2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty took the blocky and muscular aesthetics of the F-150 to a more imposing level. Larger in every dimension, the Super Duty models truly embodied the heavy-duty truck persona. This wasn't just for show; the Super Duty trucks featured numerous upgrades over their light-duty counterparts. With long bed lengths for better cargo hauling and a tall ride height for superior ground clearance, these trucks were built to handle tough terrains and messy job sites. The giant grilles, heavy-duty bumpers, and robust bodywork were designed to withstand daily wear and tear.

Inside, the Super Duty's cabin varied significantly based on the trim level. The base XL trim offered good headroom and legroom but was otherwise a stripped-down work truck. Higher trims, such as the Super Duty Limited, boasted leather and upscale finishes that rivaled many luxury cars. The cabin could range from tight and utilitarian to spacious and plush, depending on the cab configuration.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra had a somewhat awkward appearance compared to other new trucks. Developed in the mid-2000s and released for the 2007 model year, the Tundra's design language was a product of its time. It featured a massive grille paired with disproportionately small headlights, resulting in an oversized look. The "Cement" paint color with blacked-out wheels and badging gave it a more modern appearance despite its dated underpinnings.

The Tundra's cabin was similarly dated but included contemporary elements. Dominated by hard plastics and large monotone panels, the interior design was straightforward and user-friendly. The dash layout ensured that all buttons and dials were within easy reach, making it simple to operate. The 2021 model came with a standard 7-inch infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, which were critical updates to keep the truck relevant. The Tundra offered various trims, from the basic SR to the luxurious 1794 Edition, each adding more features and comfort.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered three powertrains. The base engine was a 6.2-liter V8 producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. A 7.3-liter V8 was available, delivering 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful option was the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, rated at 475 hp and an impressive 1,050 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Standard with rear-wheel drive, the Super Duty could be upgraded to four-wheel drive. The Ford F-350 could be ordered in a dual-rear-wheel configuration for enhanced towing capacity. The maximum payload capacity reached 4,060 pounds in some configurations, and towing could exceed 36,000 pounds with a gooseneck setup. The turbodiesel V8 offered the best capabilities for heavy-duty tasks. The Super Duty Tremor models featured factory lift kits, beefy tires, and muscular styling for off-road adventures. Fuel economy ratings were not required for heavy-duty trucks, but it was expected that mpg levels would drop significantly during towing or hauling heavy loads.

For 2021, the Toyota Tundra came standard with the I-Force 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual tap-shift function. The Tundra had a towing capacity of 10,200 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,730 pounds, which was below competitors like the Ford F-150.

The Tundra's V8 provided strong acceleration at both low and high speeds, with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission. The truck was comfortable over various surfaces, soaking up bumps while maintaining stability in corners. The steering was vague at low speeds but settled in on the highway, making it ideal for cruising at 65 mph.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty, despite its focus on utility, offered plenty of creature comforts. The front seats came in a 40/20/40 folding bench setup as standard, providing a comfortable armrest with cupholders. Crew Cab and Super Cab models offered generous rear seats with easy access through large doors. However, the truck's size made parking, maneuvering, and visibility challenging, and the tall ride height could make entering and exiting difficult. The clever tailgate design could be optioned with steps and a handle for easy bed access, though it wasn't as elaborate as those on some competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes. The Double Cab had conventionally-opening rear doors and was available with a 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot bed. The CrewMax, a full four-door crew cab, came with a 5.5-foot bed and provided massive interior space. Rear seat passengers had ample legroom, and the rear seats could fold up for a large, lockable cargo area. The front seats had plenty of room, a massive center console, and multiple storage options. The optional power rear window was a standout feature, providing clear sightlines and fresh air.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty featured the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. The base XL trim had a non-touch display, but higher trims offered a larger touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional tech options included a WiFi hotspot, upgraded heated and ventilated seats, and adjustable upfitter switches. Diesel-equipped trucks could be fitted with a rapid heating unit to quickly warm the cabin.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system was updated in 2020 and carried into 2021. It came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, operated via a 7-inch or available 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and Amazon Alexa. The system had a sensible layout with redundant hard buttons for ease of use. Standard features included multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a three-month WiFi hotspot trial. The Tundra's audio system ranged from a six-speaker setup to an available 12-speaker JBL premium audio system.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered various safety features, though many were optional or reserved for higher trims. Available features included a trailer tow package with special camera views and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision alerts. As commercial vehicles, Super Duty trucks were not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with the Safety Sense P suite, including forward-collision warning and avoidance, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Standard safety equipment included eight airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, trailer sway control, and an integrated trailer brake controller.