2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, especially in its Limited trim, exuded a sense of luxury and capability. Gleaming in Iconic Silver with a chrome grille and polished wheels, it looked ready for both rugged tasks and upscale outings. The interior was equally impressive, featuring plush leather seats, a high-end audio system, and a spacious, well-organized cabin. The power-deploying running boards made entry easy, and the crew cab offered ample room for passengers and cargo.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Tundra had a somewhat awkward appearance, with a massive grille and small headlights that gave it an oversized look. Despite its dated design, the Tundra's "Cement" paint and blacked-out wheels added a modern touch. Inside, the cabin was functional but dated, dominated by hard plastics and large panels. However, the layout was intuitive, with all controls within easy reach, making it user-friendly despite its age.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty was powered by a 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine, delivering an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Despite its size, the truck managed a fuel economy of 15.4 mpg on a testing loop and 16.5 mpg during a week of highway driving. The Powerstroke diesel engine provided remarkable power, effortlessly handling heavy loads and offering a smooth ride on highways. The Tremor off-road package further enhanced its capabilities, making it a versatile choice for various terrains.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. While its towing capacity of 10,200 pounds was respectable, it fell short compared to competitors like the Ford F-150. The six-speed automatic transmission was responsive, and the truck offered strong acceleration. The Tundra excelled in comfort, handling bumps with ease and providing a stable ride on highways. However, its steering was vague at low speeds, and the six-speed transmission lagged behind competitors with more gears.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty's crew cab provided ample space for five passengers, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The interior featured a large center console, dual glove compartments, and numerous storage bins. Rear-seat comfort was impressive, with plenty of legroom and heated outboard seats. The cargo bed was accessible with an integrated tailgate step and configurable BoxLink system, making it easy to secure cargo.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes. The CrewMax cab, in particular, provided massive rear legroom, even with the front seats fully extended. The rear seats folded up to create a large, lockable cargo area. The front seats were spacious, with a deep center console and multiple storage options. The optional power rear window was a standout feature, offering clear lines of sight and fresh air. However, the in-bed storage lockers were less useful compared to competitors' systems.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured an 8-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system. While functional, the screen size was a drawback, especially for parking and using trailer-assist features. The system included smartphone integration, wireless charging, navigation, and a premium B&O sound system. The driver information display offered extensive menus for safety, towing, and off-roading, providing plenty of control over the truck's configuration.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system received a significant update in 2020, carrying over to 2021. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, operated via a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. The layout was sensible, with redundant hard buttons for ease of use. The Tundra also came standard with multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot. The available JBL premium audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, weighing around 7,300 pounds, likely offered good protection in collisions with smaller vehicles. It featured 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 and lane-keep assist were functional but had some limitations in heavy traffic.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with Toyota Safety Sense P, including forward-collision warning, 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. The Tundra also had eight airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, trailer sway control, and an integrated trailer brake controller.