2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2020 Toyota Tacoma

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 maintained enough upright lines to assert its identity as a rugged truck. The Tacoma's TRD Pro package added a touch of flair with redesigned LED headlights, a bold 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. While the fit and finish were commendable, the materials were primarily basic plastics and rubbers, which might not have met the expectations of those seeking a more luxurious cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty underwent subtle updates that refined its appearance without a complete overhaul. The front bumper featured more black-painted areas, and the grille design was toned down for a more restrained look. The F-250 was available in various trims, each offering distinct styling elements, from the basic XL with its black grille and bumpers to the luxurious Limited with a satin-chrome grille. Inside, the F-250's cabin was spacious and functional, with ample storage options and a focus on practicality. However, the interior materials leaned towards hard plastics, giving it a cold and mechanical feel. The higher trims offered more comfort features, but the overall design prioritized functionality over luxury.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 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 for certain trims. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, although these were only available in 4-Low. 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 downside, with the V6 consuming 13.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 10.5 on the highway. However, the Tacoma's ride was supple, and it boasted a maximum towing capacity of 2,950 kilograms.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a range of powerful engine options, starting with a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. A new 7.3-litre gas V8 was also available, delivering 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking even more power, the 6.7-litre Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 offered an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque. The gas engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel used a six-speed TorqShift automatic. The F-250 excelled in towing and hauling capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of up to 10,977 kilograms when properly equipped. However, its ride quality suffered when not loaded, and it felt top-heavy on curves. The Tremor off-road package added further off-road capabilities with features like a 5 cm lift and rock crawl driving mode.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size was a significant advantage, making it easier to navigate city streets and fit into standard garages. Its bed, while shallow, featured a rail system with movable cleats for securing cargo, and it offered optional power outlets and LED lighting. The Tacoma was available with either a 5- or 6-foot bed, except for the TRD Pro and Limited trims, which came with the shorter bed. The Double Cab's rear seats were suitable for short trips but felt cramped on longer journeys. Despite some storage options, the Tacoma lacked a flat loading floor and a rear defroster, which could be inconvenient in colder climates.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a range of cab and bed configurations, including Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab, with bed sizes of 2,081 mm or 2,492 mm. The Super Duty's cabin was spacious and functional, with deep cup holders and cubbies designed for large items. The centre console was massive, providing ample storage for tools or a laptop. The rear seats in the SuperCrew and Crew Cab folded up to reveal a load floor for large items, offering a secure way to store equipment overnight.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a straightforward and intuitive interior, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an optional 8-inch version with navigation. For 2020, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with a new USB-C port. Wireless charging was available, but some modern features like a proximity key and auto-dimming rear-view mirror were optional. The Tacoma also came with a suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty's base XL trim came with a basic audio system, while the XLT added more speakers and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect was standard across the lineup, offering a WiFi hotspot and remote vehicle access via a smartphone app. This feature allowed users to lock and unlock the vehicle, receive status updates, and even start the truck remotely, although some services required a subscription.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came 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 and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in most crash tests.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty included standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, trailer sway control, and hill start assist. Optional features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. However, the F-250 had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, and some safety features were not standard.