2021 RAM 1500 vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma

2021 RAM 1500
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Toyota Tacoma
2022 Toyota Tacoma
$27,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Toyota Tacoma
$27,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

CarGurus experts evaluated the two vehicles in the contexts of their own classes. The overall rating for the 2021 Ram 1500 is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2022 Toyota Tacoma scores 7.5 out of 10.

Overview

MSRP

$29,490

MSRP

$27,150

Average price

$37,693

Average price

$37,240

Listings

7944

Listings

2608
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Stylish design
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Impressive off-road abilities
  • Manual transmission available
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Cramped back seat
  • Poor ride quality

2021 RAM 1500 Reviews Summary

Always the bridesmaid but never the bride, the Ram 1500 enters the fray of high-performance off-road vehicles with cocksure confidence. Second place in truck sales last year, Ram earns the first-place podium in superpowers with its new SRT Hellcat-powered TRX trim level as it looks to make moves to climb the sales charts. Or, maybe, just literally drive over its competition.

2022 Toyota Tacoma Reviews Summary

Other small trucks have come and gone—and come back again—but the Toyota Tacoma has been the cornerstone of the segment for decades now. Though it has grown in size through the years, it has remained one of the best options if you’re in the market for a smaller alternative to full-size pickups. It’s a great option for a commuter who goes on the occasional camping, kayaking, or mountain biking adventure. The bed is good for picking up supplies to tackle a weekend project.

But the midsize Tacoma has increased competition. In the past decade, the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Ford Ranger have returned. The Nissan Frontier recently received a long-overdue overhaul. And there’s even a new crop of compact pickups, including the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. So is the Tacoma still the big dog among small trucks?

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.6L 305 hp V6

Engine

2.7L 159 hp I4

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

4

Horsepower

305 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

159 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

17

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

25

MPG Highway

23
2021 RAM 1500
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Toyota Tacoma
2022 Toyota Tacoma
$27,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Toyota Tacoma
$27,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

CarGurus experts evaluated the two vehicles in the contexts of their own classes. The overall rating for the 2021 Ram 1500 is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2022 Toyota Tacoma scores 7.5 out of 10.

Overview
MSRP
$29,490
$27,150
Average price
$37,693
$37,240
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.2
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Stylish design
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Impressive off-road abilities
  • Manual transmission available
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Cramped back seat
  • Poor ride quality
Summary
Always the bridesmaid but never the bride, the Ram 1500 enters the fray of high-performance off-road vehicles with cocksure confidence. Second place in truck sales last year, Ram earns the first-place podium in superpowers with its new SRT Hellcat-powered TRX trim level as it looks to make moves to climb the sales charts. Or, maybe, just literally drive over its competition.

Other small trucks have come and gone—and come back again—but the Toyota Tacoma has been the cornerstone of the segment for decades now. Though it has grown in size through the years, it has remained one of the best options if you’re in the market for a smaller alternative to full-size pickups. It’s a great option for a commuter who goes on the occasional camping, kayaking, or mountain biking adventure. The bed is good for picking up supplies to tackle a weekend project.

But the midsize Tacoma has increased competition. In the past decade, the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Ford Ranger have returned. The Nissan Frontier recently received a long-overdue overhaul. And there’s even a new crop of compact pickups, including the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. So is the Tacoma still the big dog among small trucks?

Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.6L 305 hp V6
2.7L 159 hp I4
Drive Train
4X2
4X2
Seating Capacity
3
4
Horsepower
305 hp @ 6400 rpm
159 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
17
20
MPG Highway
25
23
Look and feel
2021 RAM 1500
7/10
2022 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 Ram 1500 has been rated 7.0 out of 10 for look and feel, while the 2022 Toyota Tacoma also scored 7.0 out of 10. The Ram 1500 offers a mix of traditional design elements with modern touches, including the standout TRX model with its robust off-road styling. On the other hand, the Toyota Tacoma features a rugged exterior design that reflects its long-standing reputation in the pickup truck segment.
Performance
2021 RAM 1500
9/10
2022 Toyota Tacoma
8/10
For performance, the CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Ram 1500 at 9.0 out of 10, and the 2022 Toyota Tacoma at 8.0 out of 10. The Ram 1500 TRX impresses with a supercharged Hemi V8 engine that delivers a whopping 702 horsepower, making it a powerhouse on and off the road. Meanwhile, the Toyota Tacoma offers a choice between a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6 engine, providing sufficient power for daily driving and light off-roading.
Form and function
2021 RAM 1500
8/10
2022 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
When it comes to cargo capacity, the 2021 Ram 1500 offers a versatile interior with ample storage solutions and spacious seating. The Ram 1500 TRX, while large in exterior dimensions, maintains identical interior dimensions to the standard model. On the other hand, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma provides practicality with different cab and bed configurations to suit various needs. The Ram 1500 boasts a payload capacity of 1,310 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 8,100 pounds, while the Toyota Tacoma offers a towing capacity of up to 6,800 pounds when properly equipped.
Technology
2021 RAM 1500
8/10
2022 Toyota Tacoma
8/10
In terms of technology, both the 2021 Ram 1500 and the 2022 Toyota Tacoma offer competitive features. The Ram 1500 comes equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with advanced customization options, while the Toyota Tacoma features a user-friendly infotainment system with available wireless device charging.
Safety
2021 RAM 1500
9/10
2022 Toyota Tacoma
9/10
Safety is a priority for both vehicles, with the 2021 Ram 1500 incorporating over 100 safety and security features, including advanced driver-assistance systems. The 2022 Toyota Tacoma comes standard with driver assistance features and has received high scores in safety tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Cost Effectiveness
2021 RAM 1500
6/10
2022 Toyota Tacoma
6/10
The CarGurus experts rate both the 2021 Ram 1500 and the 2022 Toyota Tacoma at 6.0 out of 10 for cost effectiveness. The Ram 1500 TRX started at $69,995 when new, while the Toyota Tacoma started at $26,700. Each vehicle offers value based on its unique features and capabilities.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.