2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2023 Ford F-150

Other small trucks have come and gone—and come back again—but the Toyota Tacoma has been the cornerstone of the segment for decades now. Though it has grown in size through the years, it has remained one of the best options if you’re in the market for a smaller alternative to full-size pickups. It’s a great option for a commuter who goes on the occasional camping, kayaking, or mountain biking adventure. The bed is good for picking up supplies to tackle a weekend project.

But the midsize Tacoma has increased competition. In the past decade, the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Ford Ranger have returned. The Nissan Frontier recently received a long-overdue overhaul. And there’s even a new crop of compact pickups, including the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. So is the Tacoma still the big dog among small trucks?

This year, Ford expands the F-150 lineup yet again. The big news is the debut of the F-150 Raptor R, equipped with a supercharged 5.2-litre V8 engine making 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. The new 2023 F-150 Raptor R also has exclusive R-tuned Fox live-valve shocks, standard 37-inch all-terrain tires, and a few other goodies to justify its presumably six-figure price tag (Canadian pricing has not been announced as of publication time).

The other new version of the 2023 Ford F-150 is more accessible: the XLT Heritage Edition. It has two-tone paint, unique cloth seat inserts, and exclusive 75 Years interior details. That’s the subject of this review.