2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma had a clean, pure, and simple design, though it wasn't the most visually striking among pickups. The back doors retained a tinny sound reminiscent of older Toyota trucks, and the flared hood scoop was purely aesthetic. The Tacoma's body, available in extended Access or four-door Double Cab forms, balanced a rounded feel with upright lines and chiseled panels, making it big without feeling bulky. The TRD Pro model featured redesigned LED headlights, a new grille, and Army Green paint, enhancing its rugged appearance. The interior was straightforward, with a modestly sized touchscreen and mostly bargain materials, though fit and finish were commendable.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty received a styling update with a more detailed grille and headlights, moving away from the gaudy chrome bars of the 2019 model. The new design gave it a more mature look, though it was still an evolution of the 2017 model. The cabin remained unchanged, with blocky styling that was functional but not particularly inviting. The F-350's interior was ideally suited for work use, offering plenty of usable space. Trim levels ranged from the basic XL to the luxurious Limited, with features like leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a premium audio system available on higher trims.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma offered a base 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, which was underwhelming for a vehicle of its size. The more popular 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 278 hp and 265 lb-ft, providing better performance. A 6-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive were standard, with 4-wheel drive optional on most trims. The TRD Pro model came with 4WD and an electronic low-range transfer case. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control available on TRD models. However, on paved roads, the Tacoma felt sluggish, with slow steering and a droning V6 engine. Fuel economy was also poor, with the V6 achieving 18 mpg city, 22 highway, and 20 combined.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty came with a standard 6.2-liter gas V8 engine producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. A 6.7-liter turbodiesel Power Stroke V8 was also available, delivering 475 hp and an astounding 1,050 lb-ft of torque. New for 2020 was a 7.3-liter gas V8, putting out 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The 6.2-liter V8 had a six-speed automatic transmission, while the 7.3-liter and 6.7-liter engines came with a 10-speed automatic. The F-350's towing capacities were impressive, with a conventional towing capacity of 24,200 pounds, a fifth-wheel capacity of 32,500 pounds, and a gooseneck capacity of 37,000 pounds. The Tremor off-road package added features like 35-inch all-terrain tires and a lifted suspension, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size compared to full-size trucks made it easier to maneuver in city environments and on wooded trails. It was easier to park, fit in standard garages, and had a reasonable turning circle. The bed, available in 5- or 6-foot lengths, featured a rail system with 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. Hidden storage bins under the rear seats offered some utility, but the Tacoma lacked a flat loading floor.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew configurations. The Super Cab had rear-hinged half-doors, while the Super Crew offered a full four-door setup with ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats in the Super Crew folded up to provide a large load floor, and the front seats had a massive center console with deep pockets. The F-350 offered a 6-foot-9-inch bed or an 8-foot bed, with the latter available in a dual-rear-wheel configuration. The bed featured a step that extended from the tailgate, making it easier to load items.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a simple and intuitive interior with a standard 7-inch touchscreen radio, 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 had 360-degree cameras and a standard suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control. However, the infotainment interface was functional but not the best in its class.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty used the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system had an intuitive menu layout with large icons for easy navigation. However, SYNC 3 occasionally experienced hiccups, especially when switching between SYNC and CarPlay. The F-350's towing features were impressive, with Pro Trailer Backup Assist, a 360 camera, and Trailer Reverse Guidance making it easier to maneuver trailers.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came standard with forward-emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors were optional. The Tacoma scored 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash tests and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in five of six crash tests.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty came standard with a full array of airbags, automatic high beams, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims added features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Platinum trim included adaptive cruise control and adaptive steering, while the Limited trim provided all these features as standard.