2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty received a subtle facelift with a more detailed grille and headlights, moving away from the chrome-heavy design of its predecessor. The updated grille and contoured headlights contributed to a more mature appearance, although the overall design remained largely unchanged since its 2017 debut. While the exterior saw minor updates, the interior retained its utilitarian, blocky styling, which was less inviting compared to competitors like Ram. However, the cabin was spacious and practical, ideal for work use, with various trim levels offering a range of features from basic to luxurious.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Tundra's design was rooted in the mid-2000s, resulting in an awkward appearance with a massive grille and small headlights. Despite its dated underpinnings, the Tundra's "Cement" paint colour and blacked-out wheels gave it a modern touch. Inside, the cabin featured hard plastics and a straightforward layout, making it user-friendly despite its age. Toyota kept the interior fresh with a standard 7-inch infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring the Tundra remained relevant in a competitive market.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty offered a range of powerful engine options, starting with a 6.2-litre gas V8 producing 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. A 6.7-litre turbodiesel Power Stroke V8 delivered 475 hp and an impressive 1,050 lb-ft of torque. New for 2020 was a 7.3-litre gas V8, generating 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. These engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The F-350 excelled in towing, with a conventional capacity of 10,977 kg, a fifth-wheel capacity of 14,742 kg, and a gooseneck capacity of 16,783 kg. The Tremor off-road package added 35-inch tires, a lifted suspension, and off-road shocks, enhancing its rugged capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with a 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While its towing capacity of 4,400 kg was lower than some competitors, the Tundra's V8 provided strong acceleration and confident performance. The truck's suspension absorbed bumps well, offering a comfortable ride, though its steering was vague at low speeds. The Tundra's design prioritized simplicity, with a traditional shifter and intuitive controls, making it easy to operate.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew configurations. The Super Cab featured rear-hinged half-doors, while the Super Crew offered a spacious four-door setup with ample headroom and legroom. The truck came with either a 2,081 mm or 2,492 mm bed, with the longer bed available in a dual-rear-wheel configuration. The bed included a step for easier loading, enhancing its practicality for work and hauling.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes: Double Cab and CrewMax. The Double Cab had conventionally-opening rear doors and was available with a 2-metre or 2.48-metre bed. The CrewMax, with its full four-door design, provided exceptional rear-seat legroom and a fold-up rear seat for additional cargo space. The front seats were spacious, with a large centre console and multiple storage options, though the door pockets were smaller than those in other full-size pickups.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system, known for its intuitive menu layout and smartphone compatibility. While not as advanced as the newer SYNC 4, it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system occasionally experienced hiccups, particularly when switching between SYNC 3 and CarPlay. Ford's towing technology, such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist, was a standout feature, simplifying trailer manoeuvring with a dial-based control system.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system was updated in 2020, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with redundant hard buttons for easy operation. Standard features included multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. The Tundra offered a seven-speaker stereo on Double Cab trims and a nine-speaker system on CrewMax models, with an optional JBL premium audio system providing 12 speakers.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, automatic high beams, and traction control. Higher trims added advanced features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The King Ranch trim introduced lane departure warning and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, while the Platinum trim included adaptive steering and upgraded headlights.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra featured Toyota Safety Sense P as standard, offering forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tundra also came with eight airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a tow package with a heavy-duty hitch receiver.