Big Truck Matchup: 2016 Toyota Tundra Vs. 2016 Ford F-150
Shopping for your next full-size truck? Chances are, you’ve probably got your eye on an American make. However, offerings such as the 2016 Toyota Tundra might make you rethink your stance on big trucks. In a matchup between it and the 2016 Ford F-150, both are behemoths in engine power, hauling capacity and features. However, some drivers may find that the Tundra gives them more for their money.
Judging a Book by Its Cover
The first aspect that the average truck buyer will probably compare is the exterior qualities of the Tundra and the F-150. Both vehicles score high in the looks department: big, beefy and beautiful exteriors that easily give off the “don’t mess with me” vibe. However, the Tundra sports a longer payload bay, coming in at 19 feet long and 16 feet high as opposed to the F-150’s 17 feet long by 6 feet high. The Tundra’s payload dimensions give it the edge, offering greater versatility that allows you to haul tools and small equipment for weekday jobs as well as motorcycles for the weekend ride.
Comparing Engines and Horse Power
Depending on your needs, the extra power that the Tundra packs under its hood might sway you in its direction. The Toyota packs in a 4.6-liter V8 engine that cranks out an impressive 310 horsepower. By contrast, the F-150 has a 3.5 V6 with an output of 285 horsepower. While some might find the fuel economy of the F-150 a bit more to their liking, the overall utility should also be considered. For those who need their trucks for tough, outdoor jobs and regular hauling, the Tundra is the better choice with its beefier engine and longer payload bay.
Rating the Intangibles
When it comes to dollars and cents, the matchup between the 2016 Toyota Tundra and the 2016 F-150 isn’t quite so cut-and-dry. The F-150 starts out with a base price around $29,000 while the Tundra’s begins at $34,000. But for the few extra grand more than the F-150, the Tundra is a solidly capable truck. It boasts plenty of standard features, an engine with greater output and a larger payload that can accommodate nearly everything you need to haul. Additionally, fans of American-made vehicles will be happy to know that the Tundra is manufactured in the United States—Toyota’s San Antonio plant, to be precise. With these pluses, frequently haulers and doers of dirty jobs would do well to opt for the Tundra. The extra functionality and power you gain are well worth the money.