The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, despite its long-standing presence in the North American market since 1995, began to show signs of aging by 2022. Its exterior maintained a contemporary look with an aggressive grille and headlights, but the interior revealed its age with hard plastics and outdated switchgear. The cabin design was a mix of modern features like keyless entry and push-button start, alongside older elements. In Canada, the Tacoma was available in various configurations and packages, offering features like 16-inch steel wheels, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims added features such as alloy wheels, sport suspensions, and leather seating, with the TRD Pro standing out for its unique styling and off-road capabilities.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford F-150 offered a familiar yet appealing design, with a wide range of configurations and trims to suit different needs. The F-150's styling was inoffensive and practical, with a focus on function over form. Inside, the F-150 adopted a modular approach, providing ample storage and comfortable seating for five. The test truck featured power-adjustable seats and pedals, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The cargo bed was equipped with a spray-in bedliner and the Pro Power Onboard system, although climbing into the bed was challenging without the optional tailgate step. Overall, the F-150 provided a solid and quiet ride, with a focus on practicality and comfort.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma in Canada came standard with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and a payload capacity of 583 kilograms. While the V6 provided decent acceleration around town, it struggled at highway speeds due to its transmission gearing. The Tacoma's suspension was trail-oriented, offering a smooth ride and firm handling around corners. The TRD Pro excelled off-road, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhancing its trail capabilities.

The 2023 Ford F-150 offered a range of engine options, with the test truck featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6, delivering 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the F-150 provided effortless acceleration and a maximum towing capacity of 6,350 kilograms. The standard suspension tuning felt harsh when unloaded, but the F-150's ride improved with added weight. The truck's handling was secure, with stout brakes and unremarkable steering. The F-150's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 13.8 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma was available in Access Cab and Double Cab body styles, with bed lengths of five feet and six feet one inch. The Access Cab featured clamshell rear half-doors and limited rear legroom, while the Double Cab offered slightly more space but remained tight for adults. The front seats provided ample legroom, but the steering wheel's limited adjustment posed challenges for taller drivers. The Tacoma's cab offered plenty of storage and cupholders, with helpful in-bed lighting and a power outlet.

The 2023 Ford F-150 provided comfortable seating for five, with power-adjustable front seats and pedals making it easy to find a perfect driving position. The cabin offered abundant storage, with large bins, trays, and cubbies throughout. The rear seats could be flipped up or folded flat for additional cargo space. The test truck's cargo bed featured a spray-in bedliner and the Pro Power Onboard system, although accessing the bed was difficult without the optional tailgate step.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma's base infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth compatibility, while higher trims added an 8-inch touchscreen and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with a basic layout and large icons, though the tuning and volume dials were undersized. The test truck included a wireless device charger, which required manual activation. Overall, the Tacoma's tech features were limited but functional.

The 2023 Ford F-150's XLT trim came with the Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The system was easy to use, though it could benefit from bolder graphics for better readability. The voice recognition system performed exceptionally well, and the standard stereo offered decent sound. Additional features included remote engine starting, trailer-brake controller, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, enhancing the F-150's functionality.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came standard with driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tacoma received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in side crash tests.

The 2023 Ford F-150 featured Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. The package included adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and blind-spot monitoring, among others. The F-150 received high marks from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.