2021 Ford F-150 vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma

The 2021 Ford F-150 retained its rugged exterior styling, reminiscent of its predecessors, with oversized wheel arches and a tall hood. However, it introduced a new front fascia with larger headlights and a rounder grille, offering 11 design options and new tailgate appliques. Ford claimed these changes improved aerodynamics, thanks to active grille shutters and an automatically-deploying air dam, enhancing fuel efficiency. The aluminum bodywork, including the cab, bed, fenders, and hood, reduced weight, contributing to better fuel economy and increased payload capacity. Inside, the F-150 maintained its distinctive design with large angular air vents and a high centre console. The interior materials varied across trims, from basic in the XL and XLT to luxurious in the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims, with the King Ranch featuring leather upholstery and wood trim.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, despite its aging design, presented a contemporary exterior with an aggressive grille and headlights. However, the cabin revealed its age with hard plastics and outdated switchgear, despite incorporating modern elements like keyless entry and push-button start. In Canada, the Tacoma offered various configurations, including the Access and Double Cab, with standard features like 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like alloy wheels, heated seats, and upgraded infotainment systems. The TRD Pro, the top trim, boasted unique styling, underbody skid plates, and a TRD-tuned suspension, making it well-suited for off-road adventures.

The 2021 Ford F-150 offered a range of powertrains, including a base 3.3-litre V6 with 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.0-litre V8 producing 400 hp and 410 lb-ft. Two twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engines were available: a 2.7-litre with 325 hp and 400 lb-ft, and a 3.5-litre with 400 hp and 500 lb-ft. A 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 provided 250 hp and 440 lb-ft. The new PowerBoost hybrid combined a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 with an electric motor, delivering 430 hp and 570 lb-ft, making it the most powerful option. The F-150 excelled in payload and towing capacity, with a maximum payload of 3,325 pounds and towing capacity of 14,000 pounds with the non-hybrid 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6. The hybrid offered a towing capacity of 12,700 pounds. The PowerBoost hybrid provided ample power, though the transition between electric and hybrid modes was not seamless. The F-150 impressed with its ride quality and cabin noise levels, making long drives comfortable.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma in Canada came standard with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,285 pounds. While the V6 provided decent acceleration in town, it struggled on highways due to gearing and transmission issues. The Tacoma's suspension was trail-oriented, offering a smooth ride and firmness around corners. The TRD Pro excelled off-road, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhancing trail performance. The steering, though sluggish in parking lots, was well-suited for off-road navigation.

The 2021 Ford F-150 catered to those using their trucks as mobile offices, with features like a fold-flat shifter creating a work surface for a 15-inch laptop. Higher trims offered fold-flat Max Recline Seats for resting on the job site. The F-150 provided ample storage, including a centre-console bin and large cupholders. It offered various cab configurations, including a two-door regular cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew, with the latter providing more rear passenger space. Bed sizes ranged from 5.5 to 8 feet, with features like power running boards and a fold-out tailgate step enhancing accessibility. The Pro Power Onboard system offered in-bed power outlets, with up to 7.2 kW of output available.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma offered Access Cab and Double Cab body styles, with five-foot and six-foot-one-inch bed options. The Access Cab featured clamshell rear half-doors and tight rear jump seats, while the Double Cab had four full doors but limited rear legroom. The front seats provided ample legroom, though the steering wheel's limited extension posed challenges for taller drivers. The Tacoma's cab included numerous cupholders and storage options. The bed featured in-bed lighting and a power outlet, enhancing its utility.

The 2021 Ford F-150 featured the new Sync 4 infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 12-inch option available, paired with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The system's menus were well-organized, and physical buttons and knobs were provided for essential functions. The F-150 also offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance, aiding in trailer maneuvering, though these features were optional.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma's base infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth compatibility, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system's simple layout and large icons made it user-friendly, though the tuning and volume dials were undersized. A wireless device charger was available, though it required manual activation. The Tacoma's tech features were limited, but its simplicity suited those with active lifestyles.

The 2021 Ford F-150 had not yet received full crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it carried over a "good" roof strength rating from the previous model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional features included 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 later in 2021.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came standard with driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The backup camera's image quality was grainy. The 2022 Tacoma had not been tested by the IIHS, but the 2021 model received high scores. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 Tacoma a four-star overall rating, with five stars in side crash tests.