2020 Ford Ranger vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2020 Ford Ranger marked its return to the American market after an eight-year hiatus, having been sold internationally in a different form. This new generation was larger and more sophisticated than its predecessor. Ford attempted to align the Ranger with its F-Series lineup through similar grille styling, but the similarities ended there. The Ranger's international design avoided the "bigger-and-blockier" trend of American trucks, resulting in a clean, somewhat aggressive appearance that highlighted its sporty and capable nature.

Inside, the Ranger featured a function-first cabin with hard plastics, making it durable but less welcoming compared to competitors like the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline. The base XL trim came with basic features such as steel wheels and vinyl floors, while the XLT added more amenities like 17-inch aluminum wheels and dual-zone climate control. The top-tier Lariat trim offered upscale touches like leather upholstery and ambient cabin lighting. Various appearance and off-road packages were also available to enhance the Ranger's versatility.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra, developed in the mid-2000s and released in 2007, had a somewhat awkward look compared to newer trucks. Its massive grille and small headlights created an oversized appearance. Despite its dated design, the Tundra's "Cement" paint color and blacked-out wheels gave it a modern touch. The cabin, dominated by hard plastics and large monotone panels, was functional and easy to use, though not luxurious. The Tundra's infotainment system was updated in 2020, adding essential features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Trim levels for the Tundra ranged from the basic SR to the luxurious 1794 Edition. The SR5 CrewMax trim, which we tested, included power-adjustable front seats and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Limited trim added more content, while the TRD Pro offered off-road enhancements. The Platinum and 1794 Edition trims featured upscale touches like heated-and-ventilated front seats and unique badging. The new Nightshade Edition, part of the Limited trim, added darkened exterior elements for a sleek look.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with low-range gearing. The Ranger's turbo engine provided ample power for low speeds and highway passing, with a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,860 pounds in the SuperCab 4x2 configuration.

The Ranger's ride was somewhat stiff, with noticeable chatter and vibration over small bumps, and body roll in corners. Off-road enthusiasts could opt for the FX2 and FX4 Off-Road packages, which added features like off-road tires, an electronically locking rear differential, and skid plates. The FX4 package also included Trail Control and the Terrain Management System, optimizing the truck for various off-road conditions.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with the I-Force 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with low range. The Tundra's towing capacity was 10,200 pounds, with a payload capacity of 1,730 pounds. The V8 engine provided strong acceleration at both low and high speeds, and the six-speed automatic was responsive.

The Tundra offered a comfortable ride over various surfaces, with a stable feel in corners despite its width. The steering was vague at low speeds but improved on the highway, making the Tundra well-suited for long-distance cruising.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab seated four with rear-opening clamshell half-doors, while the SuperCrew seated five with a full rear bench. The SuperCab's rear seats were tight and better suited for children, while the SuperCrew offered more adult-friendly seating. Both configurations featured deep in-door pockets, a center console bin, and a coin/key tray atop the dash. The Ranger's bed options included a six-foot bed for the SuperCab and a five-foot bed for the SuperCrew, with available features like a remote locking tailgate and LED bed lighting.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes. The Double Cab had conventionally-opening rear doors and was available with a 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot bed. The CrewMax, a full four-door crew cab, came with a 5.5-foot bed and provided ample legroom for rear passengers. The CrewMax's rear seats folded up for additional cargo space, and the front seats featured a massive center console with multiple cup holders and storage compartments. The Tundra also offered optional in-bed storage lockers and a power rear window, enhancing its practicality.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's base XL trim featured a basic AM/FM stereo with four speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. FordPass Connect, included on the XL, allowed for remote locking, unlocking, and starting, as well as WiFi hotspot capability. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim included a premium B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen with ten speakers.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system was updated in 2020, adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard setup included a 7-inch touchscreen, with an available 8-inch touchscreen and navigation. The Tundra also featured multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a three-month trial of WiFi hotspot capability. The standard stereo had six speakers, with the SR5 trim upgrading to seven or nine speakers depending on the cab size. An available JBL premium audio system provided 12 speakers, including a subwoofer and amplifier.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, a child-seat anchoring system, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. It also included automatic headlights, automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, and pedestrian detection. The XLT trim added Ford CoPilot 360, which included lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse parking sensors. The Ranger earned top scores in most IIHS crash tests and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. There was one recall for the 2020 Ranger involving the ten-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included forward-collision warning and avoidance, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tundra also came standard with eight airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, trailer sway control, and an integrated trailer brake controller.