2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, particularly in its Limited trim, exuded a sense of luxury and capability. Its Iconic Silver paint and chrome accents gave it a stately appearance, while the plush leather seats and high-end audio system added to its upscale feel. The truck's design was both purposeful and elegant, making it suitable for a range of activities from heavy-duty towing to a night out. The interior was spacious, with large seats and ample storage, and the power-deploying running boards made accessing the cab easier. The F-350 offered a variety of trims, each with different levels of luxury, and came in multiple cab styles and bed lengths, providing versatility for different needs.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma presented a more traditional truck aesthetic, with its boxy fender flares and tall hood. It offered unique styling features across its various models, such as the Trail Edition and TRD Pro, which added distinctive elements like special grilles and exclusive colors. The Tacoma's body-on-frame construction favored off-road capability and towing over ride comfort. The interior, while rugged and durable, lacked the spaciousness and luxury of the F-350, especially in the Double Cab configuration, which had limited rear-seat space. Despite its shortcomings in interior room, the Tacoma's design was practical for off-road enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable midsize truck.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty was powered by a robust 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine, delivering an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided remarkable power for towing and hauling, although it came with a trade-off in fuel efficiency, averaging 15.4 mpg in testing. The truck's 10-speed automatic transmission and adaptive steering contributed to its performance, though maneuvering its large size required effort, especially in urban settings. The Tremor off-road package enhanced its off-road capabilities with features like a front suspension lift and 35-inch all-terrain tires.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma offered two engine options: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 159 horsepower and a 3.5-liter V6 producing 278 horsepower. The V6, available with both automatic and manual transmissions, provided better performance, especially for off-road adventures. The TRD models, particularly the TRD Pro, were equipped with features like upgraded suspension and off-road tires, making them capable off-roaders. However, the Tacoma's on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and a rough ride. Its towing capacity reached up to 6,800 pounds, but this was only achievable in specific configurations.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty's interior was spacious, especially in the crew cab configuration, offering ample legroom and comfort for five passengers. The Limited trim featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, enhancing the driving experience. Storage was plentiful, with a large center console, dual glove compartments, and door bins. The cargo bed, while high off the ground, was accessible with optional steps and featured a configurable BoxLink system for securing loads.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma's Double Cab, while practical for daily use, suffered from limited interior space, particularly in the rear seats. Headroom and legroom were below average, creating a cramped feel. The Tacoma offered some in-cab storage, including fold-up rear seats with storage cubbies, but lacked the clever storage solutions found in some competitors. The bed featured a standard rail system with tie-down cleats and an available 120-volt outlet, but lacked additional storage options.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty's infotainment system, while comprehensive, was limited by its 8-inch touchscreen. It included features like smartphone integration, navigation, and a premium B&O sound system. The system's small screen size was a drawback, especially when using the truck's advanced towing and parking technologies. Despite this, the system was functional, with separate controls for audio and climate settings.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma's infotainment system was straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. It offered standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was easy to use, with responsive controls and steering wheel buttons, but lacked advanced features beyond basic connectivity. The TRD Pro model included a Multi-Terrain Monitor, useful for off-road navigation and parking.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, while lacking official crash-test data, was expected to perform well in collisions due to its size and weight. It offered a range of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the adaptive cruise control system was not always smooth in heavy traffic, and the blind-spot indicators were small and faint.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma received good safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it top scores in most crash tests and the NHTSA giving it a four-star overall rating. It came standard with a suite of driver-assist features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While comprehensive, the Tacoma's safety features were comparable to those offered by competitors like the Ford Ranger.