2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2022 RAM 1500

2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 RAM 1500
2022 RAM 1500
$29,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 RAM 1500
$29,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

CarGurus experts evaluated the two vehicles in the contexts of their own classes. The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is 6.5 out of 10, while the 2022 Ram 1500 scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Ram 1500 emerges as the more highly rated option, offering superior performance, technology, safety features, and overall value.

Overview

MSRP

$26,400

MSRP

$29,650

Average price

$34,974

Average price

$39,769

Listings

4202

Listings

6279
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Excellent off-road capability
Cons
  • Sluggish performance
  • Poor handling
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Spacious interior
  • Great ride quality
Cons
  • Expensive diesel engine option
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Sensitive rear automatic braking system

2021 Toyota Tacoma Reviews Summary

Last redesigned for the 2016 model year, The Tacoma once dominated midsize-truck sales. In recent years, though, it’s faced stronger competition from the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, the Ford Ranger, and the Jeep Gladiator. A redesigned Nissan Frontier and heavily-updated Honda Ridgeline are also on the way.

Meanwhile, the Tacoma enters the 2021 model year largely unchanged. The only updates are two new special editions—the Nightshade Edition and Trail Special Edition—and standard dual-zone automatic climate control on all V6 models.

Pickup truck buyers tend to want choices, and Toyota delivers. The Tacoma is available with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, Access Cab and four-door Double Cab body styles, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and six trim levels— SR, SR5, TRD Off Road, TRD Sport, Limited, and TRD Pro—plus the two special editions.

Our test vehicle was a Tacoma TRD Pro Double Cab. The TRD Pro is the most off-road focused of the Tacoma models, so naturally, it gets standard 4WD drive. While Toyota does offer a more comfort-oriented Tacoma Limited model, the TRD Pro is also positioned at the top of the lineup.

Search for a Toyota Tacoma on CarGurus

2022 RAM 1500 Reviews Summary

In 2021, the Ram pickup line overtook the Chevrolet Silverado as the second-best-selling truck in America. That’s the headline. The nuance is that sales figures include the previous-generation version, now sold as the Ram 1500 Classic, which remains in production four years after its should have died. Also, General Motors suffered significant production disruptions due to the ongoing chip shortage. Nevertheless, and especially in light of the redesigned Toyota Tundra arriving in the market, we thought it would be good to revisit the most popular of the Ram trucks, the 2022 Ram 1500.
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
2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 RAM 1500
2022 RAM 1500
$29,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 RAM 1500
$29,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

CarGurus experts evaluated the two vehicles in the contexts of their own classes. The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is 6.5 out of 10, while the 2022 Ram 1500 scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Ram 1500 emerges as the more highly rated option, offering superior performance, technology, safety features, and overall value.

Overview
MSRP
$26,400
$29,650
Average price
$34,974
$39,769
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.9
4.6
Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Excellent off-road capability
Cons
  • Sluggish performance
  • Poor handling
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Spacious interior
  • Great ride quality
Cons
  • Expensive diesel engine option
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Sensitive rear automatic braking system
Summary

Last redesigned for the 2016 model year, The Tacoma once dominated midsize-truck sales. In recent years, though, it’s faced stronger competition from the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, the Ford Ranger, and the Jeep Gladiator. A redesigned Nissan Frontier and heavily-updated Honda Ridgeline are also on the way.

Meanwhile, the Tacoma enters the 2021 model year largely unchanged. The only updates are two new special editions—the Nightshade Edition and Trail Special Edition—and standard dual-zone automatic climate control on all V6 models.

Pickup truck buyers tend to want choices, and Toyota delivers. The Tacoma is available with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, Access Cab and four-door Double Cab body styles, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and six trim levels— SR, SR5, TRD Off Road, TRD Sport, Limited, and TRD Pro—plus the two special editions.

Our test vehicle was a Tacoma TRD Pro Double Cab. The TRD Pro is the most off-road focused of the Tacoma models, so naturally, it gets standard 4WD drive. While Toyota does offer a more comfort-oriented Tacoma Limited model, the TRD Pro is also positioned at the top of the lineup.

Search for a Toyota Tacoma on CarGurus

In 2021, the Ram pickup line overtook the Chevrolet Silverado as the second-best-selling truck in America. That’s the headline. The nuance is that sales figures include the previous-generation version, now sold as the Ram 1500 Classic, which remains in production four years after its should have died. Also, General Motors suffered significant production disruptions due to the ongoing chip shortage. Nevertheless, and especially in light of the redesigned Toyota Tundra arriving in the market, we thought it would be good to revisit the most popular of the Ram trucks, the 2022 Ram 1500.
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
2021 Toyota Tacoma
8/10
2022 RAM 1500
8/10
The Toyota Tacoma presents itself as the quintessential truck, boasting traditional pickup styling elements such as boxy fender flares, a shield-like grille, and rugged lines. On the other hand, the Ram 1500 exudes a modern and clean design with hints of its iconic "big rig" styling. The Ram 1500's design is understated and contemporary, providing a natural fit with its chrome accents compared to the Tacoma.
Performance
2021 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
2022 RAM 1500
9/10
In terms of performance, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is rated at 6.6 out of 10, while the 2022 Ram 1500 scores 9 out of 10. The Tacoma offers two engine options including a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and an optional 3.5-liter V6, catering to varying power needs. The Tacoma's off-road capability is enhanced with TRD models offering advanced features such as Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select drive modes. In comparison, the Ram 1500 offers several engine options, including a mild-hybrid V6 and a turbocharged diesel V6, providing both power and fuel efficiency.
Form and function
2021 Toyota Tacoma
6/10
2022 RAM 1500
9/10
When it comes to cargo capacity, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma offers versatility with different cab sizes and bed lengths, catering to various needs. The Ram 1500, on the other hand, provides practical storage solutions throughout the cabin, including RamBox storage bins and underfloor storage. In terms of payload and towing capacity, the Tacoma boasts a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,685 pounds, while the Ram 1500 offers a towing capacity of up to 12,560 pounds depending on the configuration.
Technology
2021 Toyota Tacoma
6/10
2022 RAM 1500
7/10
For technology, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma receives a rating of 6 out of 10, while the 2022 Ram 1500 scores 7 out of 10. The Tacoma features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a user-friendly infotainment system. In comparison, the Ram 1500 offers a more robust Uconnect 5 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services, providing quicker responses and additional features.
Safety
2021 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
2022 RAM 1500
6/10
In terms of safety, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma scores 7 out of 10, and the 2022 Ram 1500 scores 6 out of 10. The Tacoma offers driver-assist features like forward collision warning and lane-departure warning, while the Ram 1500 adds advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control available in higher trim levels.
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By: CarGurus + AI

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