The 2020 Toyota Tundra TRD Has the Ford Raptor Beat in a Few Key Metrics
When it comes to full-size trucks on the market, the Ford F-150 is the best-selling vehicle in the US. The Toyota Tundra is the oldest new truck on the market. With the TRD Pro trim package, the Toyota has a few advantages over the Ford F-150 Raptor.
In what key areas does the Tundra TRD Pro beat out the Raptor? Which truck would be the best for you?
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
Why do we talk about the Tundra being the oldest new truck on the market? Simply because the last all-new Tundra was back in 2007. Updates in the 13 years since have helped keep it competitive. And it’s now available in an army green which will be popular with many.
Competitive how? While it might be the oldest truck in its class, it offers real off-road prowess and a good amount of standard safety technology. The older design and powertrain are behind the competition.
But the engine offered is a powerful, reliable 5.7-liter V8 engine standard. The TRD Pro model makes the Tundra rugged and trail-ready.
The TRD Pro package is a competent selection of mechanical and superficial upgrades that make it hard to beat as an off-road truck. It has a lifted suspension and a bigger fuel tank for a longer driving range. Reinforced skid plates protect the underside.
You also get 18-inch BBS forged wheels, capable off-road shock absorbers, and Michelin all-terrain tires. You can now get the TRD Pro in Double Cab or CrewMax configurations.
On the safety and technology front, you can now get an optional 8.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. You now get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability which shows with a great resolution.
There’s an impressive list of standard driver-assist features in the standard Safety Sense P technology suite. It includes automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. This truck also has a rearview camera standard though it’s resolution isn’t that great. It doesn’t include blind-spot monitoring.
It doesn’t get the best fuel economy and it can’t haul and tow as much as its peers. But it’s roomy and highly reliable.
Tundra TRD Pro vs Ford Raptor
What happens when you compare the 2020 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro and the high-performing 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor?
While the Tundra is basically the same as the other Tundra models aside from special shock absorbers, black wheels, the skid plate, and other minor details, the Raptor variant is different.
It’s got a long-travel suspension with a 450-hp turbocharged V6 engine. The restyled body offers a slew of off-road features. Still, if you’re looking for a reliable truck for off-roading, TRD Pro can still hold its own against the Raptor.
Regardless of the configuration, you can’t get the Tundra in a single cab, the F-150 can haul and tow more. It also has better fuel efficiency.
When it comes to reliability, Tundra has a reputation that’s hard to match. Historically, the resale value of Tundra is great. While the F-150 is also reputable, the Tundra has the edge here.
The 2020 Toyota Tundra has earned an excellent 4.5 out of five on predicted reliability from J.D. Power. Considering a rating of three out of five is the average for new vehicles, the rating is even more impressive.
Why the TRD Pro is a better choice
The 2020 Tundra TRD Pro offers a nice list of standard features. Maybe not everything the Ford Raptor offers, but it’s close. The 4.5 out of five predicted reliability rating earned by the TRD Pro beats out the average three out of five given to the 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor. The off-road prowess of the TRD Pro is enough to keep up with the Raptor.
The best part? Starting at $48,655, the 2020 Tundra TRD Pro offers better value than the 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor which starts at $53,205.
If you’re looking for a truck to take you on the road less taken, and heavy hauling and towing aren’t high on your list of priorities, the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro offers great value and a strong reliability rating too.
