Is Ford better than Toyota?
In the current automotive landscape, there isn’t a single answer to which brand is definitively “better.” Toyota generally excels in reliability and resale value, while Ford stands out for its trucks and a fast-growing electrified lineup. The right choice hinges on what you value most: long-term dependability, or capability and innovation.
What buyers typically mean by "better"
The question often boils down to balancing reliability, value retention, performance, safety, technology, and ownership costs. The following factors commonly shape the verdict between Ford and Toyota.
Categories we compare include reliability and resale, performance and drivability, safety and technology, electrification progress, and ownership costs.
- Reliability and long-term quality
- Resale value and depreciation patterns
- Performance, driving dynamics, and capability
- Safety features and driver-assist technology
- Electrification progress and future readiness
- Pricing and total cost of ownership
In practice, Toyota generally posts stronger reliability and resale numbers across many mainstream models, while Ford tends to lead in segment-specific strengths like full-size trucks and high-demand SUVs, alongside rapid progress in electrification.
Reliability, resale value, and long-term value
Reliability and how a vehicle holds up over time heavily influence ownership costs and resale value. Toyota has built a reputation for enduring quality, which historically translates into higher resale values. Ford has improved markedly in recent years, especially in trucks and popular SUVs, but variability by model year and trim can be larger than Toyota’s mainstream lineup.
Reliability across model lines
Across broad model categories, Toyota models frequently earn strong dependability scores from major automotive researchers, while Ford’s scores are solid in many segments but uneven in others. This pattern helps Toyota retain value more consistently, though Ford’s best sellers can also perform exceptionally well on the used market.
- Toyota’s mainstream sedans and SUVs often top reliability charts
- Ford’s trucks (notably F-Series) and some SUVs show strong reliability with recent redesigns
- Lexus (Toyota’s luxury arm) typically reinforces Toyota’s reliability halo
Bottom line: Toyota generally has the edge in reliability and resale value across the broad mainstream lineup, while Ford shows robust reliability in its strongest segments, particularly trucks and certain SUVs.
Product lineup and performance: trucks, hybrids, and EVs
Model portfolios reveal contrasting strengths. Ford has a dominant position in full-size pickups and performance-oriented vehicles, plus a growing footprint in electric trucks and crossovers. Toyota emphasizes hybrids and well-rounded mainstream models, with a steadily expanding EV strategy but a longer-running emphasis on efficiency and reliability over outright novelty.
Trucks and performance-oriented models
Ford’s F-Series (and related Super Duty models) have long been a cornerstone of the brand, supported by the electric F-150 Lightning in the pickup space. Toyota’s truck lineup remains competitive with the redesigned Tundra and the Tacoma, appealing to mid-size truck enthusiasts and those seeking proven capability.
- Ford: F-Series family, high-torque powertrains, and the F-150 Lightning
- Toyota: Tundra and Tacoma offering rugged capability with proven reliability
Conclusion: Ford dominates the large-pickup segment and is pushing a broader EV strategy, while Toyota offers solid, capable trucks with a strong reliability record in a slightly different segment mix.
Hybrid and electric models
Toyota remains a benchmark for hybrid technology, featuring mainstream hybrids like the Prius, Camry Hybrid, and RAV4 Hybrid, with a gradual expansion into dedicated EVs. Ford is accelerating its electrification with the Mustang Mach-E, the all-electric F-150 Lightning, and commercial EVs such as the E-Transit, accompanied by ongoing battery and software investments.
- Toyota: Prius, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, and expanding EV lineup
- Ford: Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, E-Transit, and growing charging/tech ecosystem
Conclusion: Toyota leads in traditional hybrid efficiency and reliability, while Ford is carving out a strong position in electric trucks and commercial EVs, signaling different paths to electrification.
Safety, technology, and ownership experience
Both brands offer strong safety records and robust driver-assistance features, with branding differences in technology ecosystems. Toyota’s Safety Sense suite is well-regarded for its comprehensive coverage, while Ford’s Co-Pilot360 and connected-car features highlight a competitive technology stack.
- IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings generally high for both brands, varying by model
- Standard and available driver-assistance features differ by model and trim
- Technology ecosystems (infotainment, over-the-air updates, and app connectivity) influence daily ownership
Conclusion: Safety and technology are strong in both brands, but the best choice may come down to model-specific ratings and how you value a particular tech ecosystem.
Cost of ownership and pricing realities
Total cost of ownership includes purchase price, fuel or electricity costs, maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Toyota’s reputation for durability can translate into lower long-term costs and favorable resale, while Ford offers competitive pricing and value in its strongest segments, along with compelling EV offerings that may qualify for incentives in certain markets.
- Initial price and financing terms
- Maintenance, repair costs, and reliability over time
- Depreciation and resale value
- Warranty coverage and roadside assistance
- Insurance costs and potential incentives (especially for EV models)
Conclusion: On a pure ownership-cost basis, Toyota often edges Ford due to reliability and resale, but Ford can deliver superior value in trucks and as EV options become more widespread. The right pick depends on your expected use, financing, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle.
Bottom line: Is Ford better than Toyota?
Not universally. For buyers prioritizing long-term reliability, lower maintenance costs, and strong resale, Toyota is typically favored. For those needing best-in-classTruck capability, or seeking cutting-edge electrification and a broader EV lineup, Ford offers compelling advantages. Both brands rank highly for safety and overall quality, and the best choice varies by model and personal needs.
Summary: Ford and Toyota each bring distinct strengths to the table. Ford shines in trucks and accelerating EV options; Toyota excels in reliability, efficiency, and value retention. Your decision should align with how you plan to use the vehicle and what you value most in ownership.
What car is ranked #1 in reliability?
Subaru Tops Reliability
Subaru has ascended to the top of our brand rankings, supplanting Lexus and Toyota, which have traded the two top spots for many years.
Which company is better than Toyota?
Honda takes pride in using higher-quality materials throughout its range, giving a sense of luxury and refinement that enhances every drive. The CR-V, for instance, offers a more upscale experience than its counterpart, the Toyota RAV4, making it clear that Honda places a premium on the interior feel of its vehicles.
Do Toyotas last longer than Ford?
Toyota vs Ford
According to the 2023 Consumer Reports highest reliable brands, Toyota is the number one most reliable brand, while Ford is a few steps below at number five. According to the same report, the most reliable vehicle was the Toyota Corolla Hybrid.
Are Ford parts cheaper than Toyota?
As a result, when buying a car, it's important to keep in mind the associated repair costs. Luckily, Toyota has some of the lowest rates in the industry for parts replacement, while Ford sits somewhere in the middle.
