2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was a straightforward and practical pickup, with a design that emphasized simplicity over extravagance. While it didn't boast the aesthetic appeal of some of its competitors, it maintained a clean and functional look. The Tacoma's body, available in both extended Access and four-door Double Cab forms, was rounded yet retained enough upright lines to remind onlookers of its rugged nature. The TRD Pro package added a touch of flair with redesigned LED headlights, a new grille, and a striking Army Green paint option. The interior mirrored the exterior's simplicity, featuring a modestly sized touchscreen and a straightforward layout. However, the materials used were mostly basic, and the leather seats in the TRD Pro trim left something to be desired.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty received a modest styling update, with a more detailed grille and headlights that gave it a mature appearance. Despite these changes, the design remained largely consistent with the 2017 model year, and the cabin retained its blocky styling. While not as luxurious as some competitors, the F-350's interior was well-suited for work use, offering ample space and functionality. The truck was available in various trim levels, each adding more features and luxury touches as you moved up the range. The King Ranch and Platinum trims, for example, offered unique exterior designs and premium interior features, while the range-topping Limited trim provided a host of high-end amenities.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came standard with a 3.5-litre V6 engine in Canada, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, with an optional six-speed manual transmission available for certain trims. The manual transmission included a Clutch Start Cancel feature, useful for off-road situations. 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 droning 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.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty offered a range of powerful engine options, including a standard 6.2-litre gas V8 with 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. A 6.7-litre turbodiesel Power Stroke V8 was also available, delivering 475 horsepower and an impressive 1,050 pound-feet of torque. New for 2020 was a 7.3-litre gas V8, producing 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The F-350's towing capabilities were exceptional, with a conventional towing capacity of 10,977 kilograms and a gooseneck trailer capacity of 16,783 kilograms. The truck's size and height were noticeable in corners, and models set up for higher towing capacities could be chattery over bumps. The Tremor off-road package added features like 35-inch all-terrain tires and a lifted suspension, enhancing the F-350's off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size was a significant advantage, making it easier to navigate city streets and park in tight spaces. The bed, while shallow, featured a rail system with movable cleats for securing cargo, and an optional power outlet and LED lighting. The Double Cab's rear seats were suitable for short trips but could feel cramped on longer journeys. Storage bins under the rear seats provided additional space, although they didn't offer a flat loading floor. The lack of a rear defroster was a minor inconvenience, but the powerful heater quickly cleared the view.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew configurations, offering varying levels of interior space. The Super Crew, with its full four-door design, provided ample headroom and legroom for rear-seat passengers, and the rear seats could be folded up to create a large load floor. The truck's bed options included a 2,081 mm or 2,492 mm length, with the longer bed available in a dual-rear-wheel configuration. The bed featured a step that extended from the tailgate, making it easier to load items without reaching over the bed walls.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a simple and intuitive infotainment system, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and an optional 8-inch version with navigation. 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-350 Super Duty utilized the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which was praised for its intuitive menu layout and large icons. It included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, although switching between SYNC 3 and CarPlay could be cumbersome. The F-350 also offered impressive towing features, such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance, which made backing up a trailer easier by taking control of the steering wheel.

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-350 Super Duty offered a comprehensive array of safety features, including standard airbags, automatic high beams, and traction control. Higher trim levels added features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Platinum trim included adaptive cruise control and adaptive steering, while the Limited trim provided all these features as standard.