2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, especially in its Limited trim, exuded a sense of luxury and capability. Its Iconic Silver paint and chrome accents gave it a stately appearance, while the plush leather seats and high-end audio system added to its upscale feel. The truck's design was both purposeful and elegant, making it suitable for a range of activities, from towing heavy loads to arriving in style at a high-end restaurant. The interior was spacious, with a sensible layout and ample storage, ensuring comfort and convenience for all passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma, despite its aggressive exterior design, showed signs of aging, particularly in its cabin. The interior featured a mix of contemporary and outdated elements, with hard plastics and older switchgear. While the Tacoma offered a range of trims, from the basic SR to the off-road-focused TRD Pro, the cabin's materials and design did not match the modernity of its exterior. The Tacoma's interior was functional but lacked the premium feel of the F-350, making it more suited for practical use rather than luxury.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty was powered by a robust 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine, delivering an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Despite its size and power, the truck managed a fuel efficiency of 15.4 mpg on average, improving to 16.5 mpg with highway driving. The F-350's diesel engine provided remarkable towing and hauling capabilities, making it a reliable choice for heavy-duty tasks. Its off-road package, including a front suspension lift and 35-inch all-terrain tires, enhanced its performance on rugged terrains, while adaptive steering and a stout braking system ensured control and safety.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma offered two engine options: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 159 horsepower and a more capable 3.5-liter V6 producing 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The V6, though more powerful, struggled with highway acceleration due to its transmission gearing. The Tacoma excelled off-road, particularly in the TRD Pro trim, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhancing its trail capabilities. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with the V6 engine providing only decent acceleration and the steering requiring effort at low speeds.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty offered a spacious and comfortable interior, especially in the crew cab configuration. The Limited trim featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, providing a commanding driving position. The rear seats offered ample legroom, although the cushion was slightly lower than expected. The truck's cargo bed was accessible with optional steps and featured a configurable BoxLink system for securing loads. Storage was abundant, with a large center console, dual glove compartments, and door bins.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma was available in Access Cab and Double Cab styles, with limited rear-seat space in both configurations. The Access Cab's rear jump seats were best suited for short trips or additional storage, while the Double Cab offered slightly more room but remained tight for adults. The front seats provided good legroom, but the steering wheel's limited adjustment could be uncomfortable for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed featured in-bed lighting and a power outlet, adding practicality for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty came with an 8-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system, which, while functional, was becoming outdated compared to competitors. The system included smartphone integration, navigation, and a premium B&O sound system. The screen size was a drawback for using the truck's advanced towing and parking technologies, which would benefit from a larger display. The F-350 also offered a Live Drive Power Take-off system and upfitter switches for additional equipment.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma featured a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with a straightforward infotainment system. The system's simplicity was a plus, allowing easy access to Apple CarPlay and other features. However, the wireless device charger required manual activation, which was less convenient than modern systems. The Tacoma's tech offerings were basic, focusing more on functionality than advanced features.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, with its substantial weight, likely provided good protection in collisions with smaller vehicles. It offered a range of driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the adaptive cruise control's performance was inconsistent, and the blind-spot indicators were not always visible. The F-350 also featured 911 Assist for emergency situations.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came standard with several driver-assistance features, such as forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. 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, indicating a solid level of safety.