2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 Ford F-150

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was a pickup that embraced simplicity and functionality over flashy aesthetics. Its design was clean and straightforward, with a body that was rounded enough to distinguish it from a Jeep, yet still maintained the rugged lines expected of a truck. The Tacoma's TRD Pro package added some flair with redesigned LED headlights, a new grille, and a striking Army Green paint option. Despite these enhancements, the Tacoma's interior remained utilitarian, with a straightforward dash and a modest touchscreen. The materials used were durable but not luxurious, focusing more on practicality than opulence.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford F-150 showcased a more restrained design approach, with clean lines and a blocky grille that exuded confidence. The F-150's styling was timeless, ensuring it would remain appealing even as it aged. Inside, the F-150 featured a mechanical-looking dash that came to life upon startup. While the lower trims were dominated by hard plastics, the higher trims introduced soft-touch materials and leather, though they still fell short of the luxury offered by some competitors. The F-150's interior was built for durability, with a focus on functionality and practicality.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, with an optional six-speed manual transmission available for certain trims. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, although these were not available with the manual transmission. Despite its off-road prowess, the Tacoma's on-road performance was less impressive, with slow steering and a noisy V6 engine. Fuel efficiency was also a concern, with ratings of 13.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 10.5 on the highway.

The 2020 Ford F-150 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a 3.3-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. More powerful options included a 2.7-litre turbocharged EcoBoost V6, a 5.0-litre V8, and a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6, the latter producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The F-150 also offered a 3.0-litre Power Stroke turbodiesel V6. Most trims came with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The F-150 excelled in towing capacity, with a maximum of 5,987 kilograms when properly equipped. Its handling was surprisingly agile for a full-size pickup, and the Raptor trim offered exceptional off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size was a significant advantage for urban driving, making it easier to park and manoeuvre in tight spaces. The Tacoma offered a choice between a 5- or 6-foot bed, with a rail system and movable cleats for securing cargo. However, the rear seats in the Double Cab were cramped for long journeys, and the lack of a rear defroster was a notable omission. Despite these drawbacks, the Tacoma's compact dimensions and off-road capabilities made it a practical choice for those who needed a versatile truck.

The 2020 Ford F-150 provided a range of cab and bed options, including Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew, with bed lengths of 5-and-a-half, 6-and-a-half, and 8 feet. The SuperCrew stood out for its spacious rear seats and ample legroom, making it ideal for families or those who frequently transported passengers. The F-150's interior was well-equipped with storage options, including a large centre console and deep door pockets. The available bed step made accessing the cargo area easier, although it was not as simple as the integrated steps found on some competitors.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a straightforward and intuitive infotainment system, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and an optional 8-inch version. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with a new USB-C port. The Tacoma also offered a suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. While the infotainment system was functional and easy to use, it lacked the sophistication of some competitors.

The 2020 Ford F-150's technology offerings varied by trim, with the base XL featuring a basic AM/FM radio and optional SYNC infotainment system. The XLT trim and above included the SYNC 3 system, housed in an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and enhanced voice recognition. FordPass with a 4G Wi-Fi modem was also available, allowing remote access to the vehicle via a mobile app. The F-150's infotainment system was praised for its simplicity and ease of use, with large buttons and clear menus.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which included forward-emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring was optional. The Tacoma received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA, with 4 stars for frontal and side barrier tests, and a 5-star rating for rear passengers. It was also an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in most crash tests.

The 2020 Ford F-150 offered a comprehensive array of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, curve control, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. The F-150 also included pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking as standard. Higher trims featured Ford Co-Pilot360, which added blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The F-150 SuperCrew received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, while the SuperCab and Regular Cab received 4 stars. The SuperCrew also earned top marks from the IIHS.