2024 Toyota Tacoma vs 2023 Ford F-150

When shopping for a new 2023 Ford F-150, buyers had to set a budget and define what they needed from a full-size, light-duty pickup truck due to the nearly endless configuration options. The model lineup included regular, extended (Super Cab), and crew cab (SuperCrew) styles paired with short (5.5-foot), standard (6.5-foot), and long (8-foot) cargo beds. The eight core trims ranged from the workhorse XL work truck to the high-performance Raptor, with various engines available. The F-150's price spectrum was extensive, stretching from $35,690 for the basic regular cab with two-wheel drive in XL trim to $109,345 for the fully loaded F-150 Raptor R, all prices inclusive of a $1,995 destination charge.

Customization was key, and the optional equipment list was exhaustive. For instance, an F-150 XLT SuperCrew test truck could add four-wheel drive, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, multiple packages, a spray-in bedliner, a twin-panel moonroof, and more. With these extras, the MSRP ballooned to $69,115. The result was a good-looking vehicle, especially in Ford's Area 51 blue-gray paint. The F-150’s styling was conservative yet appealing, striking a balance between modern and familiar.

Inside, the F-150 showcased a functional, modular design with an emphasis on practicality. The available Ford Work Surface upgrade offered a foldable transmission shifter and a deployable flat work surface on the center console. However, this made the shifter feel flimsy, and the steering wheel controls' creakiness suggested cheapness. Despite cloth seats at a higher price point, they were favored for their temperature resilience and durability.

Overall, the 2023 Ford F-150 presented an appealing package, both externally and internally.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma, despite being all-new, retained a design that was unmistakably derived from its predecessor. The updated hexagonal grille provided a meaner, more aggressive look, complemented by a blockier and more angular profile. The base SR trim featured 17-inch steel wheels, whereas higher trims sported alloy wheels ranging up to 18 inches on the TRD Sport and Limited trims.

Inside, changes were more pronounced, drawing inspiration from the Ford F-Series. The dashboard featured squared-off sections, and the gear shift knob adopted a bulky, geometric design. Function was prioritized, evident in the Tactical MOLLE panels throughout the cabin. Even the plush Limited trim with SofTex-trimmed seats sported prominent plastic grids instead of softer materials. This design choice emphasized practicality, offering plenty of spots to attach accessories, catering to Toyota truck enthusiasts' needs.

Ford's 2023 F-150 offered numerous engine options, including the optional twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 in the test truck, producing 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided effortless acceleration, though it missed the V8's signature note. The truck’s drivetrain included an optional four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case but no full-time or automatic 4WD mode.

The F-150 could tow up to 14,000 pounds and had a maximum payload rating of 3,315 pounds, depending on configuration and powertrain. Ford provided this crucial information on the truck’s doorjamb for clarity. The standard suspension offered a mixed ride experience—harsh and skittish in town yet floaty on highways. Notably, it outperformed the standard-tuned Silverado but wasn’t as composed as the Ram 1500. The brakes proved strong and reliable, while the steering, though unremarkable, wasn't a source of irritation.

On winding roads and in parking lots, the steering required effort, yet the truck remained unexpectedly quiet at freeway speeds. EPA ratings suggested a combined 19 mpg, but real-world testing yielded 17 mpg, possibly due to an addiction to the twin-turbo V6's power.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma sported a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine across all trims. This engine produced 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque in most trims, and was detuned to 228 hp and 243 lb-ft in the base SR trim—still a significant improvement over the base 2023 model. Both RWD and 4WD were available, with an eight-speed automatic transmission replacing the old six-speed auto. This new transmission offered smooth and timely shifts, though slight turbo lag was noticeable from a standstill.

Toyota engineered diverse suspensions for different trims, with a new coil-spring, multi-link rear suspension on most models. Notable exceptions included the SR, Double-Cab SR5, and TRD Pre-Runner, which retained leaf springs. Differing trim-specific tuning, like sport-tuned shocks on the TRD Sport and monotube Bilstein shocks on the TRD Off-Road, showcased Toyota's commitment to varied driving experiences. The adaptive variable suspension on the Limited trim significantly enhanced ride comfort, while the TRD Pro and Trailhunter boasted advanced shock systems tailored for off-road capabilities.

Other updates included newly standard disc brakes and electric power steering, improving the driving experience and incorporating additional driver-assistance features.

The 2023 Ford F-150 wasn't the easiest vehicle to climb into and out of, but optional step rails helped. Inside, it comfortably seated five people, with the optional High equipment package offering extensive power adjustments for optimal driving positions. Despite Los Angeles's heat, the cloth seats remained comfortable.

Storage was extensive, with large bins under the front center armrest, multiple trays, and dual glove compartments. The rear seat provided additional in-cab cargo space when folded. During a beach outing, the cab easily held various beach gear. The test truck’s cargo bed featured a factory-applied spray-in bedliner and a 2.0-kW Pro Power Onboard system for powering tools and appliances. However, climbing into the bed was challenging without the tailgate step.

For the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, Toyota eliminated the cramped rear seats of the previous generation. The new two-door "XtraCab" configuration focused on cargo space, offering lockable storage on the floor and back panel. However, accessing this space from the driver's side proved cumbersome. The passenger seat, folding flat to serve as a work surface, made cargo access easier for solo operators.

Four-door Double Cab models boasted enhanced seat comfort and additional storage beneath the flat-folding rear seats, a marked improvement. Head- and legroom were nearly identical to the previous year, with a slight trade-off between front and back row space. Toyota's choice to offer a 5-foot or 6-foot bed for the four-door models, with the XtraCab limited to the larger bed, provided flexibility. Hybrid models came equipped with a 2400-watt outlet, while gas models had a 440-watt version. Increased bed depth allowed camp fridges to fit beneath the optional tonneau cover, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2023 Ford F-150 XLT featured Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system, capable of over-the-air updates. It included a 12-inch touchscreen, enhanced voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. Ford Pass Connect services provided access to a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The navigation system, though active, was slow to load, and the graphics needed more color contrast. However, the system was user-friendly, and the voice recognition was flawless. The standard stereo offered decent sound, with an optional eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen system available for audiophiles.

Additional tech features included remote engine starting, remote tailgate locking, an integrated trailer-brake controller, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. On Board Scales with Smart Hitch technology helped prevent overloading, enhancing safety during loading and towing.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma received significant tech upgrades. The truck's base trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with higher trims boasting a 14-inch display running Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system. This system was responsive and legible, though minimalistic in design. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional dual front-row USB-C charging ports and a Qi wireless charging pad.

The optional 10-speaker JBL sound system included a removable portable speaker, adding versatility. Pre-wired auxiliary switches, similar to the Ford F-150 Raptor’s, were available for operating additional accessories. For towing, new features like the trailer brake controller, Panoramic View Monitor, and wireless trailer camera enhanced safety and convenience.

The 2023 Ford F-150 came equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, which included a range of advanced driving assistance systems such as automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Assist package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, evasive steering assist, and intersection assist. The F-150 received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma introduced new safety technologies with the standard electric power steering. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 included features like Lane Tracing Assist, lane-departure alert, and Proactive Driving Assist. The Tacoma also added road-sign assist and an emergency stop system. Adaptive cruise control was enhanced, and blind-spot monitoring was standard on most trims. Official safety ratings were not available at the time of writing, but the added features aimed to improve the Tacoma’s safety profile.