02:20 04-05-2026

Toyota Tundra Outperforms Ford F-150 in IIHS Safety Tests

The latest IIHS crash tests delivered a surprising verdict in the full-size pickup category. Despite being the sales leader, the Ford F-150 trailed the Toyota Tundra in safety by a noticeable margin.

According to SPEEDME.RU, both trucks handled the basic small overlap and side impact tests without issues. But the moderate front overlap test proved decisive. In that evaluation, the F-150 earned the lowest Poor rating because of an elevated risk of head, neck, and chest injuries for rear-seat occupants. It's a common shortcoming among large pickups, where rear protection often remains inferior to front.

The Toyota Tundra achieved the top Good rating in the same crash test, making it the only gasoline full-size pickup to earn a 2026 Top Safety Pick award. In fact, the only other model sharing that accolade is the all-electric Tesla Cybertruck.

Active safety systems delivered mixed outcomes. The F-150 scored Poor in collision avoidance tests because its system sometimes failed to respond properly to cars and motorcycles.

That said, the Ford outperformed the Toyota in pedestrian detection. Some tests for the Tundra remain incomplete. Headlight performance on both trucks varies by trim: the Tundra’s projector units earned a Good rating, whereas on the F-150, reflector LED lights proved superior. The takeaway for buyers is becoming clear.

The Ford F-150 remains a versatile and popular choice. But when safety—especially for rear passengers—is a top priority, the Toyota Tundra presents a more thoughtfully engineered alternative. These results illustrate a broader shift in priorities. Being the sales king is no longer enough; safety is now a decisive factor, and even market leaders can fall short against more well-rounded rivals.