2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty was a robust and imposing vehicle, taking the muscular design of the F-150 to a more substantial level. Its heavy-duty appearance was not just for aesthetics; it featured enhancements over its light-duty counterparts, such as long bed lengths for improved cargo hauling and a tall ride height for better ground clearance. The truck's massive grilles, durable bumpers, and resilient bodywork were designed to withstand daily wear and tear. Inside, the cabin varied from utilitarian in the base XL trim to luxurious in higher trims like the Super Duty Limited, which offered leather and upscale finishes.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, despite its long history in the North American market, began to show signs of aging, particularly in its interior. While the exterior maintained a modern look with an aggressive grille and headlights, the cabin revealed its age with hard plastics and outdated switchgear. The Tacoma was available in several trims, from the basic SR with essential features to the off-road-ready TRD Pro, which included unique styling and trail-oriented enhancements. The Tacoma's interior was functional, with a focus on practicality, though rear-seat space was limited, especially in the Access Cab configuration.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered three powerful engine options. The base 6.2-liter V8 produced 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, while the available 7.3-liter V8 delivered 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The most potent option was the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, boasting 475 hp and an impressive 1,050 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Super Duty trucks came standard with rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available as an upgrade. The F-250 excelled in towing and payload capacities, with some configurations capable of towing over 36,000 pounds and carrying a payload of up to 4,060 pounds. The Tremor models offered enhanced off-road capabilities with factory lift kits and beefy tires.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma's base engine was a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, which was underpowered for its class. The more capable 3.5-liter V6 engine, optional in lower trims and standard in others, generated 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. The Tacoma's maximum towing capacity was 6,800 pounds, with a payload capacity of 1,685 pounds. Both engines were mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, with a six-speed manual available in TRD models. The V6 struggled with highway acceleration due to its gearing and transmission, but it performed adequately in city driving. The TRD Pro trim excelled off-road, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhancing its trail capabilities.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty, despite its utilitarian focus, offered a comfortable interior with a standard 40/20/40 folding bench seat in the front. Crew Cab and Super Cab models provided ample rear-seat space, accessible through large doors. However, the truck's size made it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, and its tall ride height could be cumbersome for entry and exit. The F-250's clever tailgate design, with optional steps and a handle, facilitated bed access, though it was less elaborate than competitors' offerings.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma was available in Access Cab and Double Cab configurations, with bed lengths of five feet and six feet one inch. The Access Cab's rear jump seats were cramped, suitable for children or short trips, while the Double Cab offered slightly better but still limited rear-seat space. The front seats provided ample legroom, though the steering wheel's limited adjustment could be uncomfortable for taller drivers. The Tacoma's cab featured practical storage solutions, and the bed included useful features like in-bed lighting and a power outlet.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty featured the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface and minimal distraction. The base XL trim had a non-touch display, with larger touchscreens available in higher trims. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with upgraded audio systems in premium trims. Additional tech options included a WiFi hotspot, heated and ventilated seats, and adjustable upfitter switches for accessories.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma's base infotainment system was a 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch screen in all but the base SR trim. The system's straightforward design and large icons made it easy to use, despite its older technology. The Tacoma included features like a wireless device charger, though it required manual activation. While the infotainment system was functional, it lacked advanced tech features found in some competitors.

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

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came standard with driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tacoma received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in side crash tests, though the backup camera's image quality was subpar.