In the competitive world of full-size pickup trucks, the 2023 Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra stand out as formidable contenders, each offering a unique blend of power, versatility, and style. With both vehicles boasting distinctive designs, advanced technologies, and a range of features catering to various needs, making the right choice can be a daunting task.
In this detailed comparison, we will explore the strengths and differences of these two trucks to help you make an informed decision based on your preferences and requirements.
Exterior Design
The Ram 1500 boasts a chiseled, aggressive look with its signature grille, sleek LED headlights, and sculpted lines running along the body. The optional multifunction tailgate features a 60/40 split, allowing for greater access and flexibility when loading and unloading cargo. With a variety of wheel options and the available RamBox Cargo Management System, the Ram 1500’s exterior is both functional and visually appealing.
On the other hand, the Toyota Tundra showcases a more refined and aerodynamic approach to its exterior design. With a wide grille, sharp LED headlights, and distinctive character lines, the Tundra exudes confidence and capability. The available integrated deck rail system and multiple tie-down points make securing cargo a breeze, while the optional power tailgate ensures easy access to the bed.
Interior Design
The interiors of the 2023 Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra combine comfort, luxury, and practicality to make each journey a pleasant experience.
The Ram 1500’s interior is both spacious and upscale, featuring high-quality materials and impressive attention to detail. With the available 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system, drivers can access navigation, climate control, and entertainment options with ease. Additionally, the customizable digital instrument cluster ensures all vital information is readily accessible.
The Toyota Tundra’s cabin is equally refined, offering a blend of comfort and function. The available 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system is intuitively designed and easy to use, offering seamless smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tundra’s cabin also features numerous storage compartments and charging ports, keeping the interior clutter-free and well-organized.
Seating
The Ram 1500 is available in three cab configurations – Regular Cab, Quad Cab, and Crew Cab. The Crew Cab provides the most spacious rear-seat accommodations, with ample legroom and available features such as heated and ventilated rear seats. The available leather upholstery and premium materials ensure a luxurious seating experience.
Similarly, the Toyota Tundra offers two cab configurations – Double Cab and CrewMax. The CrewMax provides generous rear-seat legroom and headroom, with available features like power sliding rear windows and heated rear seats. The Tundra’s cabin also offers multiple seat adjustment options, ensuring comfort for occupants of all sizes.
Storage
The Ram 1500’s bed comes in three lengths – 5 feet 7 inches, 6 feet 4 inches, and 8 feet – with the available RamBox Cargo Management System providing additional storage compartments on the sides of the bed. Inside the cabin, under-seat storage compartments and a configurable center console offer even more cargo solutions.
The Toyota Tundra offers two bed lengths – 5 feet 5 inches and 6 feet 5 inches – and features an integrated deck rail system for easier cargo management. The Tundra’s interior also boasts multiple storage compartments, including a large center console, door pockets, and under-seat storage in the rear.
Performance
The Ram 1500 comes with a range of engine options, including the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque mild hybrid system, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, and the top-of-the-line supercharged 6.2-liter V8 found in the TRX model. These engines provide ample power and torque for various driving conditions, and the available air suspension ensures a comfortable ride.
The Toyota Tundra features a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, which replaces the previous generation’s V8. This engine provides impressive power and torque while improving fuel efficiency. An available i-FORCE MAX hybrid system further enhances performance and efficiency. The Tundra’s suspension and chassis have been redesigned for improved handling and off-road capability, making it a strong competitor in the segment.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many pickup truck buyers, and both the Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra offer competitive numbers in this area.
The Ram 1500’s 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque delivers impressive fuel efficiency, and the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 offers even better numbers, making it one of the most fuel-efficient trucks in the segment. The HEMI V8 and supercharged V8 engines provide more power but lower fuel efficiency.
The Toyota Tundra’s new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine offers better fuel efficiency than its predecessor’s V8, and the available i-FORCE MAX hybrid system further improves fuel economy, making the Tundra a compelling option for those seeking efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Safety
The Ram 1500 offers the available Advanced Safety Group, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision warning with active braking. The 1500 also features standard electronic stability control and a high-strength steel frame for added protection.
The Toyota Tundra comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of advanced safety features including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. Additionally, the Tundra offers available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems for added security.
Trim Levels
The Ram 1500 comes in several trims, including Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, and Limited, each offering varying degrees of luxury and off-road capability. The range-topping TRX model caters to high-performance enthusiasts with its supercharged V8 engine and advanced off-road features.
The Toyota Tundra is available in several trims, such as SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and TRD Pro. Each trim offers unique features and options, with the TRD Pro model being tailored for off-road enthusiasts with its upgraded suspension, skid plates, and other off-road enhancements.
Pricing
The Ram 1500 starts at a base price of around $34,000 for the Tradesman trim, with higher trims and additional options pushing the price upwards. The luxurious Limited trim can easily surpass $60,000, while the performance-focused TRX model starts at around $72,000.
The Toyota Tundra’s base price for the SR trim is around $35,000. Higher trims, such as the Platinum and 1794 Edition, can reach into the $50,000 range, while the off-road-oriented TRD Pro model starts at approximately $52,000. Additional options and packages can further increase the price.
Key Differences
Engine Options:
The Ram 1500 offers a wider range of engine options, including a V6 with eTorque mild hybrid system, a HEMI V8, an EcoDiesel V6, and the supercharged V8 in the TRX model. The Toyota Tundra, on the other hand, has a single engine choice: the new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, with the option to add the i-FORCE MAX hybrid system for improved efficiency and performance.
Suspension:
The Ram 1500 offers an available air suspension system, providing improved ride comfort and adjustable ride height for various driving conditions. The Toyota Tundra does not have an air suspension option but does feature a redesigned suspension and chassis for better handling and off-road capability.
Cargo Management:
The Ram 1500 offers the optional RamBox Cargo Management System, which provides additional storage compartments integrated into the sides of the truck bed. The Toyota Tundra does not have a comparable feature but does include an integrated deck rail system for easier cargo management.
Trim Levels:
Both the Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra offer a variety of trims, but the Ram 1500’s TRX model stands out as a high-performance, off-road-focused option with a supercharged V8 engine. The Toyota Tundra’s TRD Pro trim is also geared towards off-road enthusiasts, but with a focus on suspension and chassis upgrades rather than raw engine power.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra are exceptional pickup trucks, each excelling in different areas that cater to a wide array of needs and preferences. The Ram 1500 impresses with its variety of engine options, luxurious interior, and advanced features, while the Toyota Tundra stands out with its refined design, new engine offerings, and a reputation for reliability.
The choice between these two trucks ultimately comes down to your personal priorities and what you value most in a pickup. Regardless of your decision, both vehicles are excellent choices that will not disappoint those seeking a versatile and capable truck.
Features Breakdown
2023 Ram 1500:
- Engine Options:
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque mild hybrid system
- 5.7-liter HEMI V8
- 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6
- Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 (TRX model)
- Exterior Design:
- Aggressive, chiseled look
- Signature grille and sleek LED headlights
- Optional multifunction tailgate with 60/40 split
- Available RamBox Cargo Management System
- Interior Design:
- Spacious and upscale cabin
- High-quality materials and craftsmanship
- Available 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system
- Customizable digital instrument cluster
- Seating:
- Three cab configurations: Regular Cab, Quad Cab, Crew Cab
- Ample rear legroom in Crew Cab configuration
- Available heated and ventilated rear seats
- Storage:
- Three bed lengths: 5 feet 7 inches, 6 feet 4 inches, 8 feet
- RamBox Cargo Management System for additional storage compartments
- Under-seat storage and configurable center console
- Fuel Efficiency:
- Impressive fuel efficiency with 3.6-liter V6 eTorque and 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engines
- Lower fuel efficiency with HEMI V8 and supercharged V8 engines
- Safety:
- Available Advanced Safety Group with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more
- Standard electronic stability control
- High-strength steel frame
- Trim Levels:
- Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX
- Pricing:
- Starts at around $34,000 for the base Tradesman trim, with higher trims and options increasing the price
Toyota Tundra:
- Engine Options:
- 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine
- Available i-FORCE MAX hybrid system
- Exterior Design:
- Refined, aerodynamic design
- Wide grille and sharp LED headlights
- Integrated deck rail system for cargo management
- Optional power tailgate
- Interior Design:
- Comfortable and functional cabin
- Available 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Multiple storage compartments and charging ports
- Seating:
- Two cab configurations: Double Cab and CrewMax
- Generous rear legroom in CrewMax configuration
- Available power sliding rear windows and heated rear seats
- Storage:
- Two bed lengths: 5 feet 5 inches and 6 feet 5 inches
- Integrated deck rail system for easier cargo management
- Fuel Efficiency:
- Improved fuel efficiency with the new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine
- Further efficiency improvements with the available i-FORCE MAX hybrid system
- Safety:
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense with pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and more
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems
- Trim Levels:
- SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and TRD Pro
- Pricing:
- Starts at around $35,000 for the base SR trim, with higher trims and options increasing the price
