2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2020 Toyota Tacoma

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma had a clean, pure, and simple design, though it wasn't the most visually striking among pickups. The back doors had a tinny sound reminiscent of older Toyota trucks, and the flared hood scoop was purely decorative. The Tacoma's body, available in extended Access or four-door Double Cab forms, was rounded yet maintained enough upright lines and chiseled panels to assert its ruggedness. The TRD Pro model featured redesigned LED headlights, a new grille, and Army Green paint, enhancing its aggressive look. The interior was straightforward, with a modestly sized touchscreen and mostly bargain materials, though fit and finish were commendable.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty received subtle updates, including a less gaudy grille and sleeker headlights. The truck's appearance varied significantly across its six trim levels, from the basic XL with black grille and bumpers to the luxurious Limited with a satin-chrome grille. The Tremor package added off-road enhancements and dark styling touches. Inside, the F-250's cabin was spacious and functional, with deep cup holders and cubbies, a massive center console, and fold-up rear seats in the SuperCrew and Crew Cab models, providing a load floor for large items.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma offered a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, but it was underwhelming for a vehicle of its size. The 3.5-liter V6, producing 278 hp and 265 lb-ft, was a better option. The TRD Pro model came with 4-wheel drive and an electronic low-range transfer case. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, though the V6 engine's performance on paved roads was less stellar. Fuel economy was poor, with the V6 achieving 18 mpg city, 22 highway, and 20 combined. However, the Tacoma could tow up to 6,800 pounds and carry a 1,440-pound payload.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty came standard with a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine, delivering 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 offered 475 hp and an astonishing 1,050 lb-ft of torque. A new 7.3-liter gas V8, producing 430 hp and 475 lb-ft, was also available. The gas engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel used a six-speed automatic. The F-250 could tow up to 30,000 pounds when properly equipped. The ride was bumpy when unloaded, but the truck excelled in towing and hauling capabilities. The Tremor off-road package added features like 33-inch tires and a 2-inch lift.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size made it easier to maneuver in city environments and on wooded trails. It offered a 5- or 6-foot bed with a rail system, movable cleats, an optional power outlet, and LED lighting. The Double Cab's rear seats were cramped for long trips, and the lack of a rear defroster was a drawback. However, the Tacoma's heater was quick and powerful, and the truck's overall design was practical for off-road adventures.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab configurations, with 6-foot-9-inch or 8-foot bed sizes. The cabin was spacious and functional, with deep cup holders and cubbies, a massive center console, and fold-up rear seats in the SuperCrew and Crew Cab models, providing a load floor for large items. The tailgate step, which telescoped from the opened tailgate and included a handle, was a useful feature for accessing the bed.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a simple and intuitive interior with a 7-inch touchscreen radio as standard, while an 8-inch version with navigation was available. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, along with a new USB-C port. Wireless phone charging and onboard Wi-Fi were optional. The Tacoma also offered 360-degree cameras and a suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control.

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 more speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect, standard across the lineup, included a WiFi hot spot and remote vehicle management via a smartphone app.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came with standard safety features like forward-emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The Tacoma scored 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash tests and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty included standard safety features such as 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, and a 360-degree camera system. The F-250 had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS.