2022 Toyota Tundra vs 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty epitomized Ford’s rugged truck design philosophy by taking the F-150's muscular aesthetic to a more pronounced level. Built larger in every dimension, the Super Duty's form was far more than cosmetic. It encompassed functional aspects such as long bed lengths to enhance cargo hauling and a high ground clearance tailored for challenging terrains and utilitarian job sites. The Super Duty’s exterior radiated robustness with massive grilles, fortified bumpers, and durable bodywork, all implying resilience against daily harsh working conditions. The interior configuration varied significantly with trim levels, shifting from the no-frills, cloth-upholstered XL trim to the posh, leather-trimmed cabins in higher trims like the Super Duty Limited. The options for bed lengths and cab configurations offered flexibility, allowing buyers to select setups that struck a balance between workspace efficiency and in-cabin comfort.

Transitioning to the 2022 Toyota Tundra, the redesign signaled a bold leap for its third production generation. Toyota's overhaul was comprehensive, ensuring that the exterior received a dynamic and aggressive facelift with notable elements like a hefty hexagonal grille, adaptable based on the trim, integrating components such as chrome finishes or camo patterns. The rear’s redesigned taillights and sculpted tailgate, particularly the tailgate with the “TOYOTA” script in retro style on the TRD Pro trim, elevated its visual presence. It was apparent that attention was given to both aesthetics and practical details—such as the camo-pattern seats in the TRD Pro, which added a stylish continuity from exterior to interior. On the whole, the Tundra carried a chiseled and muscular stance, underpinned by advanced cabin design choices harmonizing with the external motifs, creating a unified and polished vehicle identity.

For performance seekers, the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered an array of compelling powertrain options. The base model started with a potent 6.2-liter V8 engine, generating 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. For those desiring more power, Ford provided an optional 7.3-liter V8, which significantly elevated the performance with 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The most formidable engine in the lineup was the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8, acclaimed for its impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque, making it the powerhouse option for extreme towing and payload needs. Handling these powerful engines was a standard 10-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth gear shifts suitable for the F-250's robust capabilities. RWD was standard while 4WD was an optional upgrade, and those opting for the dual-rear-wheel configuration found themselves tapping into maximum towing capacities of over 36,000 pounds. The Tremor package presented an attractive option for off-road enthusiasts, bolstering the F-250 with more rugged features like lift kits and enhanced tires.

In the comparison, the 2022 Toyota Tundra embraced innovation with its twin-turbocharged V6 engines, steering away from the previous naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V8. The base i-Force 3.5-liter V6 engine delivered 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque (348 hp and 405 lb-ft on the SR trim). For performance aficionados, the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain combined the twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor to achieve 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Toyota's choice of a 10-speed automatic transmission paired well with both powertrains, ensuring a smooth and powerful drive. The hybrid system employed a Nickel Metal Hydride battery, discreetly housed under the second row, translating its power seamlessly without compromising cabin space. Estimated fuel economy figures for the non-hybrid model promised 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway for RWD, contributing positively to its practicality. The Tundra’s off-road prowess was demonstrated with the TRD Off-Road package, enhancing its suspension and ride quality, while TRD Sport upgrades suited on-road performance seekers.

While the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty was primarily engineered for hardcore utility, it managed to incorporate an array of creature comforts to offer a balanced experience. The standard front 40/20/40 bench seating provided practical comfort, and the expansive rear seats in the Crew and Super Cab configurations facilitated easy access. However, its true prowess shone in job sites rather than congested urban landscapes, given its imposing size, large doors, and considerable ride height which made, at times, for cumbersome parking and entry. This occasional awkwardness was somewhat mitigated by clever design elements like the optional tailgate steps and handle. With respect to payload, the Super Duty's maximum capacity reached 4,060 pounds and it handled towing loads exceeding 36,000 pounds in gooseneck configurations, truly underpinning its heavy-duty credentials.

Conversely, the 2022 Toyota Tundra enhanced user comfort and practicality in a different manner. Available in Double Cab and CrewMax formats, the latter offered an impressive 41.6 inches of rear seat legroom akin to an SUV’s spaciousness. This iteration brought an aluminum-reinforced composite bed to all models, adding durability without compromising on weight, and accommodating a payload capacity up to 1,980 pounds. The Tundra was engineered for towing up to 12,000 pounds, exhibiting features like trailer sway control and trailer backup assist to streamline these heavy-duty tasks. Inside, Toyota emphasized smart storage solutions—highlighting the innovative front center armrest which featured a sliding tray allowing access without disturbing driver-level focus. Moreover, additional conveniences, such as strategically placed power outlets, underscored thoughtful user-centric design, making the Tundra a practical choice for both work and family needs.

Technology in the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty was grounded with Ford’s acclaimed Sync 3 infotainment system. Despite the utilitarian outlook, the system’s user-friendly interface minimized distractions via intuitively labeled menus, simplifying daily use. Entry-level models featured a basic, non-touch display but higher trims boasted larger touchscreens complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Additional tech included advanced features like WiFi hotspots and rapidly heated, ventilated seats, certainly enhancing the comfort for long hauls. The accessible upfitter switches allowed customization for any auxiliary needs, providing a functioning advantage in professional applications.

With the 2022 Toyota Tundra, the leap in technological innovation was evident. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the SR and SR5 trims, while the higher trims basked in the grandeur of a 14-inch display. Complementary to the audio sytem, the Tundra integrated wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, ensuring seamless connectivity. Enticing tech aficionados, Toyota also offred Toyota Connected services with various trial periods, alongside Safety and Service Connect features. The integration of a 12-speaker JBL system on the higher trims promised premium sound quality, and the option of a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel in Limited Hybrids honed in on precision and visual appeal. Additionally, the multi-terrain select system equipped in higher versions enriched off-roading experiences with its range of electronic assists.

Safety in the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty was customizable through a variety of available packages. Standard advanced driver aids such as blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control extended safety measures to both driver and pedestrians. Special camera views and the Pro Trailer Backup Assist enhanced towing safety. Since the F-250 Super Duty was classified as a commercial vehicle, it was exempt from standardized crash tests by the NHTSA and IIHS, meaning its safety transplant on-paper was partially inferred from its features and build.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Toyota Tundra came loaded with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite across all trims. This suite incorporated elements like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, and road sign assist, delivering a comprehensive safety net. Eight airbags, LATCH connectors for child seats, and a multitude of electronic aids like traction control and brake assist rounded out its safety features. Despite lacking official crash ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA initially, Toyota’s robust approach to integrating all-round safety was apparent.