Starting at
Starting at
14,000 | Towing Capacity (lbs) | 10,200 |
450 | Horsepower (HP) | 381 |
25 | Fuel Economy (combined mpg) | 15 |
Just because it isn't a three-quarter-ton or one-ton truck does not mean it isn't capable. In fact, the half-ton truck is your most common truck size. Trucks such as the Ford F-150, the Chevy Silverado, The Toyota Tundra, and the Ram 1500 fall into this category. These are trucks that haul just the right amount while remaining lightweight and easy to get around in. While there are several half-ton options out there, there's an intense battle going on between two specific models - the 2021 Ford F-150 vs 2021 Toyota Tundra.
While these trucks may look the same at a basic level, there are some important spec differences under the surface. Both trucks offer different engine options, differing towing capacities, and different transmission speeds. We're eager to show you everything you need to know about the 2021 Ford F-150 vs 2021 Toyota Tundra here today.
When you're buying a truck, performance is the number one aspect to factor in. You need power, towing capability, and maybe even off-roading abilities. All trucks may look similar, but each model offers something different under the hood. Let's look and see what kind of power the 2021 F-150 and the 2021 Toyota Tundra have to offer.
First, there are seven available engines on the new 2021 Ford F-150. Its performance specs vary from engine to engine. We'll go over each engine in order from lowest horsepower to highest. The 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel engine produces 250 horses, the 3.3-liter V6 pumps out 290 horses, and the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 reaches up to 325 horsepower. The larger 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine produces 400 horses, the 5.0-liter V8 offers the same, and the 3.5-liter PowerBoost V6 hybrid engine pumps out 430 horses. Despite the hybrid's horsepower, though, the strongest engine towing-wise is actually the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, landing a max towing capacity of 14,000 pounds.
The Ford F-150 has a 10-speed transmission, and its hybrid engine can tow up to 12,700 pounds while maintaining 25 miles per gallon combined. Further, the diesel engine can tow 12,100 pounds while getting up to 27 miles per gallon on the highway.
The performance specs on the 2021 Toyota Tundra are surprisingly different. It only comes with just one engine option, which is a 5.7-liter V8 that lands 381 horses alongside 401 pound-feet of torque. No matter which trim level you choose, you're subject to only 13 miles per gallon in the city and 17 miles per gallon on the highway. Further, the Tundra only offers a 6-speed transmission as opposed to the F-150's 10-speed, which is part of what greatly affects its fuel economy. Lastly, the 2021 Toyota Tundra can only tow 10,200 pounds compared to the Ford F-150's max 14,000-pound towing capacity.
The big perk to the 2021 Ford F-150's performance is its ability to maintain fuel economy while also remaining more powerful than the 2021 Toyota Tundra. Plus, with all of those engine options, anyone can find an F-150 that works for them. The Toyota Tundra really falls short with its 6-speed transmission and the fact that it only offers one available engine. To top it all off, the F-150 offers the best payload capacity in its class, meaning you can haul up to 3,325 pounds in the bed of your truck with no trailer needed. Between the two models, the Ford F-150 comes out way ahead in the performance category.
Off-roading is an important consideration for many truck drivers, and that goes far beyond just 4x4, mud flaps, and skid plates. Plus, most truckers prefer a tough look, so aesthetic is important whether it serves a purpose or not. The 2021 Ford F-150 and the 2021 Toyota Tundra both offer off-road features, but in this comparison, you will discover that the F-150 is far ahead in terms of actual performance.
The Raptor is the Ford F-150's off-roading trim option. The F-150 Raptor comes with available 37-inch tires and 13.1 inches of ground clearance to complement its special high-output EcoBoost engine. It comes with an extra-wide skid plate, a light bar for nighttime trailing, and heavy-duty bumpers that can tackle flying gravel and sticks with ease. You'll get a 33-degree departure angle on the Raptor, which means you won't have any issues with bottoming out when you're off-roading.
If the Raptor is more truck than you need, check on the all-new F-150 Tremor, which brings a new level of attainable off-road performance to America's favorite truck. Other Ford F-150 models are also available with 4x4 and can be upgraded with the FX4 off-road package for extra enhancements. You can order a variety of exterior add-ons from Ford's official accessories site to further customize your truck's performance.
The TRD Pro is Toyota Tundra's off-roading trim, and its exterior options include splash guards, TRD Pro dual exhaust. However, it falls far short of what the F-150 is capable of with only 9.6 inches of ground clearance and a 23.5-inch departure angle, which is almost 10 degrees less than the Ford F-150.
While both models are sporty and aesthetically appealing, the 2021 Ford F-150 beats the 2021 Toyota Tundra in this race. Both standard models are very similar in design on their own, but their off-roading trim options differ greatly. The 2021 F-150 Raptor and F-150 Tremor are far more heavy-duty than the 2021 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. Overall, both models offer a sporty, rugged appeal, but the heavier duty option is easily the 2021 Ford F-150.
Your truck's interior means a lot more than it used to. Before, the interior cab area was nothing more than a place to control the pedals and stay cool during the summer. Now, your modern truck's interior offers several productive and convenient perks to help make life easier. We're going to compare the 2021 Ford F-150's interior with the 2021 Toyota Tundra's to see which one is right for you.
As usual, this modern truck offers a touchscreen entertainment center that houses all the F-150's information, along with settings, all your driver-assist features, navigation, and more. However, the massive size of the available 12-inch touchscreen is something you won't find in many other trucks. Further, you can control the F-150 via your subscription-free FordPass app to start the engine, control the locks, and trigger or turn off the alarm. You'll have access to music streaming via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and cruise control with distance pacing makes it easy to avoid rear-end collisions.
But all these features probably sound familiar. What's unique about the 2021 F-150's interior is its interior work surface. While you obviously cannot utilize this space while driving, it's great if you need to work on the go. Simply fold your workspace table in and out as needed. The shift knob will easily fold down to give you additional table space. The 2021 Ford F-150 is great for both physical labor and mental labor, making it the perfect truck for productive adults.
The 2021 Toyota Tundra includes an available 8-inch touchscreen entertainment system that offers navigation, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto. Toyota does offer its Toyota Connected Services, which is like FordPass Connect, except it's not free. FordPass Connect is included for free the entire time that you own your F-150, but Toyota Connected Services charges a subscription fee. However, the Tundra does offer distance pacing, much like the F-150, and it does come with one free year of "remote connect," which allows drivers to control their engine and door locks remotely.