Ford F-150 keeps on truckin’, right past Toyota Tundra

Ford’s F-150 has been the best-selling truck in America for more than four decades, and it will likely continue that trend in 2022. But another full-size truck is getting a lot of attention: the 2022 Toyota Tundra.

The Toyota Tundra has finally received a long-overdue complete redesign that ushers in new engines and features. Is it enough to topple the tried-and-true F-150? The experts at Edmunds compare the 2022 F-150 and 2022 Tundra to find out.

Engines and fuel economy

The heart of any pickup truck is its powertrain, and the F-150 has many to offer. It starts off with a 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine. Or you can choose from two turbocharged V6s, a V8, and a range-topping hybrid powertrain that pairs a turbocharged V6 to a hybrid system for 430 horsepower.

Depending on the engine and configuration, the F-150 ranges from an Epa-estimated 19 mpg in combined city/ highway driving to a high of 25 mpg combined with the hybrid.

Toyota fits most Tundras with a 389-horsepower turbocharged V6. A hybrid powertrain is available on the Tundra’s higher trim levels. It features a turbocharged V6 paired with an electric motor and generates 437 horsepower. While no fuel economy estimates are available for the hybrid, the base engine gets 19 to 20 mpg combined.

Edmunds has found the Tundra’s base engine offers comparable acceleration to the F-150’s turbocharged V6 lineup. But shoppers get more purchase flexibility from the F-150.

Winner: F-150

Towing capacity, towing/ payload tech

Toyota makes the majority of Tundra configurations able to tow around 11,000 pounds when properly equipped. That’s competitive for a light-duty full-size truck and enough to pull a small or medium trailer.

The towing capacity spread for F-150 is greater because Ford offers more configurations and available axle ratios that can help enhance towing. Ultimately the F-150 offers a class-leading 14,000 pounds maximum compared to the Tundra’s 12,000-pound max.

While both trucks offer technology features to facilitate backing up with a trailer, the F-150’s seem a little more helpful.

Winner: F-150

Driving and comfort

Handling prowess for both trucks feels nimble thanks to light and accurate steering. Both trucks also have strong braking performance, ample power at low and highway speeds, and smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmissions.

The F-150 and Tundra both offer smooth and compliant rides, block outside noise well and provide comfortable seats.

Winner: Tie

Features, trims, value

Excluding the specialized Raptor, the Ford F-150 comes in seven trim levels. The base XL trim starts at $30,985 including destination and comes equipped with the base nonturbo V6 and a nice list of standard features but nothing out of the ordinary.

The Toyota Tundra has six trim levels. The base SR trim starts higher at $37,645, but it comes with more standard features, including several advanced driver aids, and the more powerful turbocharged V6 engine.

When comparing the more popular midlevel F-150 Lariat and Tundra Limited trims, the starting prices are about the same, but the Tundra still has its more powerful engine and a larger 14-inch touch screen versus the F-150’s 12-inch unit. However, the F-150’s top Limited trim offers tech and comfort features not found in the Tundra.

While both match up well, the F-150’s extra cool features tip the scale.

Winner: F-150

Edmunds says:

The Ford F-150 is the winner in this truck head-tohead by way of its additional engine options, wider array of comfort and tech features, and more price points to choose from.