Ford F250 vs Toyota Tundra
Many people don't know that Ford produced the very first pickup truck in 1926, just under 100 years ago. For Americans, this started a love affair with the pickup truck.
For shoppers looking for a high-quality pre-owned pickup truck, the world is your oyster, with more than enough choices. However, picking the right fit can be problematic.
At Tims Trucks, we help our shoppers by sharing valuable information about what's out there.
Our article compares two solid full-size pickup options: the Ford F-250 and the Toyota Tundra. Both make excellent pre-owned truck purchases.
Ford F250
The good old American Ford brands' range of F-series pickups includes heavy-duty models such as the F-250 that features a heavy-duty chassis with fortified drive shafts, axles, brakes, towing hardware, and a useful 4WD transfer case.
Good value is to be found in the fourth-generation F-250 produced from 2017 to 2022. Quality examples of this truck should offer lower mileage with less wear and tear and neater cabins.
Shoppers can pick up the F-250 in three cab options: a Crew Cab, Regular Cab, and SuperCab. Trim levels include XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum, with a limited trim available for the 2018 model year.
Toyota Tundra
Toyota tells us that their Tundra full-size pickup truck is “More than a hardworking pickup, it's a weekend warrior built for taking you on far-out adventures that leave you with unforgettable memories.”
The Tundra has been around since 1999 and is now in its third generation as of 2021 and is available in either an extended- or crew cab.
The third generation Tundra is available in seven trim levels: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and TRD Pro, plus the luxury-oriented Capstone trim.
Powertrains and Performance
The F-250 makes use of a 6.2-liter V8 pushing 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque or a seriously powerful 6.7-liter turbo diesel V8 making 450 horsepower and 935 pound-feet of torque that makes towing a cinch with its maximum towing capacity of up to 17,600 lbs.
All trims use a six-speed automatic transmission with a drive going to the rear wheels or optional AWD.
The Japanese but locally built Toyota takes a different approach to power plants and, unlike its domestic counterparts, does not offer any option for V8 motive power in its latest lineup.
The Tundra makes use of a 3.4 liter V6 engine with twin-turbochargers producing either 348 or 379 horsepower, depending upon trim.
A more powerful hybridized variant pushes out 437 horsepower and torque of 583 pound-feet.
All Tundra models use a 10-speed automatic transmission with drive going to the rear wheels or a four-wheel drivetrain. The Tundra differs from its US pickup rivals in that no automatic four-wheel drive system is on offer.
The Tundra offers a 12,000-pound max towing capacity.
Exterior Differences
The F-250 body uses rust-resistant, high-strength military-grade aluminum alloy in the two-door Regular Cab, four-door SuperCab, or four-door Crew Cab configurations.
Key exterior features are auto on/off reflector halogen headlights, daytime running lights, a black front bumper with a black rub strip, and a fascia accent with two handy tow hooks.
Wing mirrors offer a folding function to assist in tight spaces, and further handy items include a black step bumper and a lamp in the load bed.
The butch styling of the Tundra, especially viewed from the front, features stylish headlamps with LED running lights depending on trim, bold wheel arch trim, and is available in extended- or crew-cab configuration with load beds of 5.5, 6.5, or 8.1 feet depending on cab size and trim.
Buyers of the Tundra can choose from an impressive palette of up to 11 paint colors.
Comfortable Cabins
The Ford offers a comfortable cabin with a comprehensive specs list that offers, amongst other items:
- An instrument cluster with a Speedometer, Odometer, Oil Pressure, Engine Coolant Temp, Tachometer, Transmission Fluid Temp, Engine Hour Meter, Trip Odometer, and Trip Computer
- Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting
- Heavy duty Vinyl 40/20/40 Split Bench Seat with center armrest, cupholder, storage, and driver's side manual lumbar
- Manual Adjustable Front Head Restraints
- Front Map Lights
Ford's SYNC 4 system is tasked with the infotainment needs and offers an eight-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen. An AM/FM Stereo radio, four speakers, plus two LCD Monitors for the front passengers are standard fare.
Wireless phone connection, cloud connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, AppLink with app catalog, 911 Assist, plus a digital owner's manual, are standard.
The Toyota, with its several trim levels, offers cabins that stretch from workmanlike to the suburban weekend warrior with all the goodies.
The Tundra cabin features a chunky dashboard that matches its exterior and has plenty of air vents. Buyers can look forward to a cabin trimmed with higher quality materials in this generation Tundra than previous models, with the top trim even offering attractive wood accents.
All trims feature a versatile center console and plenty of cubby storage, along with a sizable center storage bin. Drivers get a pair of analog gauges plus a small driver-information display in the standard instrument panel, while, as expected, top trim levels get a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
An 8.0-inch touchscreen is fitted as standard in the Tundra, with the option of an infotainment screen measuring 14.0 inches wide.
The infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus controls on the steering wheel.
Safety Features Comparison
The Ford comes standard with driver assistance aids such as Lane Departure Warning that covers both the truck and the trailer, plus standard safety equipment such as automatic emergency braking and ABS to help keep you safe.
All Tundra trims offer a full complement of driver-assistance technology such as automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, plus more.
Find Your Next Pickup Truck at Tim's Trucks
Tim’s Trucks in NH offers an extensive lineup of quality pre-owned trucks and SUVs, vans, and cars.
Be sure to check out our current inventory and allow our knowledgeable and friendly sales team to offer you an exceptional customer service experience when looking for your next quality pre-owned vehicle.
Customer Account
