There is a lot you should be able to expect from a modern truck. From a diverse spread of powertrains to a decent package of safety and technology features, the modern-day pickup is expected to do more than just be a workhorse, its got to be an advanced workhorse. Many an automaker has picked up trucks in their family lineups; however, two are clear contenders, Ford and Toyota. On the one hand, you have an American born company that helped build the entire foundation for the automotive industry. On the other, you have a Japanese newcomer that specializes in cars that are practically overflowing with technology. Between the 2020 Ford F-150 vs 2020 Toyota Tundra, you have two trucks that, by all means, are quite incredible. However, as a potential car buyer, you may be asking yourself, which is the superior choice?
First Glances Matter
Hands down, both the Toyota Tundra and the Ford F-150 are good looking vehicles. The Toyota model utilizes a truly unique exterior design that is unlike other competitors, with its simple front grille, iconic forward exhaust vent, and sizeable truck bed. The Ford model, on the other hand, looks like a true rugged power-centric champion, with its chunky styling and reimagined classic Ford pickup design. Curb appeal isn’t the only area where the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra are similar either.
In the Toyota Tundra, you’ll get a decent spread of trim options, including the SR, SR5, Limited, TRD Pro, Platinum, and the 1794 Edition. The Ford F-150 offers a similar number of trims, including the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. That is where the similarities end for both trucks, however.
The 2020 Toyota Tundra has an entry price of $33,425 MSRP, while the 2020 Ford F-150 starts considerably lower at $28,495 MSRP. While The Toyota truck may offer more value in their baseline models, the lack of a cheaper option is certainly a bad sign for this foreign-made pickup truck.
An Engine for Every Driver
The differences, unfortunately, continue for the two competing pickup trucks. The Toyota Tundra, regardless of its dizzying number of trims, only comes with a single engine option. This fact is incredibly disheartening, considering that the pickup should be the most engine-diverse vehicle in any lineup. Built to serve a lot of purposes and transport a variety of drivers, the engine options should be as diverse as the numerous coloring options available to you.
With that being said, the entry-level engine in the Toyota Tundra isn’t bad. When you purchase a 2020 Toyota Tundra, you’ll have to settle with a 4.6-liter V8 engine that puts out 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft worth of torque. It is a decent start for an eight-cylinder, although we’re certainly disappointed that we didn’t at least get a lower-powered four-cylinder alternative. This V8 is packed alongside a 6-speed automatic transmission and can purchased in four-wheel drive. When equipped at its best, the 2020 Toyota Tundra can deliver some decent hauling power with max towing capacity topping out at around 10,200 pounds.
Now, if we were comparing the Toyota Tundra to something like a compact SUV, the Toyota Tundra would be a no-contest winner. However, with competition like the Ford F-150, it’ll be hard for Toyota’s pickup truck to stay in the race. Ford rubs that potential victory in with its simply mind-blowing number of engine options. Base models come off the factory floor with a 3.3-liter V6 engine that roars out 290 horsepower. That V6 can be upgraded to a punchy 2.7-liter turbo V-6 that is rated for 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. With its 10-speed automatic transmission and the option of four-wheel-drive, even the second tier Ford F-150 is a strong competitor with the Toyota Tundra.
Things don’t stop there, however, as Ford also packs their flagship truck with an overpowered 5.0-liter V8 engine that has no issue in putting out 395 horsepower and 400 lb-ft worth of torque. And if you’re really looking to outrank the Toyota Tundra, Ford also provides an outrageously powerful 3.5-liter Turbo V6 that is unforgiving in its rating of 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft worth of torque. This top-rated engine can even haul more than the Toyota at a max rating of 11,100 pounds.
So as you can tell, when it comes to engine power, the Ford F-150 is certainly unmatched. While the single V8 offering in the Toyota Tundra is commendable, it is nothing compared to what Ford manages to bring to the table.
Having the Option is Nice
With so many trims available in the Toyota Tundra, one might think that while there may not be a lot of powertrains to choose from, there should at least be body type changes. Unfortunately, across the variety of trims, you’ll only get two choices, the extended cab and the crew cab. While this is hardly an issue for some pickup models, this can be a point of tension for drivers who are also disgruntled about a lack of engine variety. The Ford model, on the other hand, is available in a regular cab, an extended cab, and a four-door cab. You’ll also get the choice between three different bed lengths as well in the Ford model; additionally, the Tundra also comes with three-bed length options.
A saving grace for the Toyota Tundra is the fact that you’ll get a diversity of active safety features as standard, something you simply won’t get in base models of the Ford F-150. Features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warnings, and automatic high-beam lights are all standard across every model of the Toyota Tundra. For some drivers, this may be worth that initially high asking price, but those looking for something with a little more engine variety may want to consider looking elsewhere. It is important to note that the Ford F-150 does come with a pretty substantial spread of active safety features, however, as is common among vehicles of this nature, you’ll need to pay extra to get a hold of them.
The Superior Pickup Truck
Both the 2020 Toyota Tundra and the 2020 Ford F-150 are a great trucks. While the Toyota Tundra does come with a severe lack of options, what is available isn’t bad in the slightest, and with active safety being included as standard, the deal is even sweeter. However, if you want a pickup truck that is truly overstuffed with configuration options, and has the capacity to do some serious work, you’ll want to opt for the Ford F-150 instead.
The engine listings alone are bound to make any pickup truck lovers’ head spin, and the low amount of amenities that Ford offers out of the gate gives drivers the chance to create a Ford F-150 specially tailored to their needs. If you’re looking for a pickup truck that’ll get the job done, and not require a lot of research before you buy, the Toyota Tundra is the way to go. However, if you want to create something all your own, that truly pushes what’s expected of a pickup truck to the edge, the 2020 Ford F-150 ought to be your vehicle of choice.
