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2015 Ford F-150 vs 2014 Toyota Tundra
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By John Goreham Jun 5 2014 - 5:12pm

Will aluminum 2015 Ford F-150 slow Toyota Tundra's amazing sales surge?

The 2014 Toyota Tundra is on a multi-month sales expansion. Will the new Ford F-150's advances steal away Toyota's customers and stop its run?
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Tundra family
Tundra Infotainment
Tundra Backseat
Tundra Interior

The 2014 Toyota Tundra has enjoyed a huge sales surge over the past year. However, a new and revolutionary 2015 Ford F-150 is coming in a few months. Will this updated version of America’s favorite truck mean the end of the Tundra market gains?

2015 Ford F-150 Changes Everything
The 2015 Ford F-150 will be groundbreaking. We had the pleasure of hearing Pete Reyes, Chief Engineer for the 2015 Ford F-150, speak this past week. He went through the design evolution of the truck, which started almost 8 years ago. It is clear that the aluminum body is just one of the many things that Ford is about to introduce that will shake up the full sized pickup market. When it arrives this fall of 2014, the new aluminum-bodied truck will also have a new, more efficient EcoBoost engine. Ford buyers love the current 3.5 liter EcoBoost and select it 40% of the time.

New 2014 Tundra
The 2014 Toyota Tundra is also a new design, having been introduced last calendar year. However, it is not the kind of dramatically different truck that the Ford F-150 will be. Ford may be bringing to market a truck with 20% better fuel economy than its competitors. Add to that improved lighting, innovative bed tie down features, and a power tailgate, and suddenly the Tundra is looking a little old, despite being very new.

Toyota Tundra Sales Numbers
When we started reporting that the Tundra was gaining sales fast last year, truck people did not want to hear it. Feedback varied from “you’re wrong” to “who cares.” Toyota has now had consecutive grown in Tundra sales into its second calendar year, and for many months. Chevy by comparison is losing ground. Its Silverado is trailing last year’s sales by about 2% year to date. Toyota’s Tundra is up about 17% on a volume basis year over year.

Conspiracy theorists that respond to our stories seem to think that Toyota is kicking the Tacoma (smaller pickup) to the curb to make room for the more expensive Tundra on the shared production line. With Chevy introducing an all-new Colorado this fall to compete directly with the Tacoma, and Ford’s F-150 about to change the way we think of trucks, production line space may not be a problem for long down in Texas where the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra are built.

Why Do Customers Choose Tundra?
However, on the other side of this issue is one of brand loyalty. Some say that the Tundra is a good value for homeowners and those that use their trucks for businesses that don’t need heavy duty towing capability. Also, Toyota enjoys a much higher resale value for its trucks than any other brand. That is partly due to its well-earned reputation for reliability and durability.

Feel free to comment below and tell us if you think the new Ford F-150 will slow Tundra’s amazing growth run.

Related Stories:
Aluminum 2015 Ford F-150 not at risk from hail damage according to top engineer
2014 Toyota Tundra and Tacoma truck sales surge ahead
Toyota on track to match Chevy, Ram light pickup truck sales

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Comments

Sam wrote on June 6, 2014 - 10:02am
Toyota has reverted to the "Lipstick on a pig" approach. Last year they dressed up the 2014 and this year they are coming out with the "PRO". It is the "SAME DRIVETRAIN" that they have had for the past 9 years. It seems they can innovate with their Prius and Hydrogen fuel offerings but they haven't touched this truck in a decade . Its just cheaper for Toyota to dress up the exterior and interior then to actually make the truck more efficient . Increasing sales YOY of 17%, do you happen to have the actual sales #'s in comparison ? 17% sounds like alot but when you put them in perspective its really not. . I have driven toyota's all my life and I am jumping to Dodge this summer. Yota has lost me as a customer since they can really care less about the trucks they sell.
John wrote on August 2, 2014 - 10:06am
I understand what you are saying i am looking to getting a new pickup truck, and Toyota is the Brand that like but Toyota is making it so hard to buy the new tundra because when you look around and see what the competitors are doing Toyota is not keeping up. I like the new Tundra don't get me wrong but by far its not the best pickup out there they have a lot of thing they need to work on like you say, how about a new engine that give you more that 13 mpg, a nicer looking grill, they built a new truck and a redesign the interior and couldn't even make it keyless ignition, with a smart key. if they wanted to be more competitive they could have look at what the new Ram did when they redesign they 1500 and at least provide most of the option ram provide.
John wrote on November 3, 2014 - 11:55pm
An 8 speed tranny, air-suspension, etc, no matter what Chrysler/Dodge come up with, they sure do have one of the worst reliability ratings in the industry because they simply have no interest in building reliable and quality vehicles. Their motors are made in Mexico and many of their trucks are actually built in Mexico as well. This is how they come up with all those "innovative" features like an 8 speed tranny because they save so much money from building vehicles with a poor quality control that will break down easily. I test drove a brand new 2014 Ram 1500 Hemi recently. Yes, a very good looking truck, and during a normal driving condition, the engine was making a noise like the truck was about to literally blow up. When I questioned the salesman after the test-drive since he wasn't with us during the test drive, he became very embarrassed and couldn't even make an excuse. How would you make an excuse on that situation with a brand new truck that has less than 10 miles anyway? It is just one reason why Chrysler/Ram has one of the lowest resale values in the industry and Toyota/Lexus has the highest. Tundra's i-Force V8 engines are known as one of the world's best engines from its serious reliability and performance. It is the only truck that uses a "true" SAE towing standard, which pulled a space shuttle. It has the highest U.S/Canadian parts (75%) content among all full-size pick-ups that are sold in America. Not to mention that it was designed, engineered, and built in America. Go ahead and own a Ram, you deserve it. Seems that you never appreciated the true peace and performance you had from your past Toyota's. You learn the most by actually experiencing it.
JOHN wrote on February 11, 2015 - 3:11pm
If it ain't broke don't fix it. Ford and Dodge are always changing their designs trying to save money through their components. I think thats why their trucks suck. They never fix the bad stuff on the product they got, instead they just come up with whole different ones. It is true Toyota does stick to their drive train and all but at least they dont have new issues to address every year. I bought a 2014 Tacoma last year that was stolen last month. The truck never turned up and the insurance company gave me 4k over what I paid. I think I will stick to Toyota
John Goreham wrote on June 6, 2014 - 12:43pm
Good feedback. It is clear that the Tundra's drivetrain options now seem dated at best. With regards to the Tundra's sales numbers I do not agree with your view - In May Toyota sold 11,391. Tundra outsells every Lexus model, every Scion model, and all but a few of the top Toyotas. I happen to have the GM May sales figures open for another story. Let's see, the Tundra also outsells every Cadillac model (almost equals the whole brand in sales), Tundra outsells every Buick model, Tundra outsells the Corvette, outsells the Camaro, and outsells all but 5 of GM's 39 total models of vehicles. So I guess you're right, not really a big deal.
Ryan wrote on June 9, 2014 - 10:08am
Is it really that impressive that a Tundra outsells low volume brands?
Sam wrote on June 9, 2014 - 12:03pm
There was an article today about how Ford will loose 1 month of Production as it gets retooled for the aluminum F150's . Ford is expected to fall behind 90,000 trucks . So Ford is selling about 90k trucks per month and the Tundra is at what 20k for the past 3 total. Thats why that can have sales up 500% and it still wouldn't look impressive.
John Goreham wrote on June 9, 2014 - 2:45pm
I understand where you are coming from. 30K Tundras in the past 3 months. It will be interesting to see if Ford really does have that issue. The other automakers would be very, very pleased if that came to pass. There is also some Ford history of doing exactly that. Ford stopped making vehicles when it switched over to the Model A. So it would be a cool historic event.
Carl Stallins wrote on September 20, 2014 - 9:04pm
What many fell to realize is.the tundra is bigger than the other trucks.except ram mega cab.and 2 I'll chose a truck that runs forever without motor problems like ecobust engine.or weak 5.3 Silverado with no power and small like a ford ranger compared to crewmax then to have better mpg but always breaking down
ASE wrote on June 9, 2016 - 7:58pm
I'm still laughing at your post .i can't think of an engine that has more problems than the 5.7 tundra engine .the 5.7 has been an epic failer .
John Goreham wrote on June 9, 2014 - 2:39pm
I think it adds some perspective on the vehicle's relative importance. This one model outsells Lincoln - The company.
Jason wrote on July 21, 2014 - 11:05pm
The tundra doesn't outsell the ford, gms, or ram trucks:) and that's what counts. So yea....no big deal
John doe wrote on September 25, 2014 - 6:46am
Sales numbers aren't really a good comparison, mainly because Ford, GM, and Dodge alone have inflated sales numbers due to fleet accounts. I live in Chicago and most work vehicles are from the 3 above companies (ford being the top) So right off the bat toyota doesn't stand much of a chance vs. These trucks. Surprised that nobody else brought this up. I agree with other posters in the drivetrain being old and outdated but why change something that works? when you are 4th in line with a competitive market you can't afford to make s drastic change to a proven drive train which could crush the "dependability" of the brand that toyota has been riding for years. Talks of an HD 5.0 diesel for 2016. You have to understand that toyota can't just roll trucks off the line and people will suck them up like they do with the top 3 American models. To me they do very well with what they have.
Jason wrote on September 29, 2014 - 11:29pm
If the fleet sales argument makes you feel better about owning the Tundra, roll with it. I won't own one because they have the weakest c channel frame, the worst gas mileage, the smallest gas tank, no locking differential, and no remote start. They are so behind the big 3 it's pathetic!
John Doe wrote on September 30, 2014 - 6:49am
Dear Jason, There is no argument about fleet sales. Proof is there. I don't own a Tindra either, so the fact that you make that assumption shows how closed minded you are. LMAO! Small fuel tank and no remote start, seriously! Oh and by the way since you mentioned the tundra the 2015 has a bigger tank, just for you :) people have bought Toyotas because they are dependable and hold value well. When purchasing a depreciating asset like a vehicle that is a smart, economical choice.
Jason wrote on October 1, 2014 - 5:43pm
So they now are offering a bigger tank? Kudos to Toyota. You would think if you offer the worst mileage truck you would offer the biggest tank:) Now lets get to work on a boxed frame, some locking diffs, direct injection, and a remote start. That right "REMOTE START" I live in Texas and every truck I have owned since 04 has had this option. As far as the "hold value" comment. BS! Let me introduce you to something we call math. Toyota does not come off the sticker. You pay the MSRP. You can get any of the big 3 up to 10 grand off the sticker. So right out of the gate you will pay 10 grand more for the Toyota. Yes in 3 years the Toyota may be worth 3 grand more, but you lost 10 grand right from the start. So if you are fine with losing 7 grand after 3 years of ownership, rock out! I will pass;)
Fuk off wrote on October 1, 2014 - 6:16pm
Jason, We are all a little dumber after reading your post(s). Instead of ramblining inaccurate fanboy statistics try providing some evidence backing you claims. Great luxury car manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes to name a few don't offer remote start standard with their vehicles. Just because Ford and GM do doesn't mean a thing. One way or another you pay for it. How about a simple thing called marketing which your clearly a victim of. Your complain about heat! I have an idea pay 300 bucks for a remote start. Oh yeah the gas mileage, that Eco bost is awesome! Just don't go over 4000 RPM's. We can go back and forth all day just like these companies. J can getire for my 09 tacoma with 165,000 than an 09 f150 with the same milleage, tegus was told to me by a ford dealer! Please keep the responses coming they are very entertaining.
Peter wrote on February 18, 2015 - 10:45pm
Toyota has been making diesel trucks for years but just not for the U.S. I had a dodge 1500 , F150 and I was tired of my truck breaking down . I bought a 2014 Toyota Tundra and I haven't had a problem. I pull my 32 ft travel trailer. I go off road during hunting season and my fishing pond. I love taking my truck in for service everyone is awesome. I took my ford 150 to the dealership and when I leave I always find scratches , dents and was really dirty. They told me they test drove my truck and they will clean it up for $21.99 . I will buy Toyota till I die.
Sam wrote on June 6, 2014 - 1:03pm
The interesting thing about your response was that there was No mention of Trucks in the comparison When you compare sales figures you need to compare apples to apples . Sorry but I would not compare truck sales to car sales or luxury car sales. It only bolsters my arguement No Doubt Toyota is making money but comparing the toyota truck sales to the Big 3 and The tundra numbers are horrible.
John Goreham wrote on June 6, 2014 - 1:19pm
That is certainly one way to say it :)
MIchael wrote on June 6, 2014 - 2:55pm
Anyone who has had a Ford or GM truck and a Toyota truck after 150,000 miles knows why the Toyota trucks sell. At that point is not about anything but, it works really well and is still tight. Just takes a while for the reputation to penetrate the truck world.
Michael Rocker wrote on July 21, 2014 - 5:45pm
Sorry dude but there are far more Ford and GM/Chevy trucks on the road that have 150,000 miles or more and still going. where as the Tundra does not.. Blown engines blown transmissions? yeah they have a reputation alright. How about a less than 5 MPH fender bender that cost $3000+ and took weeks to repair. A friend of mine HAD one. He sold it for an F-150.
hemi lol wrote on July 29, 2014 - 11:49pm
Clearly you have NO CLUE what you are talking about. If you worked in or near the auto industry you would know the Tundra's reputation for quality and they most certainly have a MUCH larger percentage of vehicles on the road with over 150k relative to sales numbers...... heck where i work we have an 01 Tundra with 621,000 miles on it. piston rings replaced at 500k and still on the original automatic trans!
ASE wrote on June 9, 2016 - 8:04pm
The first gen tundra was a good truck other than the frame recall .the 2nd gen tundra with the 5.7 has been a turd .super high rate of engine failer and the worst mpg of any of the 1/2 ton trucks .
andrew wrote on June 28, 2014 - 4:27am
You people don't see the real issue. Under a rash of recalls the Tundra has ZERO!!! SILVERADO AND F-150 have them. Reliability is key!!
Michael Rocker wrote on July 21, 2014 - 5:37pm
I found this article interesting. Toyota dealers are trying to hardball potential buys to hard sell Tundras. I had 2 of them pretty much promised me the world if I bought one. What they are doing is undercutting the prices just to get them off off the lot and boost sales. I even drove them. I felt like I was driving a dump truck. The ride was very hard and bumpy where as the F-150 felt like a luxury vehicle with the ride and handling. F-150 is a higher quality vehicle.
Chris from canada. wrote on July 25, 2014 - 9:15pm
I have a. 2007 tundra crewmax limited with 200k on it. ZERO repairs so far, paint still looks great and she's nice n' tight......conversely I have a friend who has, rather whom HAD, a dodge cummins, 2009 or 10 which has had the tranny replaced twice and all sorts of other major repairs during the course of his ownership. Additionally, I have friends with f-150s and f-350's that have been in and out of the service dept.....this sums up Toyota vs the rest right there. What it boils down to is the opinion by rednecks that it ain't 'merican enough. (edited for content)
Steve mcclary wrote on August 31, 2014 - 10:39am
The 2015 tundra pro series will getting new bilstein dual resevoir shocks to upgrade the suspension.As for the rest of the tundra it will get a few interior and exterior changes.the guys who have been driving gm,ford and dodge ram junk for so long they don,t no a good vehicle when the get passed by one.I love my Tundra for many resons,and one major reason is that on my days off i don,t need to be at the garage getting my truck repaired.
Jason wrote on September 1, 2014 - 4:32pm
All of the big three have a motor with more power and better mileage. You can get the big three with remote start, a larger fuel tank, locking diffs, and a boxed frame. Toyota is so far behind its ridiculous. Congrats on having a 4th place truck.
Steve mcclary wrote on September 2, 2014 - 4:43pm
You are right,the big three do have all the bells and whistles,remote start,locking diff and so on.Tundra is simply a TEXAS made truck and is just as AMERICAN as the big 3.thanks for letting me know that i have a 4th place truck.You guys keep driving your big 3 trucks i will drive my 4th place truck and be happy.

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