Ford F-150
What’s for sale near me?
Above Average: Towing and payload, good resale, reliability, engine lineup, fuel economy, aluminum construction on 2015 and later models
Below Average: Early Sync infotainment systems and that’s about it
Consensus: There’s a reason the F-150 is the best selling pickup in America year after year. From its best-in-class towing, payload and horsepower to its numerous trims and configurations, it simply remains the target for all others to reach.
Toyota Tundra
What’s for sale near me?
Above Average: Resale, reliability, V8 engine choices, build quality, Pro Off-Road model
Below Average: Inconsistent crash test results, fuel economy, driver assist technology, limited number of trims and configurations
Consensus: An excellent choice for those who want quality, value and reliability in a pickup that is more than capable, but not best in class.
The Toyota Tundra has a well-earned reputation for holding its value over time. It’s also well regarded for its toughness, excellent build quality and customer loyalty. But, compared to the F-150, the Tundra falls behind in the areas of towing, payload, fuel economy, configuration choices and technology. Both the Tundra and F-150 offer similar factory and CPO warranty coverage. The F-150 does better in crash test assessments, with some year Tundra CrewMax models scoring average marks in roof strength and small overlap front crash tests. The Tundra isn’t big on high-tech features, offering nothing to compare to the F-150’s ability to park itself, assist in hooking up a trailer or projecting a full 360-degrees view around the vehicle. And, while early version of Ford’s Sync infotainment could be problematic, later models with Sync 3 resolve that problem plus offer features like Apple CarPlay not available on the Tundra. One cool feature that shows up on very early Tundras (2007-2009) and again after 2014 is the CrewMax’ fully retractable power rear window.
Ford F-150 Advantages
Towing and payload, trim levels, engine choices, safety, advanced tech, fuel economy
Toyota Tundra Advantages
Resale, reliability, V8 engine, Entune infotainment, fully retractable vertical sliding rear window on some model year CrewMax trucks.
Similarities
Both models offer good value for the money, can tow more than 10,000 pounds, offer various bed lengths and cab sizes, have powerful engine options and strong owner loyalty. The Tundra TRD Pro Off-Road and F-150 Raptor are both capable off-road ready trucks.
Final Recommendation
If your towing needs don’t exceed 10,500 pounds, you don’t need numerous electronic add-ons or bed longer than 5.5-feet on your crew cab, the Toyota Tundra is probably the better choice if all you want is a truck. Although it can’t match the F-150’s numerous engine options or fuel economy, the Tundra holds its value extremely well and has a reputation for longevity and durability.
OK, so what’s next?
I’m ready for one of these cars, and I’d like to trade in my current car while I’m at it.
