Toyota Tundra vs F150 Video Comparison Kinda Weak

Posted by Jason in July 17th, 2009

Posted in: Tundra Videos

Toyota has published some comparison videos on their ToyotaUSA YouTube channel. While it’s great to see Toyota embracing YouTube, this effort (this F150 vs Tundra video) leaves a lot to be desired.

Check it out:

Here’s the critique:

Why oh why would they lead with ground clearance…and why would they try and brag about only one inch more ground clearance from the front bumper? Never mind the fact that you can clearly see the skid plate (about 6 inches behind the front bumper) sits lower than the front bumper. Never mind the fact that we all know ground clearance is usually limited by the pumpkin (a.k.a. rear differential).
Who is this spokesperson? Could we get someone that consumers are more likely to respect? How about someone who isn’t quite so smug?
Why is this video so long? What if Toyota cut up this one video into four or five like “F150 vs Tundra – Tailgates,” “F150 vs Tundra – Storage,” “F150 vs Tundra – Doublecab or Supercab,” etc.
What if, instead of saying that Ford’s tailgate step might break after heavy use, they say “We think Ford’s tailgate step is a great idea, but we don’t like where it’s located. A lot of times people like to use the tailgate to help them load a large item (cut to clip of someone trying to push a mattress across Ford’s tailgate), and this thing might get in the way.”
Where’s the demonstrable advantage in power? A 5.7 Tundra is going to wipe the floor with a 5.4 F150.

OK OK OK – it’s true that this video (and the other two – Tundra vs. Ram and Tundra vs. Silverado) are just re-purposed sales training videos. Perhaps if we’d seen the entire training video, these comparisons wouldn’t look so…weak. If a consumer watches this video, are they going to think “Gee, the Tundra is a smart choice.“, or are they going to wonder “Why are these advantages so weak?”

The Tundra vs. Ram video:

The Tundra vs. Silverado video:

LOVE the demonstration of the rear leg room in both videos – great work on that. For the rest? See the comments above. At least the ground clearance advantage is a little more obvious in these videos (and a little more significant too).

Thoughts – are these videos weak?

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25 comments

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NoKz Said in July 17th, 2009 @10:23 am

Hell, my 4.7L !st Gen wipes the floor with the F-150’s 5.4L. That’s something they should mention!

Brian Said in July 17th, 2009 @10:40 am

These videos are weak because IMO the Tundra is weaker than the domestics. Toyota simply tried to use spin in these videos to make the Tundra look better. The strongest piece of the Tundra is the 5.7L powertrain…and that’s about it! The 4.6L V-8 is a non-player due to its weak torque curve (see it on Toyota’s website). Both Chevy/GMC and Ford have torque curves on ALL of their V-8s that are in line with what real truck customers actually want; they’re not just trying to put numbers on a page likw Toyota is. Until Toyota fixes that weak frame, improves paint quality, updates the quirky interior, and improves the new 4.6 power curve…I won’t even think about buying one.

mk Said in July 17th, 2009 @5:35 pm

Brian,

I know for sure the 4.6L tundra with 4.10 rear axle ratio similar hp and torque of chevies 5.3L 3.72 rear axle ratio with 4 speed automatic would blow the chevy away. I owned chevy 5.3L’s since 1990 and rest assured, the ride quality is better in the chevy, but tundra’s interior creature comforts overall top GM and tranny and engine are much better in the tundra, even the 4.6L vs. 5.3L. It takes GM’s 6.2L V8 in a much bigger displacement engine that costs several 1,000 of dollars more to barely edge out the tundra’s 5.7L in a drag race or pulling a trailer.

Brian Said in July 17th, 2009 @6:08 pm

mk,
I respect your opinion and I agree that the hp/torque numbers at first glance are comparable with the 4.6 Toyota vs the 5.3 Chevy, but the power curve, or how much power is available across the rpm band, for the 4.6 Toyota is horrible. The 5.7 Toyota is a much better engine and has a beautifully flat torque curve and I agree will slam the door on all other trucks. With as much money and engine technology as Toyota has, I was disappointed by the dyno sheet they posted on their own website for the 4.6. I think they can do better. I do like the way the Tundra looks and have owned several and currently own a Toyota product. I am simply disappointed with the Tundra and these videos do nothing to change my opinion on a middle of the road truck that has the ability to be awesome. At least give me a fully boxed frame. I saw a Tundra on the road last week and the bed was shaking much more than it should on minor pavement imperfections. With all I’ve read on bed bounce and the like this is a problem Toyota should address. The 6 speed advantage Tundra had over Silverado/F-150 no longer exists as both can now be had with a 6 speed tranny.

George RIos Said in July 17th, 2009 @7:07 pm

Great! the Tundra is better i have a 2008 but 2 words for the Tundra Bed Bounce.

Mickey Said in July 17th, 2009 @7:13 pm

When it came to the rear doors the DC is more what people need than the way Ford makes theirs. Not to mention alot more stable on a side impact. Power isn’t everything. You have to look at the whole truck and what you need one for.

Mickey Said in July 17th, 2009 @7:15 pm

As far as the bed bounce I guess you have to be in an area that has the road issues. Where I’m at no issues.

George RIos Said in July 17th, 2009 @8:47 pm

Bed Bounce

mk Said in July 17th, 2009 @8:48 pm

Brian,

I respect your opinion also and if you feel that way and it is true, I am glad I did NOT get the 4.6L V8 2010 tundra just to save 1200 bucks. I know unloaded the 4.6L will beat the 5.3L UNLOADED, however, I guess you may be correct if both loaded down pulling over 4,000 lbs. or so, maybe the ‘power curve’ would be different. I’m not saying either the 4.6 or 5.3 is a bad engine, but you got to admit that with a much smaller cu inch engine in the 4.6L it is very comparable, at least in hp/torque numbers, with the 5.3L chevy engine. And, the tundra is a few grand less than the chevy comparably equipped and tundras hold their resale value a little better than chevies. Where I live, I am in the minority (probably only one in town) owning a tundra truck vs. ford or chevy. Bring them on, I will smoke any 1/2 ton truck pulling (within reason) or non-pulling around with my 5.7L tundra.

TXTee Said in July 18th, 2009 @1:59 am

Haven’t watched the videos yet but if the interior were to fall apart (no less than cheap plastics in domestics) and the paint peeled to the base, I’m happy if the engine withstands all else. That alone beats the “domestics.” And yes I love the DC rear doors! My stepdad has an F-150 and the rear doors and rear leg room are both a joke…mind you I’m only 5′6″ so that says a lot. Middle of the road truck and Tundra are not synonymous. I’ll even take the occassional bed bonuce in the few areas I travel where the road conditions aren’t ideal over some crappy domestic that’s in need of major repair before the typical loan is paid in full.

Charlie Said in July 19th, 2009 @9:20 am

In all defense to Toyota there are other video’s of truck comparisons to the tundra on youtube. Like the Ford and the Chevy/GMC comparing to the tundra on frame strenght and off road capabilities and I think they were very one sided if not bogus. I am really starting to believe that the big 3 just can’t stand the fact that they finally lost to Toyota in the best full size truck. Lucky for the big 3 Toyota cancelled their diesel or else they probably would of taken the cookie in that category too! BTW, my tundra is bone stock and I am way faster than the average ford, dodge or chevy truck. Shit, I even whooped some kid on his ford crapstang with a crewmax toyota tundra! LOL!! You guys can keep crying and trying to make Toyota sound bad, but it’s by far the best truck I’ve onwed compared to my previously owned Ford and Chevy’s.

admin (Jason) Said in July 19th, 2009 @2:05 pm

Brian – I think the 4.6 will stand up just fine against the 5.3 in nearly any situation. The 5.3’s peak torque is slightly higher (338 instead of the Toyota’s 327), but it’s delivered at 4400 RPM – 1000RPM higher than the Tundra. As for the flatness of the curve, I think you’re forgetting the Tundra 4.6 is paired with a 4.10 rear. That’s substantially taller than Chevy’s 3.42 or 3.08 (depends on model). If you put the trucks side by side, you can rest assured the difference – whatever it is – will be relatively small. The two engines make about the same power and both have 6 speeds, so they’re going to be very similar. My guess is that the 4.6 is faster because of more low-end torque and the higher gear ratio – but I don’t know for sure.

Charlie Said in July 19th, 2009 @3:42 pm

BTW, I apologize for my colorful language! I noticed admin changed some of those words. Again my apologies!

mk Said in July 19th, 2009 @7:02 pm

Jason is right. The 4.6L will keep up and be in front of the 5.3L chevy not pulling anything, but pretty close pulling a heavy load would be pretty much equal. If you get the chevy 5.3L with 6 speed tranny, you cannot go higher than a 3.42 rear end which is stupid because the 3.42 is not made to pull anything and kicks in and out of gears (downshifts and hunts for gears all the time). If the 5.3L 6 speed was available with a 3.73 it would equal toyota’s 4.6L 4.10 rear end and if 5.3L chevy was available with 4.10 rear end, would be faster and more powerful than the 4.6L with 4.10 ratio. I have driven chevy 5.3L’s, but with 4 speed autos for almost 17 years and the ONLY one that is worth a darn is the 4.10 rear axle ratio, and the new 5.3L 6 speed in chevy is not worth a darn if you cannot get at least a 3.73 rear end which I do believe you cannot. Why, who knows, that is maybe why GM went bankrupt – idiots making ignorant decisions – the 4.10 rear end was great on gas and very snappy with my former 5.3L 4 speed auto a few years ago.

admin (Jason) Said in July 20th, 2009 @7:09 am

Charlie – No worries. We try to be all inclusive here and as family-friendly as possible.

Don Said in August 7th, 2009 @6:52 pm

Guys why didn’t they mention if your wifes sit on the tailgate they will buckle? That the bed and cab may contact if you attempt to use it as a truck. Let’s not forget the infamous bed bounce, corrosion, electrical, cam and every other issue ya complain about. Your right that is one great truck.

admin (Jason) Said in August 9th, 2009 @7:20 pm

Don – Why you got to come over here and start all this trouble? What kind of truck do you drive?

Mickey Said in August 10th, 2009 @1:11 pm

Don a little far fetched with the wife on the tailgate. I stand on mine all the time, and used it to put my riding lawnmower on it to change the blades. Haven’t had an issue yet with the tailgate. The bed and the cab will contact if you ride your truck totally like an idiot. Go for it Don and I’ll bet you get the same results. Also that statement is vague on what you stated used it like a truck. Over 80% of the trucks people have don’t go offroad unless you’re considering a boat ramp. Don no cam problems period. You know where to read on that. Brining that up you loss all creditability. You know that was taken care of before the 07’s hit the lots. Bed bounce that’s a half and half situation. If we are going by the USA then you would lose your argument. Only a few areas have that issue and like the cam you know the roads have the raise lips so there is where your issue is not across the USA. I have no idea about the corrosion and electrical. Need I say look at Ford for the electrical problems and GM for the rust they have also. I’m sure Don if you properly took the time out and went to all manufacturer’s websites like this one you would see the same.

Adam Said in August 31st, 2009 @12:24 am

these videos are a joke. let’s ignore the chevy and dodge for a moment and look at the ford. i’m curious what the f-150 and tundra’s ground clearance is when they are loaded with people. i think f-150 wins there. the rear of the f-150 has tons of room, and a flat floor, and i prefer the rear hinged doors for the fact that if you’re unloading something you have no side bars in the way, or a door if you’re getting something from the back. it’s much easier. plus with an f-150 you have the option of a super crew, which is much bigger and has front hinged doors. as for the tailgate, the reason toyota has the damped lower is because they are so flimsy. dropping the tailgate is going to do nothing to a ford truck, and i never let it drop like that anyway. lifting up, the ford comes standard with a lift assist, making it very easy to close the tailgate. the tundra’s tailgate is just really light, showing cheap if any materials holding it together. and i am pretty confident that the tailgate step will last longer than the tundra’s tailgate itself. i used one before and trust me, it’s very solid and actually very well stowed away and out of the way. also ford has the highest towing capacity of any truck it’s size, and did increase hp and torque, while also increasing fuel economy. need i say more? because there really is a lot more to say. toyota shot itself in the foot with these videos. and yes i know, i have 2 f-150s and an f-250, and have used many tundras.

Brian Said in August 31st, 2009 @9:35 am

Okay, I am going to build the perfect truck…ready? Here goes:

F-150 frame
Tundra driveline
Ram interior
Sliverado suspension

Now, nobody can complain…its perfect!

admin (Jason) Said in August 31st, 2009 @6:39 pm

Adam – I agree the videos suck, but you lost me with all the Ford boasting. I appreciate your comments but disagree with your arguments…but that’s not a surprise, right? Thanks for commenting.

admin (Jason) Said in August 31st, 2009 @6:40 pm

Brian – I like it. I would buy that truck.

F150owner Said in September 12th, 2009 @8:53 am

Tundra is weak, slow, and overprized. Ford has the highest resale value of all as well as reliability. But I take my chance and get 2010 Rock Warrior next year.

Mickey Said in September 12th, 2009 @7:12 pm

When was the last time you looked up resale on edmunds.com? Ford isn’t it….Try again.

F150owner Said in December 29th, 2009 @8:55 am

Thanks Mickey, you’re right – F150 is on average 40% cheaper than Tundra of the same year. I just wonder why? BTW, I got my Tundra “Rock Warrior” edition last week and I’m very happy with it!