Ford vs Toyota: which is best?

Ford and Toyota are known for building affordable cars that are loved the world over by loyal fans, and this makes it all the more difficult to choose between them. If you’ve found yourself wondering which one is best, you’ve come to the right place.

Guide Contents:

Maintenance costs

Model range

Reliability

Warranty and roadside assistance

How safe are Toyota cars compared to Ford?

What's the difference?

Which is more fun to drive?

Which is best?

Ford vs Toyota: Maintenance Costs

When you buy a new car, it’s not only important to consider the initial purchase price but also the cost of maintaining the car for however long you plan on owning it. So which of these two manufacturers is cheapest?

Toyota comes out on top as the cheapest to maintain - only just! - with a total average cost of £416.48 compared to Ford’s £427.07.

Ford vs Toyota: Model Range

Next, let’s take a look at the different models offered by each manufacturer.

Ford has 12 diverse models in its range: Mondeo, Mustang, S-Max, Ecosport, Puma, Focus, Tourneo Connect, Kuga, Mustang Mach-E, Galaxy, Tourneo Custom, and of course the Ford GT.

Toyota, on the other hand, offers 14 models, including a range of vans and some new plugin versions of old favourites: Aygo X, Yaris, Yaris Cross, Corolla Hatchback, Corolla Touring Sports, C-HR, bZ4X, RAV4, Highlander, GR Supra, Mirai, Land Cruiser, Hilux, and Proace.

Ford vs Toyota: Reliability

Unfortunately for Ford, many consumer surveys over the past decade have uncovered a lack of reliability for many of its models. J.D. Power, for example, placed the American manufacturer close to the bottom of its list. 

While Ford usually garners less-than-favourable reliability reviews, Toyota sits at the opposite end of the spectrum; it’s known as one of the most reliable brands around.

JD Power dependability rating:

• Ford - 2/5

• Toyota - 4/5

Likewise, Toyota made it into WhatCar’s 2021 reliability survey as the 3rd most reliable brand overall, but Ford failed to place within the top 10.

Here’s a run down of the brands that were most reliable.

Ford vs Toyota: Warranty and Roadside Assistance

Toyota offers a warranty of up to 10 years or 100,000 miles through Toyota Relax. This consists of a 3 year manufacturer warranty from the vehicle’s registration date that can be extended with regular servicing at a Toyota dealer. Every Toyota service comes with a 12 month warranty.

In addition to this, Toyota also offers:

• 15 year hybrid battery cover

• 12 year anti-corrosion and perforation warranty

• 3 year paintwork and surface rust warranty

• 5 year Mirai fuel cell warranty

Ford’s warranty offering is somewhat less impressive, standing at 3 years or 60,000 miles for new cars. This includes:

• Base 

• Paint surface 

• Corrosion

• Repaired/replaced parts

• Wear and tear

Ford Direct used cars also come with a two year warranty.

How safe are Toyota cars compared to Ford?

Toyota generally scores very highly when it comes to safety ratings (such as Euro NCAP, in which the Aygo recently earned four stars) thanks to its Safety Sense (TSS) system. 

This comes as standard on the majority of new cars and includes features like:

• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection

• Dynamic radar cruise control

• Lane departure alert

• Automatic high beams

• Lane tracing assist

• Road sign assist

Safety is one area where Ford particularly excels, with many of its models - including the Kuga and Fiesta - earning five stars in Euro NCAP, which is the highest rating possible.

What's the difference between Ford and Toyota?

Here are some key differences:

• Ford is an American car manufacturer, while Toyota is Japanese

• Ford often focuses performance and appearance, while Toyota prioritises practicality

• Toyota is better known for its reliable cars

• Toyota has always sold more cars than Ford, but Ford is more popular in the UK

Which is more fun to drive, Ford or Toyota?

The answer is: it entirely depends on which model you’re driving and what you count as “fun”! The fast and furious Ford GT is undoubtedly going to be more fun to drive than the modest Toyota Aygo, whereas the Toyota GR Supra will probably be more fun than the Ford Ka.

Ford vs Toyota: which is the best?

Only you know what you’re looking for and what’s important to you in a car, but hopefully this guide has helped you understand more about the two brands and how they differ so you can make an informed decision when choosing between them.

For reliability and practicality, Toyota undoubtedly steals the show. But when it comes to appearance and performance, it’s a very different story. 

While Toyota toys with cutting-edge technology, Ford badges remain one of the most common sights on UK roads…that must count for something.

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