2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma was a midsize truck that offered a more compact alternative to full-size pickups like the Toyota Tundra. Despite being shorter by more than half a metre compared to its larger counterparts, the Tacoma maintained an assertive stance with its upright grille and tall bed, giving it a substantial appearance without seeming oversized. Toyota provided a wide range of trim levels for the Tacoma, from the base standard package to the off-road-oriented TRD Pro, which we tested. The TRD Pro trim was equipped with features like underbody skid pads, a TRD-tuned suspension, and a unique grille, making it a standout choice for off-road enthusiasts. Inside, the Tacoma varied from basic to well-appointed, with our TRD Pro model featuring Softex leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty underwent a visual evolution with its redesign, offering a range of trims from the work-oriented XL to the luxurious Limited. Our test model, the King Ranch, was a luxury truck with 20-inch alloy wheels and a two-tone paint job. The interior was beautifully styled with two-tone brown leather and featured the King Ranch's signature Flying W logo. The F-250 Super Duty was equipped with advanced features like an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system and Pro Power Onboard, providing a 2-kilowatt power output. The truck's size was imposing, but it was manageable in traffic, and its precise steering made it a capable performer on the road.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma was equipped with a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. While this engine offered a significant power advantage over the lower-level 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine, the Tacoma was not particularly quick. It required a firm press on the accelerator to reach highway speeds, and wind and engine noise were noticeable at higher speeds. The Tacoma's off-road-oriented suspension handled rough city streets well, but its steering felt vague, especially on paved roads. Fuel economy was not a strong point, with our TRD Pro model delivering 14.4 L/100 km in winter conditions.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered four engine options, with our test model featuring a high-output PowerStroke turbodiesel engine that delivered an impressive 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission managed power efficiently, making the Super Duty lively from a standstill and capable of reaching highway speeds with ease. The truck's towing capacity was remarkable, with a maximum of 18,140 kg (40,000 lbs) when properly equipped. The Super Duty's size made manoeuvring in tight spaces challenging, but its precise steering and advanced towing features, like Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, made it a formidable performer.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offered a variety of configurations, including the access cab with clamshell-style doors and a six-foot-one-inch bed, and the double cab with a choice of bed lengths. The access cab's rear seats were cramped, making the double cab a better choice for those needing more interior space. The front seats provided ample cubby space and legroom, but the steering wheel's limited extension posed a challenge for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed was spacious enough to accommodate gear for a ski trip, including multiple bags and skis.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in regular cab, SuperCab, and Super Crew configurations, with bed lengths of 6.75 feet or 8 feet. Our Super Crew test model featured a large cargo area with fold-up rear seats, providing ample space for gear. The truck's interior was well-equipped with numerous cupholders, a massive centre storage bin, and dual glove boxes. The bed steps and grip handles were helpful for accessing the truck's large bed, and the soft-opening tailgate added convenience.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma's technology offerings were straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen in base trims and an 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, but it felt outdated compared to competitors. Our test truck featured a premium JBL audio system and two USB-A ports, but the Tacoma lacked some of the advanced tech found in rival trucks.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty's base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our test model had a larger 12-inch screen with wireless connectivity options and a logical control layout. The truck offered multiple USB ports, a wall-style power outlet, and wireless device charging. Ford's Trailer Navigation system was a standout feature, optimizing routes based on trailer weight and dimensions.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, which included features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. Our TRD Pro model also had blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera. However, the Tacoma lacked some advanced safety features found in other Toyotas, and it did not receive a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. It scored four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered the Ford CoPilot 360 suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, depending on the trim. Our test model featured dual-tier power-adjustable trailer mirrors and a trailer blind-spot monitoring system. The Super Duty had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.