2020 RAM 1500 vs 2020 Toyota Tacoma

2020 Toyota Tacoma
2020 Toyota Tacoma
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 RAM 1500
2020 RAM 1500
$28,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota Tacoma
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 RAM 1500
$28,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2020 RAM 1500 scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the RAM 1500 is the recommended choice for consumers looking for a blend of technology, safety, performance, and luxury in a full-size pickup truck.

Overview

MSRP

$26,050

MSRP

$28,200

Average price

$32,235

Average price

$32,719

Listings

1674

Listings

3711
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard

2020 Toyota Tacoma Reviews Summary

Growing up in the post–Marty McFly era, I saw small Toyota pickups everywhere in America. When the American automakers abandoned this market in the late 2000s, Toyota kept on trucking. The Tacoma remains the best-selling midsize truck in the US—it's more popular than the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier combined. The Ford Ranger isn’t a threat, either. Nearly a quarter-million people purchased a Tacoma last year, a vehicle that by any measure is loud, slow, and defiantly old-fashioned. It’s the capability, size, and dependable off-road features that keep Tacoma buyers satisfied. For 2020, it gets few but important design and technology updates to push this rough-and-tumble pickup into modern times.

2020 RAM 1500 Reviews Summary

A full redesign in 2019 left a significant bit of tech on the table for the increasingly popular Ram 1500: the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine. Ram was once the only option for a half-ton diesel pickup, but emissions certification problems resulted in Ram pulling the diesel engine a few years ago. The engineers at Ram have been hard at work updating it ever since. Although the EcoDiesel wasn’t ready for 2019, it’s now available to any 2020 Ram 1500 trim, so it seems it was well worth the wait. With 80% new parts, the EcoDiesel's improvements to power, efficiency, and delivery all mean that Ram is fighting hard to change minds about America’s least-loved engine type.
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.7L 159 hp I4

Engine

3.6L 305 hp V6

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

4

Seating Capacity

3

Horsepower

159 hp @ 5200 rpm

Horsepower

305 hp @ 6400 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

17

MPG Highway

23

MPG Highway

25
2020 Toyota Tacoma
2020 Toyota Tacoma
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 RAM 1500
2020 RAM 1500
$28,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota Tacoma
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 RAM 1500
$28,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2020 RAM 1500 scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the RAM 1500 is the recommended choice for consumers looking for a blend of technology, safety, performance, and luxury in a full-size pickup truck.

Overview
MSRP
$26,050
$28,200
Average price
$32,235
$32,719
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.3
4.7
Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Summary
Growing up in the post–Marty McFly era, I saw small Toyota pickups everywhere in America. When the American automakers abandoned this market in the late 2000s, Toyota kept on trucking. The Tacoma remains the best-selling midsize truck in the US—it's more popular than the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier combined. The Ford Ranger isn’t a threat, either. Nearly a quarter-million people purchased a Tacoma last year, a vehicle that by any measure is loud, slow, and defiantly old-fashioned. It’s the capability, size, and dependable off-road features that keep Tacoma buyers satisfied. For 2020, it gets few but important design and technology updates to push this rough-and-tumble pickup into modern times.
A full redesign in 2019 left a significant bit of tech on the table for the increasingly popular Ram 1500: the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine. Ram was once the only option for a half-ton diesel pickup, but emissions certification problems resulted in Ram pulling the diesel engine a few years ago. The engineers at Ram have been hard at work updating it ever since. Although the EcoDiesel wasn’t ready for 2019, it’s now available to any 2020 Ram 1500 trim, so it seems it was well worth the wait. With 80% new parts, the EcoDiesel's improvements to power, efficiency, and delivery all mean that Ram is fighting hard to change minds about America’s least-loved engine type.
Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.7L 159 hp I4
3.6L 305 hp V6
Drive Train
4X2
4X2
Seating Capacity
4
3
Horsepower
159 hp @ 5200 rpm
305 hp @ 6400 rpm
MPG City
20
17
MPG Highway
23
25
Look and feel
2020 Toyota Tacoma
8/10
2020 RAM 1500
8/10
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma continued to dominate the midsize truck market in the United States, thriving on its reputation for reliability, off-road capability, and a fiercely loyal customer base. With nearly 250,000 units sold in the previous year, the Tacoma outpaces its competition significantly. Despite its old-school charm, the Tacoma received crucial updates in design and technology for 2020, ensuring it remains a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate its rough-and-tumble nature. The 2020 RAM 1500, on the other hand, underwent a full redesign in 2019, bringing it to the forefront of the full-size pickup truck segment. With the reintroduction of the EcoDiesel engine, the RAM 1500 offered a unique blend of efficiency and power, making it an attractive option for those who value performance and fuel economy. The RAM 1500's commitment to innovation, comfort, and capability has made it a formidable competitor in the truck market.
Performance
2020 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
2020 RAM 1500
7/10
According to CarGurus, both vehicles are rated a 7 out of 10 for performance. The Tacoma's V6 engine offers respectable power for off-road and towing capabilities, but its performance on paved roads can feel outdated. The RAM 1500's engine lineup, including the V6 eTorque and the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, provides a balance of power and efficiency. While the RAM's diesel option offers impressive torque, its performance under certain conditions can leave something to be desired.
Form and function
2020 Toyota Tacoma
8/10
2020 RAM 1500
8/10
In the realm of form and function, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma and 2020 RAM 1500 cater to different user preferences with their unique designs and capabilities. The Tacoma, being smaller than its full-size counterparts, offers significant advantages in maneuverability and ease of use in urban environments. Its design facilitates easy parking and navigation through tighter spaces, an asset for those who frequent both city streets and off-road trails. The Tacoma's bed, available in 5- or 6-foot lengths, includes a versatile rail system for securing cargo, enhancing its practicality. However, it's worth noting the payload capacity of the Tacoma is 1,440 pounds, with a towing capability of up to 6,800 pounds, making it suitably equipped for moderate hauling tasks. On the other hand, the 2020 RAM 1500 emphasizes class-leading torque and towing capacity, setting a high bar with over 12,000 pounds of towing capacity, depending on the configuration. This makes the RAM 1500 an ideal choice for those with more demanding towing needs. Additionally, the RAM's payload capacity and its interior storage volume significantly surpass those of the Tacoma, offering over 151 liters of interior storage space. The RAM 1500's design focuses on maximizing comfort and utility, featuring a spacious cabin with advanced suspension for a smoother ride, even under load. The rear seats in higher trims can even recline, providing unmatched comfort for passengers. Despite these strengths, achieving the RAM 1500's maximum towing capacity requires specific configurations, which may not align with all users' needs or preferences. This aspect highlights the importance of balancing between performance specifications and practical usability based on individual requirements.
Technology
2020 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
2020 RAM 1500
7/10
In technology, both trucks receive a 7 out of 10 rating. The Tacoma's infotainment system includes standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the system's simplicity may not impress those looking for cutting-edge technology. The RAM 1500, with its available 12-inch touchscreen and advanced engine technology, sets a high standard for connectivity and efficiency in the segment.
Safety
2020 Toyota Tacoma
8/10
2020 RAM 1500
9/10
Safety ratings reveal a slight edge for the RAM 1500, which scores a 9 out of 10 compared to the Tacoma's 8 out of 10. The Tacoma offers a solid range of standard safety features, but the RAM 1500's achievement as the first full-size pickup to be named a Top Safety Pick Plus by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), along with its comprehensive safety options, places it at the forefront of truck safety.
Cost Effectiveness
2020 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
2020 RAM 1500
7/10
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By: CarGurus + AI

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