2020 Toyota Tundra vs 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was sold in several trim levels, including the SR, SR5, Limited, TRD Pro, Platinum, and 1794 Edition. As drivers moved up the trim ladder, the Tundra became more luxurious and refined. The truck was available in two cab styles: Double Cab (extended cab) and CrewMax (crew cab), each offering different bed lengths. The starting price for the Tundra was $33,425, reaching up to $52,930 without the destination charge or additional options.

The test truck was the top-of-the-line Tundra TRD Pro CrewMax with 4-wheel drive, featuring an exclusive Army Green color and black 18-inch forged aluminum wheels. These elements combined to give the Tundra TRD Pro a rugged, military-inspired aesthetic. However, the green color likely wore thin over time, making more neutral colors such as black, white, or gray preferable for long-term appeal.

Inside, the TRD Pro boasted black leather upholstery with red stitching and TRD Pro embroidery. Although the Tundra's interior design aged well, the abundance of industrial-grade plastic felt inconsistent with the truck's higher price range.

In comparison, the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty took the muscular, blocky design of the F-150 and amplified it for a more commanding appearance. Larger in every dimension, the Super Duty's design wasn't solely for aesthetics; it also incorporated practical upgrades ideal for heavy-duty work. Long bed lengths enhanced cargo capacity, while the tall ride height improved off-road capabilities and job site navigation. The truck featured formidable grilles, heavy-duty bumpers, and durable bodywork designed to withstand daily wear and tear.

Ford's Super Duty cabin varied widely depending on the trim and cab configuration. The base XL trim offered ample headroom and legroom but remained a stripped-down work truck. Higher trims like the Super Duty Limited came with luxurious amenities, including leather upholstery comparable to many high-end vehicles.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, generating 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. This robust powertrain enabled the Tundra to tow up to 10,200 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,730 pounds, but these figures applied mainly to the SR Double Cab with rear-wheel drive. The TRD Pro trim featured a standard electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, along with BBS forged aluminum wheels, heavy-duty Fox off-road shocks tuned by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), a stainless-steel TRD-tuned dual exhaust system, and an aluminum skid plate for underbody protection.

The V8 engine sounded remarkable with the TRD exhaust system, although its loudness might have been bothersome to some. Performance-wise, the Tundra demonstrated strong power and a flawless transmission. The steering and brakes were adequate, but the truck-like driving experience and tight turning radius made U-turns easier than expected. Off-roading capabilities were solid, though the truck's size sometimes became a hindrance on narrow trails. On open highways, the Tundra remained stable, but wind noise was noticeable at speeds over 75 mph. Fuel economy was unimpressive, averaging 14.3 mpg, with a 38-gallon fuel tank as standard.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered three powertrain options: a 6.2-liter V8 producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque; a 7.3-liter V8 with 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque; and a 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine delivering 475 hp and an astounding 1,050 pound-feet of torque. All engines were mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Standard models came with rear-wheel drive, though four-wheel drive was available. The F-350 could be configured with a dual-rear-wheel setup, boosting its towing capacity to over 36,000 pounds with a gooseneck hitch. Payload capacity maxed out at 4,060 pounds in some configurations.

For off-road enthusiasts, the Super Duty Tremor models featured factory lift kits, beefy tires, and aggressive styling. Unlike the Tundra, the Super Duty trucks didn't have EPA fuel-economy ratings due to their classification as heavy-duty trucks.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was built in Texas, with an interior that matched the state's large reputation. The Tundra CrewMax's rear seating area was notably spacious, earning high marks from family members. The front leather seats were supportive and comfortable for long drives. Storage options were plentiful, though the glove compartment was surprisingly small. The rear seat cushions could flip up to create extra floor space, but there wasn't much storage available underneath them.

The Tundra's bed was basic, lacking features like locking storage wells or multifunctional tailgates found in competitors' trucks. It did offer an optional spray-in bed liner and several tie-down hooks, reflecting Toyota’s focus on simplicity.

Turning to the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty, the truck balanced hardcore utility with ample creature comforts. Standard front seats in a 40/20/40 folding bench configuration provided comfort for the driver and front passenger. Crew Cab and Super Cab models offered spacious rear seats accessed through large doors. However, the truck's sheer size made urban driving, parking, and visibility challenging. The tall ride height and running boards sometimes complicated entry and exit, especially in crowded areas.

Ford's tailgate design included steps and a handle for easier bed access, though it wasn't as advanced as those on the Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system appeared outdated due to its recessed, glare-prone display, surrounded by extensive hard plastic. However, the software was up-to-date, and depending on the trim, screens ranged from 7 to 8 inches. All systems included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, USB ports, and trial subscriptions to various connected services. The TRD Pro edition featured a fully loaded system with dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and a 12-speaker JBL premium sound system. Despite the technological amenities, the small touchscreen buttons could be frustrating to use while driving.

The Tundra didn’t offer advanced towing technology, beyond a basic reversing camera.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty boasted Ford's Sync 3 system, known for its intuitive and user-friendly interface. Even the base XL trim included a functional non-touch display, while higher trims offered larger touchscreens compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional tech options included a WiFi hotspot, heated and ventilated seats, and adjustable upfitter switches for accessories. Diesel-equipped models could be fitted with a rapid heating unit to warm the cabin quickly.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra included Toyota Safety Sense as standard, featuring a variety of driver-assist technologies such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. A free year of Safety Connect services added features like automatic collision notification and SOS emergency calling. Despite these technological advancements, the Tundra’s crash-test performance was less impressive. The IIHS rated the Tundra’s small-overlap, frontal-impact protection as Marginal for the driver and Poor for the front passenger, with Marginal headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave more favorable ratings: 5 stars for side-impact protection, 4 stars for frontal-impact protection, and up to 4 stars for rollover resistance, depending on the drivetrain configuration.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a variety of safety packages, including a trailer tow package with special camera views and Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Advanced driver aids like blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control were available. However, as a commercial vehicle, the F-250 wasn’t subjected to the same crash tests as light-duty trucks, so it didn’t receive ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS.