2024 Toyota Tundra vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 RAM 1500, available in both quad cab and crew cab configurations, offered a versatile and stylish option for truck enthusiasts. The Limited trim, nearly at the top of the eight available trims, featured a $4,145 Night Edition package that replaced chrome accents with blacked-out elements, including a grille, badging, headlamp bezels, and mirror caps. The 22-inch black aluminum wheels added to its stealthy appearance. Inside, the Limited trim boasted luxurious leather with contrasting stitching, open-pore wood on the dash, and a 12-inch portrait-oriented screen that provided a unique and upscale look.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Tundra had a bold design with a massive grille aimed at improving powertrain cooling. While some found the grille unappealing, the truck's overall appearance was rugged and durable, thanks to its industrial design theme with camo-pattern detailing. However, the interior suffered from excessive plastic, which detracted from the sense of quality. The Tundra was available in Double Cab and CrewMax styles with various bed lengths and trim levels, each powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, with the TRD Pro trim featuring a hybrid version of the V6 for enhanced performance.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, including a 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque, a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque, and a 3.0-liter diesel engine. The top-tier TRX trim featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The eTorque system provided better fuel economy and extra power, with the V8 generating 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission delivered smooth shifts, and the truck's rear coilover suspension and optional air suspension ensured a comfortable ride. The RAM 1500 had a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 2,300 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro excelled both on and off-road, thanks to its lighter BBS forged alloy wheels, Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, TRD front stabilizer bar, and FOX internal-bypass shock absorbers. The standard twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine produced 358 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid version in the TRD Pro delivered 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The TRD Pro had a towing capacity of 11,175 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,600 pounds. The 10-speed automatic transmission and part-time 4WD system with various off-roading features made it a capable off-road vehicle. However, the Tundra's fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging 17.1 mpg.

The 2023 RAM 1500's interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring numerous storage cubbies, a two-tiered center console, and a spacious center console that could accommodate a laptop, purse, and snacks. The front seats were heated and cooled, with eight-way power adjustments, and the rear seats reclined up to eight degrees, providing ample legroom at 45.2 inches. The multifunction tailgate and optional RamBox storage added to the truck's versatility, making it easy to load and secure cargo.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra's interior was spacious but compromised by the i-Force Max's battery, which eliminated rear underseat storage and a flat rear cab floor. This limitation affected the truck's practicality, as demonstrated during a family outing to the beach. The Tundra's cargo bed lacked some of the helpful features found in competitors, such as adjustable cargo tie-down cleats and bumper corner steps. However, the Tundra offered decent storage space and wide seats, although the driver's seat caused some discomfort during long drives. The TRD Pro's heated and ventilated front seats were appreciated for added comfort.

The 2023 RAM 1500 received a tech upgrade with a new reconfigurable 12-inch gauge cluster, although it was not available on the tested model. The truck featured a 12-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, allowing for dual-function display and Bluetooth connectivity for two phones. The Uconnect system, while initially confusing, was well-organized. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though there was some lag with Apple CarPlay. The optional Equipment Group 1 added a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and surround-view camera system. Multiple USB outlets, a wireless charging pad, and various power outlets ensured all devices could be charged.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system required activation of complimentary trial subscriptions for connected services, with varying durations for each service. Safety Connect, Drive Connect, and other services provided valuable features such as collision notification and cloud-based navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system. Additional tech included wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera, and trailering assistance.

The 2023 RAM 1500 lacked standard advanced driver-assist systems, with features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning available as options or part of packages. The truck received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use. The Limited, Longhorn, and TRX trims received Good grades for headlights, while other trims were rated Marginal.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors were available on higher trims or as part of an option package. The TRD Pro's driver aids generally worked well, though the lane-centering assist feature was less reliable on winding roads. The Tundra received high marks from the NHTSA, with five-star ratings for Crew Cab 4WD models and a four-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS awarded the Tundra a Top Safety Pick rating, though it received a Poor rating in the moderate overlap frontal-impact test for rear-seat passengers.