2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 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 had a tinny sound reminiscent of older Toyota trucks, and the flared hood scoop was purely decorative. The Tacoma's body, available in either extended Access or four-door Double Cab form, 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.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, especially in its Limited trim, exuded luxury and capability. Gleaming in Iconic Silver paint with a chrome grille and polished wheels, it looked ready for any task. The interior was spacious and plush, with power-deploying running boards for easy access. The F-350 offered a range of trims, from the utilitarian XL to the luxurious Limited, with higher-end décor starting from the King Ranch trim. The crew cab provided ample space, and the Limited trim included features like a panoramic sunroof, real wood and aluminum trim, and a high-end audio system, justifying its high price tag.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's base 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, which was underwhelming for a vehicle of its size. The 3.5-liter V6, standard on most trims, delivered 278 hp and 265 lb-ft. The TRD Pro model came with 4WD and an electronic low-range transfer case. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, though these were only available in 4-Low. On paved roads, the Tacoma's steering was slow, and the V6 engine struggled with its six-speed transmission. 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 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, powered by a 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8, delivered an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, it averaged 15.4 mpg on a testing loop and 16.5 mpg during a week of heavy highway use. The F-350's 10-speed automatic transmission and diesel engine provided effortless performance, even when hauling loaded trailers. The Tremor off-road package offered 10.4 inches of ground clearance and advanced off-road capabilities. However, the F-350's size made parking and navigating tight spaces challenging. Adaptive steering and a robust braking system were notable features, though the truck's ride quality could be harsh when unloaded.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size made it more manageable in urban environments compared to full-size trucks. It was easier to park, fit in standard garages, and navigate wooded trails. The bed, available in 5- or 6-foot lengths, had 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. Storage bins under the rear seats were useful, but the absence of a flat loading floor was a limitation.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty's high ground clearance made accessing the cargo bed difficult without the integrated tailgate step or retractable bed step. The crew cab provided ample space for five people, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats in the Limited trim. The interior featured extensive storage options, including a large center console, dual glove compartments, and door panel bins. Rear-seat comfort was impressive, with heated outboard seats, air conditioning vents, and numerous power ports. Storage space under the flip-up seat cushion added to the truck's practicality.

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. For 2020, 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's 360-degree cameras provided ample views, and a standard suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control, enhanced safety. However, the infotainment interface, while functional, was not the most advanced.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty's 8-inch touchscreen ran the Sync 3 infotainment system, which was becoming outdated compared to competitors. The Limited trim included smartphone integration, wireless charging, navigation, FordPass Connect services, and a B&O premium sound system. The small screen size was a liability when using the reversing camera and other trailer-related technologies. Sync 3 was generally agreeable, though it occasionally hung or ignored inputs. The F-350 also offered a Live Drive Power Take-off system and upfitter switches for additional equipment.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came with more standard safety features, including 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 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty's safety depended on its weight and available driver-assistance systems. Weighing about 7,300 pounds, it was likely to protect occupants well in collisions with smaller vehicles. Available safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and rear cross-traffic alert. The adaptive cruise control performed unevenly in traffic, and the lane-keep assist was subtle. Blind-spot monitoring required proper mirror positioning for effectiveness.