2020 Ford Ranger vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2020 Ford Ranger marked its return to the North American market after an eight-year hiatus, bringing with it a design influenced by its international version. This iteration was larger and more sophisticated than its predecessor, aligning with the F-Series lineup through similar grille styling. However, it avoided the "bigger-and-blockier" trend prevalent in American trucks, opting instead for a clean and somewhat aggressive appearance that highlighted its sporty and capable nature. Inside, the Ranger featured a function-first cabin with hard plastics, which, while durable, gave it a less premium feel compared to competitors like the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline. The Ranger was available in three trims: XL, XLT, and Lariat, each offering varying levels of features and comfort, with the XLT being recommended for its additional content at a reasonable price.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Tundra had a somewhat awkward appearance, with a massive grille and disproportionately small headlights, giving it an oversized look. Despite its dated underpinnings, the Tundra's "Cement" paint colour and blacked-out wheels and badging lent it a modern touch. The cabin, dominated by hard plastics and large monotone panels, was reminiscent of mid-2010s truck styling. However, its straightforward design ensured ease of use, unlike the more complex interiors of newer models like the Ram 1500. The Tundra's interior was not luxurious but was updated with a 7-inch infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It was available in various configurations, including Double Cab and CrewMax models, with several TRD packages offering off-road enhancements and unique styling touches.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was equipped with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing power to the four-wheel drive system, standard in Canada. The Ranger's turbo engine was responsive, offering ample power for low-speed manoeuvres and highway passing. It boasted a towing capacity of up to 3,401 kilograms (7,500 pounds) and a payload capacity of 748 kilograms (1,649 pounds) in the SuperCab configuration. However, the Ranger's ride was somewhat stiff, with noticeable chatter and vibration over bumps, and body roll in corners. The FX4 Off-Road package enhanced its off-road capabilities with features like an electronically locking rear differential and off-road-tuned suspension.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with a 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual tap-shift function, and four-wheel drive with low range was standard in Canada. The Tundra's towing capacity was 4,400 kilograms (9,700 pounds), with a payload capacity of 599 kilograms (1,320 pounds). While its towing capacity was lower than some competitors, the V8 provided strong acceleration and confident performance. The Tundra offered a comfortable ride over various surfaces, with its width ensuring stability in corners. The steering was vague at low speeds but improved on the highway, where the Tundra felt most at home.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab, with its 2+2 layout, had tight rear seats more suitable for children, accessed via rear-opening clamshell half-doors. The SuperCrew offered a full four-door crew cab with seating for five, providing more adult-friendly rear seats. Both configurations featured deep in-door pockets, bottle holders, and a spacious centre console. The Ranger's bed options included a 1,848 mm (six-foot) bed for the SuperCab and a 1,550 mm (five-foot) bed for the SuperCrew, with features like a remote locking tailgate and LED bed lighting available.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes. The Double Cab had conventionally-opening rear doors and was available with a 2 metre (6.5 foot) or 2.48 metre (8.1 foot) bed. The CrewMax, a full four-door crew cab, came with a 1.695 metre (5.5 foot) bed and provided ample legroom for rear passengers. The rear seats folded up to create a large, lockable cargo area. The front seats offered plenty of space, with a massive centre console and multiple cup holders. The Tundra's doors featured trays and cup/bottle holders, though they were smaller than those in other full-size pickups.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's base XL trim featured a basic entertainment setup with an AM/FM stereo, four speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. FordPass Connect, included for a year, offered remote locking, unlocking, and starting, as well as Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim offered an optional B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen with ten speakers.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system, updated in 2020, included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, operated via an 8-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM satellite radio and available navigation. The system featured redundant hard buttons for ease of use, along with multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. The Tundra's stereo system varied by trim, with a seven-speaker setup on Double Cab models and nine speakers on the CrewMax. An available JBL premium audio system offered 12 speakers, including a subwoofer and amplifier.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, a child-seat anchoring system, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Ford's CoPilot360 suite, optional on the XL and standard on other trims, included features like automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. The Ranger earned top scores in most IIHS crash tests and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it had a recall for a transmission issue.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra featured Toyota Safety Sense P as standard, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring. The Tundra came with eight airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system, along with a tow package.