The full-size pickup truck segment is highly competitive, which provides today’s buyers with lots of options.
American giants like Chevrolet and Ford still dominate this segment in terms of sales, performance, and a diverse lineup. If you want the best in the business, look no further than the class-leading Ram 1500. It offers remarkable capabilities and deluxe features.
But, it’s not just domestic car makers. Toyota is coming back in the game swinging at full power with the new 2022 Toyota Tundra. This latest model received vital enhancements, loads of amenities, and lays out impressive performance. So, is the new Tundra good enough to take on the Ram 1500? Let us find out!
In this article, we intend to dissect both vehicles and show which is the best investment for you.
Both vehicles are light-duty pickup trucks. Apart from that piece of information, the Toyota Tundra and the Ram are different from each other.
Main Differences Between Toyota Tundra vs Ram 1500
The main differences between Toyota Tundra vs Ram 1500 are:
- Ram 1500 gets five engine choices, whereas Tundra comes with two.
- Toyota Tundra has more standard safety features, whereas the Ram offers them as options.
- Ram 1500 gets two-bed sizes, whereas Tundra is offered with three.
What’s New for 2022?
Ram 1500
Ram’s lineup for 2022 has been expanded to offer the buyers more options and add even more variety to the currently available models. The add-ons come in packages for certain trim levels and special editions.
The Laramie and Rebel trims are now available with the G/T package. It adds a cold air intake, paddle shifter, and a new exhaust system. The special edition treatment continues with the (Ram)red, Firefighter, TRX Sandblast, 10th Anniversary, and BackCountry Edition.
Toyota Tundra
For 2022, Toyota redesigned the Tundra from the inside out. This much-needed upgrade marked the launch of the third-generation Tundra and brings a lot to the table.
Toyota ditched the outdated V-8 in favor of a turbocharged V-6 and a new hybrid system. Other improvements include an updated frame, suspension, steering, and infotainment system.
Interior and Body Configurations
Ram 1500
the Ram 1500 is available in a Quad Cab and a Crew Cab. The Quad Cab has small rear doors, and it comes with a short 5,5-ft bed only. On the other hand, the Crew Cab has full-size rear doors for easy access and can be mated to a 5,5-ft short bed or 6,5-ft standard bed. Unfortunately, there are no 8-ft long beds for the Ram 1500.
The interior is more than pleasing on all trim levels. Both Cabs are spacious and offer clever storage spaces, and The Quad Cab has in-floor and under-the-seat storage. The front seats can accommodate any driver and are fantastic on long journeys. However, the back seat is a bit stiff and too upright.
The Crew Cab offers more space in the back with enough head, shoulder, and legroom for three adults. Plus, the seats are more comfortable. Despite having a bulging hood, its nifty design does not interfere with forward visibility. You can opt for the panoramic sunroof to brighten the cabin even more.
With the Ram 1500, you get what you pay for. As a class leader, it comes with a plush interior that feels like a high-end SUV. Depending on the trim level, features can vary from power-adjusted seats to infotainment touchscreen.
Each trim can be fitted with different upholstery, and special editions get specialized stitching and badges. The gauge cluster is simple and easy to read, and the dashboard is reasonably laid down with all the knobs and buttons within reach.
The entry-level model gets a responsive 8-inch touchscreen display. The optional 12-inch display is available on the remaining trims. Although, it can be very glitchy and laggy sometimes.
Furthermore, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available with a wireless charging pad. In addition, you get a six-speaker stereo system which you can upgrade to a nine or nineteen-speaker Harman Kardon Premium sound system.
Toyota Tundra
The previous generation had a practical interior that continues with the new generation. It is sleeker and up-to-date. It is straightforward and minimalistic. The lower trims get analog dials with a small screen in the middle, while the top gets an upgraded 12-inch digital gauge cluster.
The quality is decent, and all the switches are within arm’s length. Furthermore, the interior is roomy enough for a family. Although, the Double Cab falls short on space at the back. Luckily, there is the CrewMax that offers more liberty in the back seat. The seats are wide and cozy with a lot of adjustability.
The center console comes with padded armrests, cupholders, and cubbies for storage. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard with an 8-inch display. But the real show stopper is the horizontal 14-inch touchscreen display with its sharp graphics.
The bed is available in three sizes for more cargo. There is the short 5,5 ft bed, the standard 6,5 ft bed, and an 8 ft long bed.
Verdict: the new Tundra is nicely equipped, and the interior with the 14-inch display will leave you with a long-lasting impression. Nonetheless, the Ram 1500 is still ahead of the competition with its premium cabin and quality comfort.
Towing and Hauling Capabilities
Ram 1500
The F-150 takes the lead in this aspect. Regardless, the 1500 still puts out a serious performance and outstanding numbers. The TRX model is the most powerful in the lineup with a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8. It can tow 8,100 pounds and haul up to 1,300 pounds (closely matched with the F-150 Raptor).
The 5.7-liter V-8 with etorque (mild-hybrid technology) is rated at 12,750 pounds and has a max payload of 2,300. The EcoDiesel and normal Hemi V-8 can tow over 11,000 pounds and haul up to 1,800 pounds, while the V-6 puts out TRX figures.
Toyota Tundra
The 2022 Tundra is most definitely on steroids. It may not be as strong as the competition, but the capabilities are enhanced. The new generation is rated to tow 12,000 pounds. Just a few hundred pounds behind the Ram 1500. The maximum payload is 1,900 pounds, but it varies depending on the trim level.
Verdict: The Ram 1500 wins because it offers better capabilities.
Fuel Economy
Ram 1500
The mpg will go up or down depending on the powertrain you pick. The V-6 averages 20 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway, while the big 5.7-liter V-8 achieves 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway.
The EcoDiesel is the most efficient as it gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway. It can cross 900 miles with a single fill-up with careful driving. The TRX model is by far the worse when it comes to fuel economy. The 6.2-liter V-8 averages 10 miles per gallon in the city, 14 on the highway, and 12 combined mpg.
That’s one way to go broke.
Toyota Tundra
The Tundra closely matches its competitors in terms of gas consumption. The rear-wheel-drive spec with the V-6 gets 18 mpg in the city and about 24 on the highway. The hybrid trims achieve better mileage in the city.
Ps: The MPG falls about a mile or two if you go for the 4X4 models on both trucks.
Verdict: The Tundra’s V-6 engines outperform Ram’s thirsty V-8s, but the Ram’s EcoDiesel and V-6 are more efficient.
Powertrain and Transmission
Ram 1500
The smallest engine is the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 producing 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. The second engine is a Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 with etorque. The power output from this engine is 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque.
Ram offers two big 5.7-liter V-8s for the 1500. Both powerplants produce 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque but only one has mild-hybrid tech.
Finally, we have the big daddy!
The legendary 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V-8. This mammoth of an engine puts out a staggering 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to get you from 0-60 in under five seconds.
All four engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and send the power to the rear wheels. Four-wheel drive is optional on all models and standard on the TRX.
Toyota Tundra
For the 2022 model, Toyota decided to ditch the old V-8 on the Tundra. Thus, you get a V-6 engine that produces different power figures depending on the trim level you select. On the entry-level models, the i-Force 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 makes 348 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
Otherwise, the output will increase to 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The top trim levels get the i-Force Max 3.5-liter V-6 with hybrid technology. It makes 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.
All engines come with a ten-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. 4X4 is optional and can be fitted for almost every model.
Verdict: when it comes to the base model engine, the Tundra is the clear winner with its powerful V-6, but the Ram 1500 offers more choices and power.
Safety
Ram 1500
All the safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control are available on the Ram 1500. In addition, you get six standard airbags, a surround-view camera, a blind-spot monitor, cross-traffic alert, and stability control.
Toyota Tundra
Toyota offers the Tundra with its Safety Sense-P 2.0 right out of the gate. It’s available on all models and includes pre-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitor, cruise control, and pedestrian detection.
Verdict: both vehicles received good ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS. However, the Tundra wins in terms of standard equipment, while the Ram has more but optional safety gear.
Trim Levels and Price
Ram 1500
There are seven trim levels to choose from, starting with the Tradesman. It costs $37,000 and comes fitted with cruise control, wireless connectivity, power windows and doors, AC, vinyl floors and seat cover, 18-inch steel wheels, and keyless entry.
Stepping up to the Big Horne (Lone Star) fits the Ram 1500 with chrome bumpers, 18-inch aluminum wheels, foglights, floor carpet, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. All that comes at $43,000.
The Laramie is based on the Big Horne with extra niceties. It gets more chrome, power seats with heating and ventilation, LED lights, remote start, dual-zone climate control, and leather interior. It also gets an 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But all these extras will cost you extra. The price starts at $48,000.
The Rebel is off-road focused. It features aggressive style, LED lights, upgraded suspension with all-terrain tires, bucket seats, hill descent assist, skid plates, and an electronic locking rear axle. This model will cost you $50,000
The Longhorn steps into the luxury territory with 20-inch aluminum wheels, upgraded LED lights, side steps, bed liner with in-bed lighting, parking sensors, heated rear seats, and sat-nav. With luxury comes a big bill, and the total for a loaded Longhorn trim starts at $58,000.
The limited is the deluxe trim in the lineup. It is fitted with power running boards, 22-inch wheels, a 12-inch display, a premium leather interior, a wireless charging pad, and air suspension. The price of the Limited starts at 64,000$ and can easily hit $72,000 mark if you add the available packages.
Finally, the Ram TRX. It gets the amenities and adds wider fender flares, hood scoop with LED lights, lifted suspension with Bilstein dampers, performance exhaust, rear differential, bigger brakes, skid plates, and all-terrain tires (35s). It costs around $80,000 and $100,000+ if it’s fully loaded.
Toyota Tundra
You can get your Tundra in seven different trims, including the SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, TRD Pro, and Capstone.
The base model is the SR and gets the full Safety package alongside 18-inch steel wheels, LED lights, composite bed, keyless entry, and an 8-inch display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The price for one of these is $35-39,000.
The SR5 starts at around $42,000 and builds on top of the SR trim. It adds LED foglights, alloy wheels, towing package, and armrests with cup holders at the back. The Limited is next on the list. It takes comfort and style up a notch with 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 14-inch display.
The hybrid version gets a 12-inch digital gauge cluster. MSRP starts at $48,000.
The Platinum provides more quality and class with a set of premium LED lights, ambient interior lights, JBL audio system, wireless charging pad, leather interior, panoramic sunroof, and a surround-view camera. The 1794 Edition is equipped like the Platinum, but it has outdoorsy ranch style and 1794 badging. Both trims cost around $59,000.
The TRD Pro is for off-road junkies. For $68,000 you get an 18-inch wheel with 33-inch all-terrain tires, crawl control, Fox suspension, and a rear locking differential. On top of the lineup sits the Capstone and caps out on luxury features.
It comes with a heads-up display, Capstone decals, 22-inch wheels, and a $75,000 bill. There are additional TRD Sport and TRD Off-road packages for the lower SR trims.
Verdict: both vehicles offer loads of amenities and trim levels to pick from with competitive prices, but the Tundra cannot keep up with the levels of luxury the Ram 1500 has to offer.
Competition
The Ram 1500 is leading the class with its outstanding performance and high-quality interior. F-150 is the runner-up. What the latter lacks in luxury compensates for it with top-notch towing and hauling capabilities. The Tundra is back in the game with the Chevy Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500.
FAQs
Question: What is the Best Year for the Ram 1500?
Answer: According to online forums and consumer reports, the best year for a Ram 1500 is 2018. It is fairly new and received little to no complaints from the owners. On the other hand, the 2014 and 2013 models should be avoided. These models seem to have issues with the transmission, electronic features, and interior accessories.
Question: Which Ram 1500 Trim should I Buy?
Answer: The best Trim is the Rebel. It falls in the middle of the pack, is nicely equipped, and is affordable. Plus, you can use it as a daily and an off-roader.
Question: Is it Expensive to Maintain a Tundra?
Answer: The average cost of maintaining your Tundra is 600$ annually. In addition, Toyota offers complimentary services and great warranties.
Final Words
Make no mistake, the Tundra is a fantastic truck with legendary reliability and practicality. Nonetheless, the Ram 1500 is still the best thanks to its sleek looks, performance, and top-of-the-line quality build.
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