The 2021 Ford F-150 has been making waves all year as it continues to roll out killer pickup truck features. Despite the endless list of innovative features, it didn’t do very well on Consumer Reports. In fact, the more often complained about 2021 Toyota Tundra absolutely smoked the 2021 F-150 on the reviews site. 

Is the 2021 Toyota Tundra better than the 2021 Ford F-150? 

Better might be hard to prove, but Consumer Reports certainly prefers the 2021 Toyota Tundra. The 2021 Ford F-150 review by Consumer Reports was mostly pretty good. The predicted reliability, like many vehicles, is where the wheels came off the track. 

 Due to the low reliability score, the overall score landed on 55/100. In the Consumer Reports world, anything below 65/100 counts as failing and earns a spot on the not-recommended list.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra had a different set of problems on its CR review. The Tundra is a reliability powerhouse. Toyota has that 5.7-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission super dialed in. The problem there is, the Tundra feels outdated and unrefined because, well, it is outdated and unrefined. 

Like most truck comparisons, the 2021 Toyota Tundra and 2021 Ford F-150 are much harder to choose between than they might appear at first glance. 

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 a good truck? 

Although CR didn’t love the 2021 F-150, it is hard to deny its dominance over the truck world. The 2021 F-150 has some of the best features ever to be put on a truck.

The PowerBoost hybrid F-150 is one of the quickest and strongest trucks in the full-size lineup. This version also can be equipped with a built-in power generator that can literally power most people’s entire homes if need be. 

Despite these and other incredible advantages, the F-150’s poor reliability history really shot itself in the tire. CR looks at the last 10 years and rates a new vehicle on its chances of having problems based on older models. This might feel a bit unfair, but the logic is sound.

Typically new cars don’t have many problems. However, some 2021 F-150 owners have already reported rust underneath their brand-new trucks. This is exactly what CR is suggesting by its two out of five on predicted reliability. 

Older models have had some similar problems with bodywork and hardware, and that’s not all. The Ford F-150s have struggled with everything from major engine problems to in-car electronics. They may be popular, but I reckon so are Ford mechanics. 

Is the 2021 Toyota Tundra reliable? 

Toyota has built its name on toughness and reliability. The fact that Toyota hasn’t significantly updated any of its 4x4s in nearly 10 years tells you all you need to know. The Tundra got mercilessly ripped by

its Consumer Reports review, and still, it is only one of two trucks that earned the converted Consumer Reports recommendation. 

The 2021 Tundra is loud, uncomfortable, very limited in the configurations dept, unrefined, and rough at the gas pump. If you are familiar with CR’s taste and testing process, you know these seemingly mundane things matter a ton. 

All of that being said, the 2021 Toyota Tundra is one the most reliable and tough trucks on the market. That old V8 might be inefficient, loud, and woefully outdated, but no one can say it isn’t strong and reliable. 

Don’t bet against Toyota

This is Toyota’s superpower. While other automakers have spent the last 10 years and billions on R&D, Toyota has been doubling and tripling down on the handful of old-school 4x4s in the lineup. 

To be fair, Toyota is likely to announce some big, new things for the 4×4 lineup before too long. As EVs take over, Toyota will probably make a push toward EV 4x4s sooner rather than later. Until then, the Toyota Tundra is definitely the tougher and possibly the better choice over the 2021 Ford F-150.