Ford
was one of the first automakers to popularize pickup trucks in the United States. Even today, the Ford F-150 is not only the most popular truck: it's also the best-selling vehicle across every segment. Even so, Ford still has a lot of aggressive competitors in the truck category. According to HotCars
, the compact Toyota Tacoma even had more sales than the Ford Ranger at one point. Let's look at both automakers' pickup truck options and try to settle the Toyota vs. Ford debate. Ford's current lineup of pickup trucks
Many drivers love the Ford F-150 because of its impressive engine lineup, which includes five V6 options and one V8. The most powerful V6 can produce 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Older models can have a turbo-diesel V6, which was discontinued for 2022.
With the right equipment, the Ford F-150 can tow up to 11,300 pounds. Ford also offers two Super Duty versions of this truck, including an F-350 that can tow 21,000 pounds. Even the all-electric F-150 Lightning can tow a good 10,000 pounds.
Ford has two smaller pickup trucks: the Ranger and the Maverick. The Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds with its singular engine, a 270-horsepower turbo-four. The ten-speed transmission reportedly causes sluggish acceleration, but it's a speedy truck once it gets going.
The Ford Maverick is even smaller and can only tow up to 4,000 pounds. However, it also offers a hybrid engine option and more passenger legroom.
Notable pickup trucks from Toyota
This Japanese automaker's flagship pickup, the 1964 Toyota Stout, saw abysmal sales in the United States. The Toyota Hilux was a little more popular, but it still couldn't outsell the prominent F-150. While the American Hilux eventually fizzled out in the ‘90s, it still has a dedicated audience overseas.
In 2021, the Toyota Tundra sold about 6,000 units per month. The 2022 model has been completely redesigned, now standard with a 389-horsepower twin-turbo V6. There's an optional hybrid engine with more horsepower, but only the base engine can unlock the truck's 12,000-pound towing capacity.
The Toyota Tacoma is the automaker's midsize pickup offering. Its most powerful engine makes 278 horsepower and allows the truck to tow up to 6,800 pounds. Both the Tacoma and Tundra, especially those with the TRD badges, are excellent off-roaders.
MORE: Can the 2022 Toyota Tundra Compete with Other Pickups?
Toyota vs. Ford: which one makes better trucks?
The Toyota Tundra is more powerful than the F-150, and reviews often praise it for having the smoothest ride. Additionally, all Toyota vehicles are known for their exceptional reliability.
However, Ford trucks currently have more powertrain options for both diesel and EV fans. The automaker offers more optional equipment for its current lineup, and older trucks have more diverse transmission options.
Even with more features, Ford trucks are often less expensive. For example, the base Toyota Tundra retails for $5,000 more than the standard Ford F-150.
So it boils down to whether you want more options or if you value power and reliability. The best way to make the choice is to test drive both trucks for yourself.
Toyota vs. Ford: which truck has the cheaper insurance?
With careful research, we've found that the average Ford F-150 insurance
premiums usually total $2,729 per year. The Toyota Tundra only costs $2,414
to insure each year, making it the more affordable option at a glance. However, several factors can make Toyota insurance more expensive compared to a similar Ford. Fully-loaded trims have costly policies because of their higher retail prices and extra equipment. Driver demographics, such as age and location, can also raise or lower your insurance.
Whether you have a Ford or Toyota truck, Jerry can help you find affordable coverage for either one in seconds. Plus, even after you've purchased a policy, Jerry
always informs you about better insurance quotes for your vehicle each time you renew. 
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