2021 Tundra vs. F-150 Comparison
For the doers and movers out there, a truck can help you get things done right. The 2021 Toyota Tundra and Ford F-150 are two great trucks built on strong foundations and fitted with the latest technology.
Whether you're looking to go off the grid or haul for work, the Tundra and F-150 have impressive feature packages for both off-roading and maximum towing.
Small advantages are important, too. When things get a bit messy, the 2021 Tundra has available heavy-duty all-weather flooring and floor mats to keep your car's interior clean. Comparatively, the F-150 comes with vinyl flooring and an upgrade will only get you Color-Coordinated Carpet with Carpeted Floor Mats.
Let's take a look at what else these trucks have to offer in safety, interior, and performance in this side-by-side comparison.
Published Date: 06/21/2021
Safety
- Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) is standard on all Tundra models.
- The F-150 has some comparable safety features, but to get the Lane-Keeping System and BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert you'd need to spend extra.
- The Tundra comes standard with an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller with Multi-Information Display (MID). To get something comparable on the F-150 you'd have to spend an extra $880.
While you're working, your 2021 Tundra is working to help keep you safe with a whole suite of driver-assistive safety features.
Standard Safety Features
No matter which model you choose, the Toyota Tundra comes with a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). All of these active safety features are bundled together into Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P).
On the other hand, the F-150 doesn't have nearly as many standard safety features. The only comparable features that come standard are Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Automatic High-Beams. For the Lane-Keeping System and BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert you'd need to add the Ford Co-Pilot360™ 2.0 package for $655. Or, you can get the XLT which has Ford Co-Pilot360™ 2.0 standard. To get Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control you'd need to also add on the Ford Co-Pilot360™ 2.0 Assist package for an additional $750.
Your Tundra truck also has safety features for when you're towing. To help keep your trailer under control, the Tundra comes standard with an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller which has a Multi-Information Display (MID) monitoring screen and trailer brake type, gain and manual trailer brake output controls. Plus, it also has Trailer-Sway Control (TSC). You'd have to add the Tow Technology Package to the F-150 XL for an additional $880 for the comparable features.
Interior
- The Tundra has more standard seating than the F-150.
- While the Tundra and the F-150 have a lot of the same multimedia features, to get SiriusXM® in the F-150 LX you'd have to spend extra.
- With the Tundra you have the option of heavy-duty all-weather flooring and floor mats, something the F-150 lacks.
Interior features can make a cool truck even cooler. The Tundra and F-150 have the connectivity options and the space to keep your ride comfortable.
Room for More
The 2021 Tundra comes standard with a 6-person seating capacity. The F-150 XL with a Regular Cab can only seat up to three passengers. You'll need a SuperCab or SuperCrew® for seating for up to six.
Wherever your next adventure takes you and your passengers, things are bound to get a little dirty. Get heavy-duty all-weather flooring and floor mats for only $169 extra in the Tundra SR. Otherwise, it comes standard with carpet flooring. In the F-150 XL you'll have to pay extra for Color-Coordinated Carpet with Carpeted Floor Mats, $145 to be exact. It doesn't look like there is an option for heavy-duty floor mats either.
Aside from the actual interior materials and size, both the Tundra and F-150 have Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility standard. But, the Tundra takes connectivity a step further. On top of the previous features, you also get standard Amazon Alexa compatibility and SiriusXM® with a 3-month All Access trial. For a trial of SiriusXM® in the F-150 LX you'll have to include the $1,655 Audio Upgrade.
Performance
- If you love to go off-roading the Tundra has a lot of features to get you "over the hump".
- The Tundra has a larger ground clearance than the F-150.
- You also get more standard towing power with the Tundra compared to the Ford F-150.
Now we've come to the real meat of this comparison. The performance section. We know that if you're looking at trucks, you want something that handles whatever you need and doesn't mind taking on more.
Off-Roading Adventure Vehicle
When you want to take a detour, the 2021 Tundra has the features to excel on any terrain with 4WDemand part-time 4WD with electronically controlled transfer case, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), and Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD) on the 4x4 drivetrain models. Plus, for those steep ascents, the Tundra SR 4x4 has a 26.0 minimum approach angle (degrees). The TRD Pro has an even bigger 31.0 minimum approach angle (degrees). Comparatively, the Ford F-150 4x4 has AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC® ), Electronic-Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF), and an Electronic-Locking Rear Differential. The F-150 XL 4x4 Regular Cab with a 6.5-ft. bed has a smaller approach angle of 21.7 degrees. Even on the higher grade models the biggest approach angle is 23.9 degrees.
Plus, in the Tundra SR 4x4 Double Cab with a 6.5-ft. bed you get an extra lift with standard 18-in. styled steel wheels and P255/70R18 all-terrain tires. This results in a 10.6 in. minimum ground clearance. On the other hand, the F-150 4x4 Regular Cab with a 6.5-ft. bed comes with 17-Inch Silver Steel Wheels and 245/70 R17 BSW All-Season Tires for a smaller 9.4 in. ground clearance.
If you'd rather "glamp", the Tundra also has lots of towing power. The base model SR 4x2 Double Cab with a 6.5-ft. bed is ready to tow up to 10,200 lbs. at a starting MSRP of $33,825. With the standard 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 engine, Ford drivers can only tow up to 8,300 lbs. To be able to tow up to 14,000 lbs. With the F-150 you'd need the Max Trailer Tow Package and the 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 engine starting at $38,935.
Conclusion: Tundra vs. F-150
- The Tundra base model has more standard safety features than the base model F-150.
- If you like to be connected, the Tundra has more standard media apps, like Amazon Alexa compatibility and SiriusXM® with a 3-month All Access trial.
- When it comes to getting more for less, the Tundra is the way to go.
When it comes down to it, the difference between these two workhorse trucks is in the details. For standard safety features, interior connectivity options, and performance, the Tundra inched out the competition.
With Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) standard on all Tundra models, you get more driver assistive technology than the base model F-150.
Plus, you get more connectivity options standard in the Tundra which has Amazon Alexa compatibility and SiriusXM® with a 3-month All Access trial. SiriusXM® is only available in the F-150 with an Audio Upgrade.
For a truck that has more than just sheer power, the Toyota Tundra is the perfect utility vehicle that gives drivers lots of standard options.