeline are also on the way.

Meanwhile, the Tacoma enters the 2021 model year largely unchanged. The only updates are two new special editions—the Nightshade Edition and Trail Special Edition—and standard dual-zone automatic climate control on all V6 models.

Pickup truck buyers tend to want choices, and Toyota delivers. The Tacoma is available with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, Access Cab and four-door Double Cab body styles, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and six trim levels— SR, SR5, TRD Off Road, TRD Sport, Limited, and TRD Pro—plus the two special editions.

Our test vehicle was a Tacoma TRD Pro Double Cab. The TRD Pro is the most off-road focused of the Tacoma models, so naturally, it gets standard 4WD drive. While Toyota does offer a more comfort-oriented Tacoma Limited model, the TRD Pro is also positioned at the top of the lineup.

Search for a Toyota Tacoma on CarGurus

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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.3L 290 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle

Engine

2.7L 159 hp I4

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

4

Horsepower

Horsepower

159 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

19

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

25

MPG Highway

23
2020 Ford F-150
2020 Ford F-150
$28,745MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford F-150
$28,745MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Ford F-150 is 8.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Tacoma scores 6.5 out of 10. Based on this comparison, the recommended choice would be the 2020 Ford F-150.

Overview
MSRP
$28,745
$26,400
Average price
$33,340
$34,605
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.4
4.9
Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Read full review

6.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Excellent off-road capability
Cons
  • Sluggish performance
  • Poor handling
  • Underwhelming base engine
Summary
The modern pickup truck has to play the role of commuter car, grocery-getter, long-haul road tripper, and children's shuttle bus. And yet, these trucks still have to tow and haul whatever and whenever you need. The 2020 model year Ford F-150 answers that call by providing an accommodating and modern interior, comfortable road manners, and a lineup of engines that provide the power and torque to help it hold its own at the worksite.

Last redesigned for the 2016 model year, The Tacoma once dominated midsize-truck sales. In recent years, though, it’s faced stronger competition from the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, the Ford Ranger, and the Jeep Gladiator. A redesigned Nissan Frontier and heavily-updated Honda Ridgeline are also on the way.

Meanwhile, the Tacoma enters the 2021 model year largely unchanged. The only updates are two new special editions—the Nightshade Edition and Trail Special Edition—and standard dual-zone automatic climate control on all V6 models.

Pickup truck buyers tend to want choices, and Toyota delivers. The Tacoma is available with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, Access Cab and four-door Double Cab body styles, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and six trim levels— SR, SR5, TRD Off Road, TRD Sport, Limited, and TRD Pro—plus the two special editions.

Our test vehicle was a Tacoma TRD Pro Double Cab. The TRD Pro is the most off-road focused of the Tacoma models, so naturally, it gets standard 4WD drive. While Toyota does offer a more comfort-oriented Tacoma Limited model, the TRD Pro is also positioned at the top of the lineup.

Search for a Toyota Tacoma on CarGurus

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.3L 290 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle
2.7L 159 hp I4
Drive Train
4X2
4X2
Seating Capacity
3
4
Horsepower
159 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
19
20
MPG Highway
25
23
Look and feel
2020 Ford F-150
8/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
8/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2020 Ford F-150 scores 8 out of 10 for look and feel, while the 2021 Toyota Tacoma also scores 8 out of 10. The Ford F-150 boasts clean lines and a blocky grille that exude confidence without being overly aggressive. On the inside, the Ford F-150 prioritizes durability over luxury, offering various trim levels with different levels of comfort and amenities. On the other hand, the Toyota Tacoma embraces the stereotypical pickup truck look with boxy fender flares and a shield-like grille. The Tacoma also offers unique styling features in trim levels like the Trail Edition and Nightshade Edition, along with TRD Pro models for off-road enthusiasts.
Performance
2020 Ford F-150
9/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Ford F-150 9 out of 10 for performance, while the 2021 Toyota Tacoma scores 7 out of 10. The F-150 provides a range of powertrain options, including V6 engines, V8 engines, and even a turbodiesel V6, offering impressive towing capacities and acceleration. The Tacoma, on the other hand, offers a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and an optional V6, making it a capable but less powerful choice. The Tacoma shines in off-road capability with its TRD models, but it falls short in on-road performance compared to the F-150.
Form and function
2020 Ford F-150
9/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
6/10
In terms of cargo capacity, the 2020 Ford F-150 offers three cab sizes and bed sizes, providing versatility for different needs. The F-150 provides plenty of space and storage options, making it a practical choice for hauling both people and cargo. The F-150 also offers impressive towing capacities, with the ability to tow up to 12,300 pounds when properly equipped. On the other hand, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma lacks interior space, especially in the Double Cab configuration, with limited rear headroom and legroom as well as a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,685 pounds.
Technology
2020 Ford F-150
8/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
6/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Ford F-150 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Toyota Tacoma 6 out of 10 for technology. The F-150 comes equipped with the SYNC infotainment system, offering features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a touchscreen interface. The Tacoma also provides tech essentials like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, but lacks advanced features compared to the F-150. Both trucks offer optional upgrades like premium sound systems for enhanced entertainment.
Safety
2020 Ford F-150
8/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
The 2020 Ford F-150 scores 8 out of 10 for safety, while the 2021 Toyota Tacoma scores 7 out of 10. The F-150 comes with a range of standard safety features like pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and a Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. The Tacoma offers driver-assist features like forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning as standard. Both trucks have received favorable safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA.
Cost Effectiveness
2020 Ford F-150
8/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
5/10
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By: CarGurus + AI

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