Ford F-150 Vs. Toyota Tacoma: Reliability and Specs

See why the fan-favorite F-150 gets more done than the competition with our Ford F-150 vs. Toyota Tacoma comparison guide. Read on to compare Tacoma vs. F-150 pickup trucks, and visit us at DESOTO Ford for a test drive.
2023 Ford F-150 vs. Tacoma Reliability
Ford F-150 vs. Toyota Tacoma dependability sees both trucks offer strong ratings. However, J.D. Power awarded the 2023 Ford F-150 a Quality & Reliability score of 86 out of 100. Meanwhile, they handed the 2023 Toyota Tacoma a Quality & Reliability score of 83 out of 100.

Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford F-150 Specs and Capabilities
The new Ford F-150 is a powerful truck with several great engines in its arsenal. The Toyota Tacoma only gives you two choices for power:
- 2.7-liter four-cylinder: 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque
- 3.5-liter V-6: 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque
F-150 vs. Tacoma power isn't close, as the F-150 offers seven choices:
- 3.3-liter V-6: 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque
- 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6: 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque
- 5.0-liter V-8: 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque
- 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6: 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque
- 3.5-liter PowerBoost Full-Hybrid V-6: 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque
- 3.5-liter High-Output EcoBoost V-6: 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque
- 5.2-liter High-Output Supercharged V-8: 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque
Also, there's the new Ford F-150 Lightning with its electrified output. The Tacoma has no hybrid or electric variants, and its highest-output engine is less powerful than the standard F-150 engine.
As you'd expect from the specs, the F-150 can tow more than the Tacoma. Specifically, a properly equipped 2023 Ford F-150 can offer you a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds.3 The 2023 Toyota Tacoma can only reach a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds4 when properly equipped.
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma delivers up to a projected EPA-estimated 19/24 MPG (city/highway) with the 3.5-liter engine,5 while a 2WD 2023 Ford F-150 with the PowerBoost engine delivers an EPA-estimated 25/25 MPG (city/highway).6 And don't think the hybrid efficiency compromises towing strength – a properly equipped PowerBoost Ford F-150 can tow up to 12,700 pounds7
Ford F-150 vs. Toyota Tacoma specs are a shutout; the Ford F-150 takes first place.
2023 Ford F150 XLT | 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road | |
Horsepower (Regular Gasoline) | 290 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 278 @ 6000 rpm |
Torque | 265 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 rpm | 265 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
EPA-Estimated MPG (city/hwy/cbd) | 19/24/216 | 18/22/205 |
Cargo Capacity | 52.8 cu. ft | 42.6 cu.ft |
Seating Capacity | Up to 6 | Up to 5 |
Engine | 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 3.5-liter V6 direct-injection Atkinson |
Towing Capacity | 14,000 lbs3 | 6,800 lbs4 |
Ford F-150 vs. Tacoma Size Configurations
Ford F-150 vs. Tacoma sizes show how the F-150 offers you more. Both models are available in several cab/box styles, but the F-150 comes in a wider variety. As for configurations, the F-150 is available in regular cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew cab formats, with 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8.0-foot bed lengths to discover.
The Toyota Tacoma is available in Access Cab or Double Cab layouts, with either a 5-foot or 6-foot long bed.
Even when you compare the Ford F-150 vs. Toyota Tacoma beds with near-equal lengths, the F-150 bed dimensions are wider and deeper to fit more. For example, the 5.5-foot F-150 bed is 50.6 inches wide and 21.4 inches tall, while the 6-foot Tacoma bed is 41.5 inches wide and 19.1 inches tall.

Find Your Next Ford F-150 at DESOTO Ford
All that is just the beginning of what a Ford F-150 can do. From higher luxury features to a more spacious cabin, the 2023 Ford F-150 is the truck for you. Come explore our Ford truck inventory today to experience the Ford F-150 towing capacity and all the power your work-site duties need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Ford F-150 bigger than a Tacoma?
The Ford F-150 is larger than the Toyota Tacoma. Specifically, the Ford F-150 is classified as a full-size light-duty pickup truck, while the Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size light-duty pickup truck. The Ford F-150 can tow more, has larger bed options, and larger cabs to fit your family along for the ride. Plus, the Ford F-150 makes bigger power.
Does a Ford F-150 get better MPG than a Toyota Tacoma?
Yes, Ford F-150 vs. Toyota Tacoma MPG ratings do, in fact, favor the Ford F-150. In particular, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma can only reach up to a projected EPA-estimated 19/24 MPG (city/highway),5 while the 2023 Ford F-150 can be configured with hybrid efficiency to deliver an EPA-estimated 25/25 MPG (city/highway).6
Is a Ford F-150 better than a Toyota Tacoma?
The 2023 Ford F-150 offers many specs that are generally superior to those on the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. It has more power with every engine it offers, stronger maximum towing capacity ratings, higher maximum MPG ratings, more bed space and cab configurations, and a higher J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score of 86 out of 100.1 2
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2023/ford/f-150
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2023/toyota/tacoma
3Requires Max trailer Tow Package and Heavy-Duty Payload Package; Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers.
4Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.
52023 projected EPA-estimated mpg rating estimates as determined by manufacturer. EPA estimates not available at time of posting. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
6EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
7Requires Max trailer Tow Package; Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers.