2020 Toyota Tundra vs 2020 Ford Ranger

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was available in three models in Canada: SR, SR5, and Platinum, with various package configurations for the SR5 trim, including SX, TRD Off-road, and TRD Pro, among others. The Platinum model offered a 1794 Edition package. As buyers moved up the trim levels, the Tundra became more luxurious. It featured two cab styles, Double Cab and CrewMax, with three bed lengths depending on the cab and trim. Prices ranged from an MSRP of $40,650 to $63,190, excluding destination charges and options. The TRD Pro CrewMax, the most expensive version, boasted a 4WD drivetrain, black 18-inch forged aluminum wheels, and an exclusive Army Green colour, giving it a military-grade appearance. Inside, the TRD Pro featured black leather with red stitching and embroidery, though the interior's industrial-grade plastic was less appealing at higher price points.

The 2020 Ford Ranger marked its return to North America after an eight-year hiatus, based on the international version sold during that time. It was larger and more sophisticated than its predecessor, with styling that avoided the "bigger-and-blockier" trend of American trucks. The Ranger had a clean, aggressive look, reflecting its sporty nature. Inside, the cabin was functional but not particularly welcoming, with hard plastics similar to the larger Ford F-Series trucks. The Ranger was available in XL, XLT, and Lariat trims, with the XLT offering additional features like 17-inch aluminum wheels and Ford SYNC 3. The Lariat trim added upscale touches such as leather upholstery and ambient lighting. Ford also offered several appearance packages and the FX4 package for off-road enhancements.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. It had a maximum towing capacity of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) and a payload capacity of up to 784 kilograms (1,730 lbs.) with the SR Double Cab and rear-wheel drive. The TRD Pro model featured BBS forged aluminum wheels, heavy-duty Fox off-road shocks, and a TRD-tuned dual exhaust system. The Tundra's V8 engine provided robust power, though it was loud, and the truck's steering and brakes were satisfactory. Fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with a combined rating of 16.3 L/100 km, and wind noise was excessive at highway speeds.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada. The Ranger's turbo engine was punchy, offering ample power for low speeds and highway passing. It could tow up to 3,401 kilograms (7,500 pounds) and had a payload capacity of 748 kilograms (1,649 pounds) with the SuperCab. The Ranger's ride was stiff, with some chatter and vibration over bumps, and body roll was noticeable in corners. The FX4 Off-Road package added off-road tires, an electronically locking rear differential, and other enhancements for off-road capability.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra, built in Texas, offered a spacious interior, with the CrewMax's rear seating area being particularly large. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, while storage was abundant, except for the small glove compartment. The rear seat cushions flipped up for extra floor space, but there was limited storage underneath. The Tundra's bed was basic, lacking features like locking storage wells or step ladders, emphasizing simplicity.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab seated four with a 2+2 layout, while the SuperCrew offered seating for five with a full rear bench. The SuperCab's rear seats were tight and more suitable for children, with clamshell half-doors for access. The SuperCrew provided more adult-friendly rear seating. Both body styles featured deep storage pockets and cup holders in the front row. The Ranger's bed options included a six-foot bed for the SuperCab and a five-foot bed for the SuperCrew, with features like a remote locking tailgate and LED bed lighting.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system, though recessed and glare-prone, was up to date with a 7-inch display standard on lower trims and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports. The TRD Pro trim featured dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system. However, the Tundra lacked advanced towing technology, offering only a reversing camera.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's XL trim had a basic entertainment setup with an AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth, and a USB port. FordPass Connect was included, offering remote locking, unlocking, and starting, along with 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 2020 Toyota Tundra came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, including features like a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alert. However, its crash-test performance was lacking, with Marginal and Poor ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact tests from the IIHS. The NHTSA gave it more favourable ratings, with 5 stars for side-impact protection and 4 stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2020 Ford Ranger included front- and side-impact airbags, a child-seat anchoring system, and Ford's CoPilot360 suite of technologies. The XLT trim offered additional safety features like forward parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. The Ranger received top scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention. The NHTSA gave it an overall Four-Star rating, with some lower scores in specific tests.