2021 Ford Ranger vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 Toyota Tundra had a somewhat awkward appearance compared to other new trucks. It originated in the mid-2000s and was released for the 2007 model year, during a transitional period for truck design. The Tundra had a massive grille with disproportionately small headlights, creating an oversized yet peculiar look. Our test vehicle sported the “Cement” paint color, complemented by blacked-out wheels and badging, which added a modern touch to its dated underpinnings.

Inside, the Tundra's cabin retained a dated feel, dominated by hard plastics and large monotone panels, typical of mid-2010s truck styling. Despite this, the well-placed buttons and dials ensured ease of use. Compared to the new Ram 1500, the Tundra's cabin allowed drivers to quickly familiarize themselves with all features without an acclimation period. Toyota updated the Tundra in 2020 with a standard 7-inch infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The model we drove featured the SR5 CrewMax trim, enhanced with the Trail Special Edition package, which added Michelin off-road tires, a spray-on bed-liner, and in-bed storage boxes.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab (extended cab) and SuperCrew (crew cab) styles. Its look was more contemporary, and our test Ranger, a SuperCrew Lariat with the Tremor Off-Road Package, exuded a purposeful appearance. The truck featured unique 17-inch dark gray wheels, 32-inch all-terrain tires, red grille accents, and “Tremor” graphics, creating a higher and wider stance than a typical Ranger. The truck’s cabin combined Lariat trim with Tremor’s simulated suede seat inserts, all-weather floor mats, and six upfitter switches for a well-rounded, best-equipped Ranger experience.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with Toyota’s I-Force 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual tap-shift function. Although the Tundra’s towing capacity of 10,200 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,730 were respectable, they paled in comparison to competitors like the Ford F-150. However, the Tundra’s V8 engine provided strong acceleration at both low and high speeds, with a comfortable ride over varied surfaces. Despite a vague steering feel at low speeds, it settled well on the highway, making it ideal for cruising at 65 mph.

The 2021 Ford Ranger came with a sole powertrain option: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination generated 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, delivering swift acceleration and distinctive engine sounds. The Ranger featured a Terrain Management System, allowing drivers to switch between Normal, Sand, Mud/Ruts, and Grass/Gravel/Snow settings. With the Tremor Off-Road Package, the Ranger boasted a new off-road suspension, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and underbody skid plates, making it highly capable on challenging terrain. Its towing capacity reached 7,500 pounds, and the payload capacity was up to 1,860 pounds, though it decreased slightly in the Tremor specification. The Ranger’s fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes. The Double Cab, available with either a 6.5-foot or an 8.1-foot bed, featured conventionally-opening rear doors. We tested the CrewMax, a full four-door crew cab with a 5.5-foot bed, providing massive interior space. The rear seats had ample legroom, and they fold up to create a large, lockable cargo area. Our test truck had optional in-bed storage lockers, less functional than the Ram 1500’s “RamBox” system but useful for securing items in the bed. The Tundra's front cabin was spacious with a massive center console and plenty of storage options, though not as generous as other full-size pickups. The optional power rear window allowed for clean sightlines and additional functionality for long items.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor featured sturdy hoop-style step bars, useful mainly for shorter individuals, but potentially inconvenient for taller people. Our test truck’s SecuriCode system allowed for keyless entry via a passcode, which was convenient for adventuring. Inside, the Ranger’s eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat were comfortable and heated for winter use. However, taller drivers might find limited seat track travel problematic. The Ranger’s rear-seat space was comfortable, rivaling any midsize truck except the Honda Ridgeline. However, it lacked rear air conditioning vents and did not feature a power-operated sliding rear window. The cargo bed had a capacity of 43.3 cubic feet in the SuperCrew and 51.8 cubic feet in the SuperCab, with a simplistic but effective setup.

Toyota addressed the dated technology in the 2021 Tundra with a 2020 upgrade of the infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, all operated via a 7-inch or optional 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. This updated system was intuitive, featuring redundant hard buttons for ease of use. The Tundra also came with multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a three-month trial for WiFi hotspot capability. The standard stereo had six speakers, upgraded to seven or nine speakers depending on the trim, with an available JBL premium audio system offering 12 speakers, including a subwoofer and amplifier.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor came equipped with Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system. This included an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, AppLink with Waze, Ford + Alexa, and FordPass Connect with a 4G WiFi hotspot. The system also featured navigation and an impressive Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. While Ford was gradually phasing in the more advanced Sync 4 system, Sync 3 remained competitive. However, voice recognition performance was inconsistent during testing, occasionally providing incorrect responses to requests.