Which is better for your workday, the 2023 Ford F-150 or Toyota Tundra? Which of these light-duty trucks offers the more family-friendly cruise? Our buying guide will help you make the right choice!
Key Takeaways
- The F-150 starts at a much lower price than the Tundra.
- Both light-duty trucks are available with a wide range of body styles and modern features, but the F-150 is slightly more flexible.
- The Ford F-150 offers a much longer list of engine options, as well as best-in-class towing and hauling capabilities.
- When it comes to safety, the Tundra comes standard with more driver aids. However, both trucks offer similar safety features throughout their lineups.
Friendliest MSRP: 2023 Ford F-150
If you’re looking for a basic work truck, the Ford F-150 is the more affordable option, starting at $33,695. The entry-level Toyota Tundra is significantly more expensive, with an MSRP of $37,865.
Trim Models & Configurations: 2023 Ford F-150
Although both light-duty trucks are available in a plethora of combinations, the F-150 offers some advantages. For instance, it’s the only one of these trucks to offer a regular cabin in addition to its extended and crew cab options. If you’re building a fleet or in need of a truck that moves max loads, you just might need that regular cabin option!
The F-150 is also available as six main trim models (the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited) along with two off-road-ready options (the Raptor and Raptor R). The standard lineup includes coveted infotainment features, driver safety aids, and performance gear. And moving up the list of trim models will land you plenty of upscale options, from leather upholstery to heated and ventilated front seats.
With the Toyota Tundra, you can choose from two cabin options, the double or crew cab. Seven trim models are available (SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794, TRD Pro, and Capstone). Just like with the F-150, the Tundra offers varying levels of luxury and an off-road-ready model, the TRD Pro. Standard features also include smartphone-friendly infotainment gear and helpful driver aids. Moving up the Tundra trim levels will also land you some upscale comforts, very similar to what you’ll find on the F-150.
Power & Performance: 2023 Ford F-150
Not only does the F-150 offer you a wider range of engine options, with more potential for power, but it also delivers best-in-class towing and hauling capabilities. Properly equipped, Ford’s best selling trucks can tow max loads of 14,000 pounds. Payloads also vary according to body style and equipment, but max out at 3,325 pounds!
Depending on trim model, you can choose from these seven F-150 engine options:
- 3.3L V6 (290 horsepower, 265 lb-ft of torque)
- Turbocharged 2.7L V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- 5.0L V8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft)
- Turbo 3.5L V6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft)
- High-output turbo 3.5L V6 (450 hp, 510 lb-ft) (Raptor models only)
- PowerBoost turbo 3.5L hybrid V6 (430 hp, 570 lb-ft)
- Supercharged 5.2L V8 (700 hp, 640 lb-ft) (Raptor R models only)
Although it’s not quite as capable as the aforementioned competition, the Toyota Tundra is very powerful on its own. Properly equipped, these trucks can tow up to 12,000 pounds. Max payloads reach 1,940 pounds.
The Tundra’s two engine options are also dependent on trim level:
- Turbo 3.5L V6 (389 hp, 479 lb-ft)
- Turbo 3.5L hybrid V6 (437 hp, 583 lb-ft)
Standard Safety Gear: 2023 Toyota Tundra
The Tundra comes with a slightly longer list of standard driver safety aids. If you do a lot of highway driving, features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist can help you feel more confident. The Tundra also comes standard with forward collision warning, which can actively hit the brakes when it senses a potential crash ahead.
Toyota’s full-size truck also offers some safety upgrades. For example, you can add blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system for greater visibility when you’re moving this big truck through a crowded parking lot or busy highway.
Back on the 2023 F-150, you’ll find standard lane departure warning and forward collision mitigation. Although Ford’s truck doesn’t offer as many standard safety features, it does provide quite a few options, including all of the Tundra’s available features, plus evasive steering assist and rear automatic braking.
The Best Truck for the Job
The 2023 Toyota Tundra certainly delivers rugged style and plenty of features to love, but it’s no 2023 Ford F-150. If you want premium power, best-in-class capabilities, and features you can’t find on any other truck, then you definitely need to stick with the 2023 Ford F-150!