2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Ford F-150

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was characterized by its clean, straightforward design, though it lacked the aesthetic appeal of some of its competitors. The Tacoma's exterior was marked by a fake hood scoop and tinny-sounding back doors, reminiscent of older Toyota trucks. Despite these drawbacks, the Tacoma's design was functional, with a rounded body that maintained a rugged appearance. The TRD Pro package added unique features like redesigned LED headlights and a bold grille, enhancing its off-road persona. Inside, the Tacoma's interior was simple and utilitarian, with a modest touchscreen and durable materials, though it lacked the luxurious feel expected at its price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford F-150 retained its tough, traditional look with oversized wheel arches and a tall hood, but introduced a more aerodynamic design with new grille shutters and an air dam. The F-150's aluminum bodywork reduced weight, improving fuel efficiency and payload capacity. Inside, the F-150's cabin was redesigned with a focus on functionality, offering features like fold-flat Max Recline Seats and a large centre-console storage bin. The King Ranch trim level boasted leather upholstery and wood trim, providing a more upscale feel compared to the Tacoma.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came standard with a 3.5-litre V6 engine in Canada, delivering 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 for certain trims. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, though 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 poor, with ratings of 13.0 L/100 km in the city and 10.5 on the highway. However, the Tacoma offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,950 kilograms.

The 2021 Ford F-150 offered a wide range of powertrains, including a base 3.3-litre V6 with 290 horsepower, a 5.0-litre V8 with 400 horsepower, and two EcoBoost V6 engines. The new PowerBoost hybrid powertrain combined a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 with an electric motor, producing 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. The F-150 excelled in towing and payload capacities, with the non-hybrid 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 achieving a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds. The hybrid powertrain provided impressive power but had a rough transition between electric and hybrid modes. Overall, the F-150 offered a smoother ride and quieter cabin compared to the Tacoma.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size made it more maneuverable in urban environments compared to full-size trucks. It featured a shallow bed with a rail system and optional power outlet, but the rear seats in the Double Cab were cramped for long trips. The Tacoma lacked a rear defroster and driver-side grab handle, but its compact size and off-road capabilities were appealing to those seeking a versatile truck.

The 2021 Ford F-150 was designed with practicality in mind, offering features like a fold-flat shifter and Max Recline Seats for added convenience. It provided ample storage space, including a large centre-console bin and cupholders. The F-150 was available in various cab configurations, with the SuperCrew offering the most rear passenger space. Bed sizes ranged from 5.5 to 8 feet, and the tailgate featured built-in rulers and power operation. The F-150 also offered the Pro Power Onboard system, providing in-bed power outlets for added functionality.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a simple and intuitive infotainment system, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and an optional 8-inch version. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a USB-C port and available wireless charging. The Tacoma also offered a suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams, though its infotainment interface was not the most advanced.

The 2021 Ford F-150 introduced the new Sync 4 infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offered features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance. The F-150's infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical buttons for key functions, though it occasionally lagged during startup.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward-emergency braking and lane-departure warning. It scored 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash tests and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Blind-spot monitoring was optional.

The 2021 Ford F-150's safety features included forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking as part of the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. It also offered lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The F-150 was set to receive Ford's BlueCruise system for hands-free driving, though it was not available at launch.