Ford F-150 vs Toyota Tundra: Which Pickup Truck Is Best?
The Ford F-150 vs The Toyota Tundra, find out which pickup truck is best.
This article is more than 2 years old
Year after year after year, the Ford F-150 is considered to be the best full-size pickup truck on the market. From dependability to power to added features, it has been the reliable truck that many lean on. They have had some competition in the market, but for the most part, the Ford F-150 continues to call itself top dog. The new Toyota Tundra aims to change that.
With the introduction of the 2022 Tundra, Toyota is hoping truck fans will stop and take notice. For the first time since 2007, the Tundra is getting a make-over and it is one that will have it not only nipping at the exhaust pipes of the F-150 but may actually pull up alongside it.
What the Ford F-150 has going for it is its rich history. Ford has been building the F-series of trucks since the late 1940s during which they’ve manufactured 14 generations of pickup trucks. Included in those 14 generations are no less than a dozen special models.
The Toyota Tundra is by far the much newer of the two. The Tundra was the very first Japanese full-sized truck to be built in the United States when it was introduced in 2000. It was so well regarded that it was named Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year that same year. It also grabbed that award again in 2008. So, while the F-150 has long been considered number one, the Tundra has proven in the past that it is no slouch.
But that was then, and this is now. How do the two stack up against each other today? Will the F-150 continue to dominate the market or will Toyota’s 2022 Tundra be able to knock it down a notch or two?
FORD F-150 VS TOYOTA TUNDRA – SIZE AND MODELS
The first thing you may notice with the new 2022 Tundra is that it offers smaller selections, sizes, and variations than the F-150. The Tundra comes in two models, the Double Cab version with either a 6.5-foot bed or an 8.1-foot bed. They also offer the CrewMax with a larger crew cab and either a 5.5-foot bed or a 6.5-foot bed.
With those two models, there are six trim levels to choose from. The base models are the Tundra SR and the SR5. The Limited offers more standard features. The Platinum is the next trim level and the 1794 trim level offers a more rustic ranch theme than the Platinum. Finally, there is the off-road TRD Pro model. Toyota’s goal here is to offer enough choices that will satisfy its consumer base while not complicating the ordering process.
Ford doesn’t seem to care about any of that. They produce enough sizes and styles of the F-150 to appease all, complication be damned. They start with the regular single cab version, something that is extremely rare in today’s full-size truck market.
They also have the larger SuperCab and the even larger than that SuperCrew. The former comes with either a 6.5-foot or 8-foot bed while the latter has a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed.
As for trim levels, the F-150 has plenty of options. There is the basic XL, the XLT, and the Lariat. Then there is the gorgeous King Ranch, Platinum and Limited. Finally, they also offer the off-road Raptor. With every size and model imaginable, Ford is basically telling truck buyers, whatever you want, we’ve got it.
FORD F-150 VS TOYOTA TUNDRA – ENGINES AND POWER
When taking a peek under the hood, you are going to start to see a familiar theme. Simplicity vs complexity. The Tundra aims to keep things fairly simple while the F-150 looks to throw everything, including the kitchen sink, at you.
One big controversial decision Toyota made when opting for the simple route was to nix the V8. Instead, the Tundra will offer its new models one of two turbocharged V6 engines. Toyota has their fingers crossed this move will pay off.
Their first turbocharged engine is a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. These are solid numbers for any truck but what is notable about Toyota’s decision is that this comes standard.
The second option is the same twin-turbo V6, but with this one, it comes paired with a hybrid system that showcases onboard batteries and electric motors that not only increases the tundra’s power but will also improve its fuel economy. They call this the i-Force Max.
You can virtually have your pick when it comes to the F-150 and its engines. They offer a 3.3-liter V6 and a 5.0-liter V8. They offer a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 and a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6. Then they also offer the turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine making 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. There is also a hybrid version of that same engine called the PowerBoost that will give you 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque.
FORD F-150 VS TOYOTA TUNDRA – INTERIOR
When it comes to the inside of the new Tundra, they have stayed with the tried and true. Owners loved the simple, usable interior of its previous models so owners won’t be disappointed with its newest version.
Large buttons and dials that are clearly marked will make previous owners feel at home. Also included are large cupholders and a spacious center bin that comes with a retractable top so you’re able to reach items inside without having to open the entire unit.
The cab is spacious inside so no passenger should feel cramped. The seats are large and comfortable as well. The infotainment center comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen but can be upgraded to 14-inch. Standard with the new Tundra’s are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and they are wireless. The numerous exterior cameras make maneuvering the truck easy.
You will see the same amount of space inside the F-150. Where there seems to be a difference is the materials Ford uses versus Toyota. Featured in the Ford truck is wood, aluminum, leather, and other premium materials that give the F-150 a higher class feel to it. The center bin is even larger than the Tundra’s, giving it more storage space upfront.
Just like the Tundra, the F-150 is equipped with a standard 8-inch touchscreen. If you wish, you can upgrade this to a 12-inch screen. On higher-end models, such as the Lariat trim, the larger screen will offer a split-screen view to where you can keep maps open while you’re also rolling through your music playlists. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also wireless and standard on all trim levels.
FORD F-150 VS TOYOTA TUNDRA – TOWING
One of the main reasons people opt for these full-sized trucks is for their hauling capabilities. With the new Tundra, you are going to get a maximum payload capacity of 1,940 pounds. It will also give you a towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds. Impressive and better numbers than earlier models.
But then there is the F-150. Some versions boast a maximum payload capacity of 3,325 pounds, top in its class. It will also find its towing capability reaching 14,000 pounds.
Of course, with both trucks, each model and trim variation will have its own individual capabilities. Make sure to do your research if hauling and towing are the main reason you’re looking to purchase.
FORD F-150 VS TOYOTA TUNDRA – PRICE
Speaking of purchasing, obviously the more bells and whistles, the higher the price. The 2022 Tundra’s base price is going to come in a bit higher than the F-150, but with more options, Ford prices will jump significantly.
The most basic 2022 Toyota Tundra is the SR Double Cab and it starts at $35,950. As a 4×4, the new Tundra SR starts at $38,950. The Tundra SR5 models begin at $40,755, while the new Tundra Limited starts at $46,850. You will be adding on an additional $3,000 for the respective 4×4 versions.
With the Platinum trim, available only with the CrewMax cab, the Tundra ranges from $56,990 to $60,320. If you are looking for swanky, the Tundra 1794 Edition has starting prices that stretch from $57,960 to $61,020, but it only comes in the CrewMax cab version.
The Ford F-150 prices ranges look like this: F-150 XL has a starting price of $29,290. The F-150 XLT starts at $35,400; the Lariat starts at $45,045; the King Ranch will begin at $56,015; the Platinum starts at $58,795; the F-150 Limited stars at $73,105; the Tremor stars at $49,505, and the Raptor will start at $64,145. Of course, these are all base prices.
FORD F-150 VS TOYOTA TUNDRA – THE WINNER IS…
After years of being called an also-ran to the Ford F-150, the Toyota Tundra is ready to step up to the plate and actually give Ford a run for their money. But is it enough?
The Tundra appears to be relying on what made them popular in the past – the simple approach. But they have added new features that look to make their popularity rise. Unfortunately, the tried-and-true approach, coupled with their ultimate durability may not see them reach the Ford F-150 status in 2022.
It’s a yeoman’s effort, but still not quite up there with the Ford F-150. Still, if you are a Tundra fan, the new model will certainly not disappoint.
