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I have a bit of a head-scratcher today. The Ford F-150 is being benchmarked against the Toyota Tundra to hopefully achieve a higher quality rating. But the 2024 Ford F-150 could look to something with a higher score than the Tundra. 

The 2024 Ford F-150 seeks to improve its quality 

Ford CEO Jim Farley shared that the refreshed 2024 Ford F-150 is a superior truck to its competitors, including the interior. But it is a decade behind on the inside of the vehicle while already having the best revenue. 

Farley continued to explain that it needs to get close to the Tundra’s build quality with only 55 problems per 1,000 trucks during three months of service. Ford has never come close, and the key to success will be reducing material costs. 

Ford was the most recalled auto manufacturer in 2023, which isn’t the most confidence-invoking fact. Ford quality took a nose dive during Covid and Farley wishes he started this mission earlier because quality impacts customers and the bottom line. 

It makes sense for Farley to be drawn to the Toyota Tundra since he came to Ford from Toyota. Now I’m wondering if his absence is why the new Tundra launched with so many quality issues. 

The 2024 Toyota Tundra driving on the road
2024 Toyota Tundra | Toyota

While the Tundra has a lot to offer such as stout hybrid power and a high resale value, it’s not the most reliable truck in the bunch. 

According to J.D.Power, the 2023 F-150 and 2023 Tundra both have a reliability score of 78 out of 100, which is average. Scores between 70 and 80 are average while anything between 81 and 90 is above average. 

The Ram 1500 earned a score of 88, which is extremely high. It’s 10 whole points ahead of the Tundra and F-150. So, why not look to Ram for inspiration?

Plus, while the 2024 F-150 is an improved truck, the Ram 1500 often outranks it for having a soother ride, sportier handling, higher interior quality, and better tech. It outsells the Tundra as well. 

But no matter what, the F-150 is still the sales leader. The next-generation F-150 is reducing its components by over 1,000 pieces to become more reliable and improve its quality, but is it comparing itself to the wrong truck?