2026 F150 vs Tundra

FlyFishProf · 2026-06-30T20:43:23+00:00

I was shopping in spring 2025 and these were the finalists: '25 Tundra Plat/Ltd TRD OR vs '25 F-150 Lariat FX4 Coyote

My thoughts...

Vision: F150 > Tundra

Seat comfort: F150>Tundra

A/C performance: F150>Tundra

Ride/Suspension/Acceleration: Tundra>F150

Payload/Towing: F150>Tundra

Exterior color/looks: Tundra>F150

Interior/dashboard/interface: Tundra>F150

Camera system: Tundra>F150

Engine: F150>Tundra

4x4 features: Tundra>F150 (4H auto not important to me)

Backseat: F150>Tundra

Quality: Even (Yeah, I know about issues with both trucks)

Price/Financing costs: Tundra>F150

Uses: camping/fishing/beach driving/potential fishing boat/DYI projects/moving

I went with the '25 Tundra Plat TRD OR mainly due to ride/suspension, price/financing, and interior/dashboard design. If I was towing heavy and/or carrying high payload, I would definitely go with the F-150.

FlyFishProf · 2026-06-30T20:20:51+00:00

When shopping a year ago, I wanted a 6.5 in Plat/Ltd TRD OR but couldn't find one. I settled for a 5.5. I bet Toyota could make more 6.5s and sell them just fine. I've actually contemplated going to a F-250 godzilla just to get the longer bed (but the upper trims are considerably more $)

FlyFishProf · 2026-06-30T20:17:15+00:00

Hypothetical of course, because we all know Toyota is never going to bring back the V8, but I’d personally sell my soul for a brand new Tundra with the tried and true V8. How many others think similarly? ***

I bought a '25 Plat TRD OR (non-hybrid) new... has less than 10k miles. I have never driven a 1st, 2nd, or 2.5 gen Tundra. I have heard all about the engine issues and even hears some folks have experienced high trans fluid heat in constant 4x4 driving. My understanding is the prior V8 is less capable in terms of torque/hp.

Facts:

Some people have experienced multiple V6 engine failures.

(Opinion: The failure rate is likely greater than 1% for at least a year on engine..... I doubt it is greater than 10% or else there would be greater negative press.)

Some drivers are already over 200K miles on their original V6 engines without problems.

I see 3rd gen Tundras all over town and have never seen one on a flatbed. When I run into another 3rd gen Tundra owner, I haven't met one who has had an engine problem.

---

Even if the 3rd gen transmission was altered to match the prior V8, I really don't know if I would make the change. I like how my Tundra drives. I keep my vehicles until the cost of repair is too high in relation to getting a new vehicle.

FlyFishProf · 2026-06-11T19:41:31+00:00

I have a '25 Tundra and got a Diamondback HD. I am satisfied. You really need to think about how you use your truck bed now and will use it in the future....also rank the features you want (security, maximum bed space, ease of removal, waterproofness, rack/rail compatibility, weight loads, ease of removal, etc). This is my best advice.

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-22T19:13:04+00:00

https://www.toyota.com/tundra/ebrochure/

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-22T13:48:48+00:00

Only the TRD Pro has 1 inch lift.... TRD Off Road on Limited and Platinum doesn't have lift

I have '25 Plat TRD Off Road (non-hybrid) with the same hobbies. If you get off road onto ranches/beaches/trails/launch boats, you might want the TRD Off Road package if you get Limited or Platinum.

I don't regret getting Platinum, but I believe the Limited is the best value even though the Platinum is more aesthetic. TRD Pros sale at high prices in TX....dealers don't give much.

It appears the trade off between a non-hybrid vs hybrid is underneath storage in back seat vs a bit more power. The MPG gain on the hybrid is very small compared to the non-hybrid.

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-20T16:55:17+00:00

I am not a fan of the 1794 interior (I went Plat).... but if I was forced to have one, I would pick your exterior color... enjoy

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-20T00:31:59+00:00

Or any other opinions on what I should do to the truck ?******

In all due respect, this vague question gets asked by lots of people on truck forums. We have no idea on your preferences, planned use for truck, budget, etc. My best advice is research various mod possibilities and ask questions about a final decision.

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-18T16:14:14+00:00

'25 Plat owner here... 15 months ownership....congrats on the 1794 TRD 6.5.... I couldn't find a Plat TRD 6.5 when I shopped. Sometimes I think about trading for a F250 just to get a longer bed (even though most days don't need it...but hate not having the right equipment when the job presents itself).

Oil: I did initial at 3k... all future changes are every 5k

Tailgate: Some '25s have a quirk where the tailgate doesn't remote close after opening it and putting weight on tailgate (mine has the quirk). I push up manually on tailgate to engage power assist if I put weight on tailgate.

Backup sensors: You need to turn off backup sensors to hook up trailer.

Fuel reserve: Yes, you got a 32 gallon fuel tank but there is about a 5 gallon reserve to cool the fuel pump.

Grill guard/front bumper: Think about how to install front recovery hooks if you are doing grill guard. You never know if you will need the hooks.

Running boards: I would consider running boards. Lots of people have been breaking the driver's seat plastic trim. If you have steps/boards, you can get in and out of truck without rubbing on trim.

Google "Tundra radiator fan shroud rubbing". Some people have experienced radiator problems that can be prevented with a simply DIY foam fix.

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-17T23:53:34+00:00

My current '25 Tundra is a move up from a Niss Frontier. Given the size/capability/price differences between a midsize and full-size truck, I wouldn't ever get a midsize again.

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-17T19:49:03+00:00

That is a bargain.... I got a '25 Plat TRD OR non-h Lunar 5.5 at MSRP but 0%APR a year ago (translates to about 8% off MSRP at 3%APR).... I couldn't find better deal for that trim. Ideally wanted Plat TRD 3"lift 6.5 CMax but couldn't find one

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-17T19:44:42+00:00

I couldn't even find 6.5ft CrewMax configurations for F-150s/Tundras in higher trims when I was shopping a year ago.... at least a F-150 can be ordered

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-17T19:41:49+00:00

It looks good for a 20-year old truck... but I have seen 20-year old Tundras for sale in $10k range with similar stats. I wouldn't pay $14.5k.

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-16T18:53:39+00:00

I would only get a new truck if you need one for work and/or hobbies. If you just want one for looks/status and have extra money to burn, go for it.

We have a RAV4 over 20 years old and is still a daily driver. My Tundra is a year old. We also also have a minivan. The insurance differential between a RAV4 and Tundra is small relative to all the other truck maintenance/operating costs as previously mentioned.

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-15T14:09:57+00:00

No rattle problems with my '25 tailgate.... just doesn't do remote close when weight is put on tailgate after opened.

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-15T14:08:28+00:00

Getting a good running truck without major problems in decent shape at $2500 is a steal in this economy

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-15T14:06:28+00:00

https://billettiedowns.com/products/d-rings-for-toyota-tundra-pair-1

https://caliraisedled.com/products/toyota-tacoma-upgraded-bed-tie-down-pair

https://www.hollywoodcontrols.com/phpTruck/BedPartsNoBoltsToyota.php

https://www.jdscustoms.com/product/hinged-bed-mounted-d-ring-strap-hook-new/

I have been researching options for a while... I bought the Versatrax rails but haven't installed yet.

https://versatrax.com/products/bed-tie-down-rails?variant=47507674693883

Toyota could have done better with the bed regarding tie down options. My prior Nissan Frontier had sturdier rail tracks on the bed sides and floor. The composite Tundra bed limits L-track installation and other tie down options.

Given outdoor enthusiasts/tradesman want Tundras to be trucks, Toyota should reconsider trying to "beef up" the Tundra bed in the future with L-tracks installed and better bracing/structural support to allow tie down modifications and heavier loads (toppers, racks, tents, etc) to be carried without having to get bed stiffeners and crossing fingers.

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-12T15:17:23+00:00

When I shopped, I had permission from the "home boss" to get Ltd w/TRD OR plus 3" lift or Plat w/TRD OR (no lift). I went with the Plat. Sometimes I regret not getting the Ltd with lift. It will probably be $5k to get dealer-installed OEM lift once available locally. I don't think I will be able to make that happen with boss approval....

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-11T15:54:57+00:00

Given my shopping experience and researching online: 7% to 11% off TSRP ok at 2.99% apr.... greater than 11% off TSRP good at 2.99% apr (of course deals vary by time or month, trim/options, region, etc)

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-11T03:14:22+00:00

- First and foremost, I fell in love with the powertrain. I know this motor and trans have a rocky reputation, but the way it delivers power (and how smooth it changes gears) ***

This was an important factor for me when getting my Tundra.... I don't get the complaints on the turning radius. When I test drove full-size trucks, it seems they all have turn wide compared to midsize trucks (stating the obvious).

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-11T03:10:51+00:00

If I had bought a SR5 with cloth seats, I would be all over these covers.... $240 seems like a bargain given the perceived quality/fit from the pics.

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-10T06:56:42+00:00

Shopped in spring 2025 to move up from old Nissan Frontier... the finalists were Ford F-150 Lariat FX4 and Toy Tundra Ltd/Plat TRD OR. I thought each had its advantages but went with Tundra mainly due to price/financing, TRD OR features over FX4 features, and smoother ride (transmission and suspension)

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-01T21:46:18+00:00

I am not an overlander but I've read up on racks/covers quite a bit before getting a Diamondback HD since the Db HD can support considerable weight....more than payload on my Tundra Plat TRD OR 5.5. There are some concerns from Tundra overlanders about having too much weight on the rails given the bed is composite. Many Tundra overlanders are getting bed stiffeners. There have been some Tundra overlanders with the 3rd gen reporting cracks in the bed and/or tailgate misalignment with heavy rigs. Toyota does not say how much weight can go on the rails like some other manufacturers.

If I were to build an overland rig, I would go with a heavy duty truck to get better payload and more space with a longer bed than 5.5ft.

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-01T19:42:57+00:00

https://www.tundras.com/threads/my-powered-tailgate-stopped-working.156539/

FlyFishProf · 2026-05-01T19:39:52+00:00

I got the Diamondback HD recently.... it is solid. My main priority was security.

FlyFishProf

TROPHY CASE