2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2023 Ford F-150

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, first launched in 1995, had its third generation introduced in 2016, with a facelift in 2020. Despite these updates, the Tacoma began showing its age, especially once you entered the cabin. The exterior, however, retained a contemporary allure with its bold grille and headlights. Inside, the design reflected a mix of old and new—modern elements like push-button start were juxtaposed with outdated buttons and switchgear. Hard plastics and cheaper surfaces were prevalent throughout the cabin.

The Tacoma offered various trims, including SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. The SR trim had basic features like 16-inch steel wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen. Moving up to the SR5 added conveniences such as fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The TRD Sport enhanced the ride with a TRD-tuned suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels, while the TRD Off-Road included trail-focused features like Bilstein shocks. The Limited trim aimed for luxury with leather upholstery and a JBL premium audio system, and the TRD Pro emphasized off-road capability with a TRD-tuned suspension and additional skid plates.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford F-150 offered a sense of familiarity with its inoffensive and balanced design, avoiding the pitfalls of overly bold styling seen in some competitors. Available in regular, extended (Super Cab), and crew cab (SuperCrew) styles, along with various bed lengths, the F-150 provided more versatility than the Tacoma. Trim options ranged from the workhorse XL to the high-performance Raptor, with optional packages like the Max Trailer Tow and XLT Sport Appearance adding to its appeal. The exterior, especially in Ford's distinct blue-gray Area 51 paint, was both appealing and practical.

Inside, the modular design of the F-150 prioritized function, featuring a variety of storage solutions and an optional Ford Work Surface for added utility. Despite some cheaper plastics, the overall layout was intuitive. Cloth seats offered comfort in various weather conditions, and the steering wheel controls, albeit creaky, contributed to a user-friendly experience.

The base engine in the 2022 Toyota Tacoma was a 2.7-liter four-cylinder producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, which felt underpowered. The recommended 3.5-liter V6, delivering 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, offered a significant improvement. However, even the V6 struggled with highway acceleration, primarily due to the poor gearing of the six-speed automatic transmission. The Tacoma's maximum towing capacity was 6,800 pounds, and its payload capacity reached 1,685 pounds. The suspension, geared more towards off-road adventures, provided a balanced ride, yet steering could feel lethargic at low speeds. The TRD Pro trim excelled off-road with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, making trail navigation seamless.

The 2023 Ford F-150, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, generated an impressive 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain offered seamless and responsive shifts, ensuring confident acceleration. The F-150 boasted a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds and a payload rating of 3,315 pounds, depending on the configuration. Though the standard suspension could feel harsh when unloaded, it improved with weight or a trailer. Maneuverability was decent for its size, with the truck feeling structurally solid and providing secure handling. The braking system was robust, and the F-150 maintained a quiet cabin on the highway. Fuel economy was estimated at 19 mpg combined, though actual figures often fell slightly short.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came in Access Cab and Double Cab configurations with a choice of a five-foot or six-foot-one-inch bed. The Access Cab, featuring rear half-doors, provided limited rear seating, best suited for short trips or additional storage. The Double Cab, though offering more space, still lacked adequate legroom for adults in the rear. Front seats allowed ample legroom, but the tilt/telescoping steering wheel's limited extension could be a drawback for taller drivers. Storage options were plenty, with several cupholders and a useful in-bed power outlet and lighting.

The 2023 Ford F-150 offered more seating and cargo flexibility. Our test truck had comfortable seats for five, with various power adjustments ensuring a perfect driving position. Storage was abundant, with a large bin under the front armrest, multiple trays, and dual glove compartments. The rear seats could flip up or fold flat, creating additional cargo space. The bed, featuring a factory-applied spray-in bedliner and a 2.0-kW Pro Power Onboard system, enhanced utility. However, getting into the bed was challenging without Ford's tailgate step. The F-150 had superior payload and towing capacities compared to the Tacoma, making it more versatile for different needs.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma featured a straightforward infotainment system with either a 7-inch or an 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The system's simplicity and familiarity made it user-friendly, with easy transitions between Apple CarPlay and other functions. However, certain aspects, like undersized volume dials and a manual activation for the wireless charger, reflected its dated nature. Advanced tech was minimal beyond basics like the trail camera.

The 2023 Ford F-150 came with the Sync 4 infotainment system and a 12-inch touchscreen. Though the system was occasionally slow and had readability issues, its voice recognition was exceptional. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot via Ford Pass Connect. The truck also had remote starting, remote tailgate locking, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The On Board Scales feature helped with payload management and trailer tongue weight, showcasing the F-150's advanced tech prowess.

The Toyota Tacoma included driver assistance features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Optional features were blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The backup camera's grainy image quality was a drawback. Though the 2022 Tacoma had not been tested by the IIHS, it mirrored the 2021 model, which received good crash-test ratings. NHTSA awarded the Tacoma a four-star overall rating.

The Ford F-150's Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 package offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic high beams, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The system's performance was generally reliable, though some features, like lane assist, could be overly assertive. The F-150 also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a post-collision braking system. It received high marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with top ratings in most crash tests and a four-star rollover resistance rating.