2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 Ford F-150

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma was a midsize truck that offered a more compact alternative to full-size pickups like the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Ram 1500, or Toyota Tundra. With a length nearly two feet shorter than the Tundra, the Tacoma maintained an assertive stance thanks to its upright grille and tall bed, making it look substantial without appearing overly large. Toyota offered the Tacoma in various trim levels, from the base SR to the off-road-oriented TRD Pro, providing multiple powertrain options, two bed lengths, and a choice between the access cab and double cab configurations. New for 2023 were the SR5 SX and Chrome Packages, adding unique styling elements to the lineup. In contrast, the 2024 Ford F-150 continued to dominate the full-size truck segment with its extensive range of configurations and trim levels. Buyers could choose from eight different trims, three cab styles, and three bed lengths, along with options for 4WD or 2WD and six different engines. The base XL model was quite basic, while the King Ranch trim offered luxurious features like heated and ventilated leather seats and wood trim. Despite some mid-trim models having cheaper-looking surfaces, the F-150's physical controls for HVAC and stereo systems were user-friendly, even with gloves on. The Tremor and Raptor R variants stood out with their off-road capabilities and unique styling elements.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came with a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. However, most buyers preferred the optional 3.5-liter V6 engine, which delivered 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This engine also came with a six-speed automatic transmission, with an option for a six-speed manual. The Tacoma was available in both RWD and 4WD configurations. Despite the V6's power advantage, the Tacoma was not particularly quick and struggled with wind and engine noise at highway speeds. Fuel economy was modest, with the V6 4WD model achieving an EPA-estimated 18/22/20 mpg. Our TRD Pro test model, equipped with all-terrain tires, managed only 16.3 mpg in winter conditions. The 2024 Ford F-150 offered a range of engines, starting with a turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 as the standard option. However, the PowerBoost Hybrid, available on higher trims, was the standout with its 3.5-liter turbo V6 hybrid engine producing 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. The Tremor variant came with a 5.0-liter V8 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, while the Raptor R boasted a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 with 720 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Tremor and Raptor R variants excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Trail Turn Assist and Trail Control. The Raptor R's 3.1-inch Fox Live Valve shocks and variable rebound control allowed for high-speed desert running, making it a formidable off-road performer.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offered various configurations, including the access cab with clamshell-style doors and a six-foot-one-inch bed, and the double cab with a choice of a long bed or a shorter five-foot bed. The access cab's rear seats were cramped and best suited for storage rather than passengers. The double cab provided easier entry and exit, though rear legroom remained tight. The front seats were more comfortable, with ample cubby space, but the steering wheel's limited extension made it challenging for tall drivers to find a comfortable position. Despite these limitations, the Tacoma's bed was spacious enough to carry gear for a four-day skiing trip. The 2024 Ford F-150 excelled in practicality with its new Pro Access tailgate, which could flip down like a traditional gate or swing open for easier bed access. The tailgate could stop at various angles to avoid hitting the trailer jack. The F-150 also featured a rear bumper step and lockable bed storage boxes. The Pro Power Assist system allowed gas-powered trucks to generate 2.0 kW of power, while the PowerBoost hybrid could produce 2.4 kW for 85 hours on a full tank. The maximum towing capacity was 13,500 pounds with the EcoBoost V6 engine, while the hybrid engine could tow up to 11,200 pounds. The Raptor R, with its off-road suspension, had a lower towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma featured a 7-inch touchscreen in the base SR trim and an 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims. All models included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the interface was intuitive, it felt outdated compared to competitors. Our test truck came with a premium six-speaker JBL audio system and two USB-A ports. Overall, the Tacoma offered essential tech features but lacked the advanced options found in rival trucks. The 2024 Ford F-150 came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen running SYNC 4, offering a quick learning curve and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included voice recognition, a 5G LTE wireless hotspot, and wireless charging. All models also featured a 12-inch digital gauge cluster. New for 2024 was an available head-up display with options for towing, off-roading, or driving assistance information. The F-150 also offered Ford Stolen Vehicle Services, which could alert the owner if the truck was tampered with and help authorities recover the vehicle. Towing aids included Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Smart Hitch technology.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. Our TRD Pro model also featured blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. However, the Tacoma lacked more advanced features like lane-keeping assist and rear automatic emergency braking. The Tacoma received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and did not earn a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. The 2024 Ford F-150 included the Ford CoPilot 360 suite of advanced driver aids, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offered a 360-degree camera and Exit Warning. The Blue Cruise hands-free driving-assist system was available on Tremor and higher trims, with new lane-change assist and lane-repositioning features. The F-150 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and top scores in most IIHS crash tests, though it received lower ratings for rear-seat passenger safety and seatbelt reminders.