Toyota Tundra Vs Ram 1500: Which Pickup is Right for You?

There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to half-ton pickups.

Today’s shopper is wading hip-deep through options with diesel, gasoline, electric and hybrid power– and new tech, hardware and safety equipment is rapidly arriving on scene as competition fiercens and shoppers look to 4×4 vehicles to get out and explore the world around them.

Below, we’ll compare one of the market’s most proven pickups with one of its newest. It’s the new-for-2022 Toyota Tundra versus the Ram 1500, examined under our microscope to help you make a smarter purchase decision.

Bottom Line: Both models can be specified in various cab and bed configurations, with the Tundra offering Double Cab and Crewmax configurations, and the RAM offering Crew Cab and Quad Cab models.

On rear-seat legroom, Toyota’s Tundra Crewmax configuration serves up 41.6 inches, with the Ram 1500 Crew Cab offering 45.2.

Key differences on cabin space are more apparent in the rear seats, where the RAM 1500 will feel more spacious and accommodating—ideal for drivers who frequently travel with a truck full of adult passengers.

Toyota Tundra: Toyota offers the 2022 Tundra in both standard and long-bed configurations, with maximum towing capacity of 12,000 lbs. on properly equipped models. The Tundra’s fuel tank has a capacity of 22.5 gallons on SR and SR5 models, with a 32.2 gallon tank available on SR5 and standard on Limited and higher trim grades.

Maximum payload is 1,940 lbs.

RAM 1500: The RAM 1500 is available in both short and long bed options, with maximum towing capacity rated at 12,700 lbs when properly equipped. Fuel tank sizes are 26 or 33 gallons, depending on the model selected.

Note the RAM 1500’s available RAMBOX system, which fits compartments to the sides of the truck’s box, adding lockable and drainable storage and additional flexibility.

Maximum payload is 2,300 lbs.

Bottom Line: The RAM 1500 takes the lead in payload, but little separates these two pickups when it comes to maximum towing capacity or highway cruising range.

RAM 1500: RAM 1500 shoppers can choose from V6 or V8 gasoline options with the efficiency-boosting eTorque system, as well as a 3-litre turbodiesel V6. With 5.7 litre HEMI V8, look for 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft of torque, as well as improved throttle response from models equipped with the eTorque system. The RAM 1500’s Pentastar V6 delivers 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft of torque.

With optionally-available diesel power, RAM 1500 drivers get less stops for refuelling, alongside 260 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft of torque—70 more than the HEMI V8!

Both two and four-wheel drive models are available, and the RAM 1500 uses an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both the RAM 1500’s gasoline HEMI V8 and Pentastar V6 engines are some of the most proven and mass-produced powerplants on the road today.

Bottom Line: The RAM 1500 leads the pair for powertrain selection with available diesel engine, and shoppers may take added confidence in its well-proven engine lineup. The Tundra leads the way with the highest available output figures, and maximum torque that leaves the RAM 1500 in the dust.

Toyota Tundra: Where 4×2 models are concerned, the Tundra’s gets 18 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg combined, with the lower-output engine tune in SR trim grades. With the more powerful engine tune used for all other trim grades, the Tundra 4×2 achieves 18 mpg in the city, 23 on the highway, and 20 combined.

With 4×4, it’s 17 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway (make that 23 mpg on SR and SR5 grades), and 19 mpg overall.

Opting for the hybrid engine, dubbed i-FORCE MAX, makes a slight improvement to fuel efficiency, and a much larger improvement to torque output.

RAM 1500: With V6 power, the RAM 1500 achieves 20 MPG in the city, 25 on the highway, and 22 combined. With HEMI V8, it’s a thirstier 17 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined.

The available diesel engine makes it 23 in the city, 33 on the highway, and 26 combined—representing the best fuel economy on the page.

Bottom Line: Toyota’s hybrid tech lets shoppers make better use of their fuel dollars by turning in a significant torque advantage with no hit to your fuel bill—though it’s the RAM 1500 EcoDiesel as the best choice for shoppers after minimized consumption.

RAM 1500: The RAM 1500 packs an impressive list of advanced safety features, including Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning and parking sensor system, but the best of the RAM 1500’s safety features are typically optional, and / or reserved for higher-end models.

Bottom Line: Both trucks have an impressive array of safety equipment, but the Tundra makes it easier for shoppers to know they’re backed by the latest and greatest features, since they’re all standard.

There’s little separating the Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra on fuel economy, capability and styling prowess—though shoppers after a more spacious rear-seat experience and a more time-tested platform and powertrain will tend to gravitate towards the RAM 1500—though the Tundra’s available torque-monster hybrid engine and more advanced safety feature suite will attract shoppers after the latest in high-tech.

My choice, after hundreds of miles of real-world testing both machines? The Tundra. I’m a big fan of the RAM 1500’s proven bones, though I found the Tundra’s ride, handling, infotainment system and powertrain refinement added a stronger sense of value for the dollar.

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