2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Ford F-150

2020 Toyota Tacoma
2020 Toyota Tacoma
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford F-150
2021 Ford F-150
$29,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota Tacoma
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford F-150
$29,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$26,050

MSRP

$29,290

Listings

1369

Listings

5765

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Pros

  • Easy-to-use technology

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Underwhelming base engine

Pros

  • Multiple body styles

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Underwhelming base engine

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

2020 Toyota Tacoma Reviews Summary

Growing up in the post–Marty McFly era, I saw small Toyota pickups everywhere in America. When the American automakers abandoned this market in the late 2000s, Toyota kept on trucking. The Tacoma remains the best-selling midsize truck in the US—it's more popular than the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier combined. The Ford Ranger isn’t a threat, either. Nearly a quarter-million people purchased a Tacoma last year, a vehicle that by any measure is loud, slow, and defiantly old-fashioned. It’s the capability, size, and dependable off-road features that keep Tacoma buyers satisfied. For 2020, it gets few but important design and technology updates to push this rough-and-tumble pickup into modern times.

2021 Ford F-150 Reviews Summary

The Ford F-Series pickup truck has been the bestselling vehicle in the United States for decades, so a lot is at stake with any redesign. The 2021 Ford F-150 plays it safe, with changes that are smaller in scope than the truck’s previous redesign (for the 2015 model year), but nonetheless significant.

This latest redesign brought an updated version of the previous-generation truck’s bold styling, a revamped interior with more convenience features, and the new Sync 4 infotainment system, as well as an available PowerBoost hybrid powertrain. This is the first time Ford has offered an F-150 hybrid, and the PowerBoost is currently the only full-hybrid powertrain available in a full-size pickup truck.

The F-150’s traditional rivals are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 twins and Ram 1500, along with the slower-selling Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra.

Ford offers a staggering array of options, including six trim levels (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited), three cab configurations, three bed sizes, six powertrains, and the choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Our test vehicle was an F-150 King Ranch with the SuperCrew cab, 4WD, and the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.7L 159 hp I4

Engine

3.3L 290 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

4

Seating Capacity

3

Horsepower

159 hp @ 5200 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

20

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

23

MPG Highway

24
2020 Toyota Tacoma
2020 Toyota Tacoma
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford F-150
2021 Ford F-150
$29,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota Tacoma
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford F-150
$29,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$26,050
$29,290
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.3

4.6

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Easy-to-use technology

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Underwhelming base engine

Pros

  • Multiple body styles

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Underwhelming base engine

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Summary
Growing up in the post–Marty McFly era, I saw small Toyota pickups everywhere in America. When the American automakers abandoned this market in the late 2000s, Toyota kept on trucking. The Tacoma remains the best-selling midsize truck in the US—it's more popular than the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier combined. The Ford Ranger isn’t a threat, either. Nearly a quarter-million people purchased a Tacoma last year, a vehicle that by any measure is loud, slow, and defiantly old-fashioned. It’s the capability, size, and dependable off-road features that keep Tacoma buyers satisfied. For 2020, it gets few but important design and technology updates to push this rough-and-tumble pickup into modern times.

The Ford F-Series pickup truck has been the bestselling vehicle in the United States for decades, so a lot is at stake with any redesign. The 2021 Ford F-150 plays it safe, with changes that are smaller in scope than the truck’s previous redesign (for the 2015 model year), but nonetheless significant.

This latest redesign brought an updated version of the previous-generation truck’s bold styling, a revamped interior with more convenience features, and the new Sync 4 infotainment system, as well as an available PowerBoost hybrid powertrain. This is the first time Ford has offered an F-150 hybrid, and the PowerBoost is currently the only full-hybrid powertrain available in a full-size pickup truck.

The F-150’s traditional rivals are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 twins and Ram 1500, along with the slower-selling Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra.

Ford offers a staggering array of options, including six trim levels (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited), three cab configurations, three bed sizes, six powertrains, and the choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Our test vehicle was an F-150 King Ranch with the SuperCrew cab, 4WD, and the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain.

Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.7L 159 hp I4
3.3L 290 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle
Drive Train
4X2
4X2
Seating Capacity
4
3
Horsepower
159 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
20
20
MPG Highway
23
24
Look and feel

2020 Toyota Tacoma

8/10

2021 Ford F-150

8/10
The Toyota Tacoma stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of midsize trucks in the United States, leading its segment with a combination of rugged capability, reliability, and a commitment to evolution that has kept it at the forefront of its class. In 2020, the Tacoma received targeted updates aimed at refining its rough-and-ready character with modern touches in technology and design, maintaining its dominant position as the midsize truck of choice for Americans. Its success is underscored by its unmatched sales figures, dwarfing those of competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and even the Ford Ranger. The Tacoma's blend of off-road prowess, manageable size, and Toyota's reputation for durability has created a loyal following. The Ford F-150's status as a cornerstone of American automotive culture is unchallenged, with a sales record that speaks to its wide-reaching appeal. The 2021 model year brought a thoughtful evolution of this iconic truck, introducing enhancements that build upon its legacy while integrating modern innovations. Among these, the introduction of the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain marks a significant step forward, offering an eco-conscious option without sacrificing the power and versatility the F-150 is known for. With a plethora of configurations and features, the F-150 caters to a broad spectrum of needs, from utilitarian work trucks to luxury-laden haulers.
Picture of 2020 Toyota Tacoma
Picture of 2020 Toyota Tacoma
Picture of 2020 Toyota Tacoma
Picture of 2020 Toyota Tacoma
Picture of 2020 Toyota Tacoma
Picture of 2020 Toyota Tacoma
Picture of 2020 Toyota Tacoma
Picture of 2020 Toyota Tacoma
Picture of 2020 Toyota Tacoma
Performance

2020 Toyota Tacoma

7/10

2021 Ford F-150

8/10
Performance ratings from CarGurus reveal a 7 for the Tacoma and an 8 for the F-150, indicating the latter's slight edge in this domain. The Tacoma's 3.5-liter V6 engine is commendable for off-road adventures, yet its on-road behavior and fuel economy reflect areas ripe for improvement. Conversely, the F-150's broad powertrain lineup, highlighted by the PowerBoost hybrid, delivers a compelling mix of strength and efficiency, though its real-world performance may deviate from expectations.
Form and function

2020 Toyota Tacoma

8/10

2021 Ford F-150

8/10
Both vehicles achieved an 8 out of 10 rating, showcasing their functional excellence. The Tacoma's dimensions make it an ideal companion for both city driving and off-road escapades, with a design that balances size and capability. Its interior space, however, does not match the expansiveness of full-size competitors. The F-150 shines in its versatility and spaciousness, offering features that enhance its utility and comfort, making it a formidable choice for a diverse array of tasks.
Technology

2020 Toyota Tacoma

7/10

2021 Ford F-150

9/10
Technology is a standout area where the F-150 outperforms the Tacoma, scoring a 9 out of 10 compared to the Tacoma's 7. The Tacoma delivers a straightforward and intuitive tech experience, with essential safety features and connectivity options. The F-150, however, advances the field with its Sync 4 system, providing expansive touchscreens, sophisticated connectivity, and over-the-air updates that represent the forefront of automotive technology.
Safety

2020 Toyota Tacoma

8/10

2021 Ford F-150

7/10
The Tacoma's safety offerings earn it an 8 out of 10, with a robust suite of standard features and solid crash-test performances underscoring its reliability. The F-150's score of 7 reflects its comprehensive safety features, some of which come at an additional cost, and the anticipation of innovative systems to be introduced post-launch.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

With overall ratings of 7.5 for the Tacoma and 7.8 for the F-150, according to CarGurus experts, the Ford F-150 emerges as the preferred option based on its technological edge, performance versatility, and comprehensive feature set.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

With overall ratings of 7.5 for the Tacoma and 7.8 for the F-150, according to CarGurus experts, the Ford F-150 emerges as the preferred option based on its technological edge, performance versatility, and comprehensive feature set.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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