2023 RAM 2500 vs 2024 Toyota Tundra

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel presented a familiar yet distinct appearance, closely resembling the Power Wagon but with notable differences. It featured an aluminum sport hood, 20-inch wheels, and a sleek, blacked-out look, omitting the Power Wagon's graphics, 17-inch wheels, and front bumper winch. The Rebel's aggressive stance was complemented by a Rebel-specific grille and a crew-cab configuration with a 6-foot, 4-inch cargo bed. The standard 6.4-liter V8 engine was a shared trait with the Power Wagon, but the Rebel offered an exclusive 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six, unavailable in the Power Wagon due to cooling constraints. The base price was set at $67,045, with additional features like the Safety Group and Towing Tech Group pushing the MSRP to $91,630. The 2023 model year brought enhancements such as a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, side-view cameras, and towing improvements, including Trailer Reverse Steering Control. Inside, the Rebel boasted quality materials and luxurious finishes, though the glossy black plastic around the infotainment system was a drawback due to its tendency to show dust and fingerprints.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra, on the other hand, showcased a bold design with a massive grille aimed at improving powertrain cooling. While the grille's appearance was divisive, the Tundra's overall look was appealing, featuring an industrial design theme with camo-pattern detailing. However, the interior's plastic components detracted from the sense of durability. The Tundra was available in Double Cab and CrewMax styles, with various trim levels, including the TRD Pro. It came with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, offering both RWD and 4WD options. The i-Force Max powertrain, a hybrid version of the V6, delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The TRD Pro's MSRP was $74,295, including destination charges. Despite its off-road prowess, the Tundra's interior had limitations, such as the lack of rear underseat storage due to the hybrid battery. The cargo bed lacked some of the innovative features found in competitors, and the tailgate release mechanism was less practical. Nevertheless, the Tundra offered wide seats and ample interior space, though the driver's seat caused discomfort during long drives.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel was equipped with a standard 6.4-liter V8 engine, producing 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. It featured a part-time transfer case with 4-Hi and 4-Lo settings, and a front-axle disconnect system for improved fuel efficiency. The Rebel also offered a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six engine, generating 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the diesel engine was a costly upgrade, it provided better fuel economy, achieving 19.1 mpg on highways and 14.7 mpg off-road. The Rebel's towing capacity reached 16,870 pounds with the V8 engine, while the Cummins engine offered a more efficient but less powerful option. The truck's frame was constructed of 98.5% high-strength steel, providing a robust foundation. The Rebel featured 20-inch wheels, off-road tires, a locking rear differential, and skid plates, making it nearly as capable as the Power Wagon. Despite its size, the Rebel was surprisingly smooth and refined on various terrains, though the recirculating ball steering required constant input on narrow roads.

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 shock absorbers. The standard twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine produced 358 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, while the TRD Pro's hybrid version delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The TRD Pro offered a towing capacity of 11,175 pounds and a 1,600-pound payload. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system with an automatic limited-slip differential. Off-road capabilities included a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select modes, Crawl Control, and Downhill Assist Control. The TRD Pro had a 1.1-inch front suspension lift, skid plates, and 9.0 inches of ground clearance. Despite its off-road prowess, the Tundra's forward visibility was limited, and the Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was less effective. The Tundra averaged 17.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 19 mpg, and required premium gas.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel required physical effort to enter and exit, with large handles on the roof pillars aiding the process. The interior featured a column shifter for the Cummins turbodiesel's six-speed automatic, which felt less refined than the rotary transmission dial in the gas V8 model. Depending on the configuration, the truck offered cloth or leather upholstery, with our test vehicle featuring premium Natura Plus leather and bucket seats. The heated and ventilated seats were comfortable but required navigating the Uconnect 5 infotainment system to operate. The rear seat was spacious, with air conditioning vents, heated cushions, USB ports, and a power outlet. The truck provided ample storage space, with hidden compartments and bins throughout the cabin. Cargo box options included a spray-in bedliner, LED lighting, and a deployable step for bed access. The available Ram Box storage bins were a standout feature.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra offered a spacious interior, though the i-Force Max's battery eliminated rear underseat storage and a flat rear cab floor. This limitation affected storage capacity, as demonstrated during a family outing to the beach. The Tundra's cargo bed lacked some of the innovative features found in competitors, such as bumper corner steps or a trick tailgate step. Loading and unloading the bed required using the back bumper and tailgate, with an optional accessory step available for an additional cost. Despite these limitations, the Tundra provided decent storage space, though a dashboard shelf would have been a welcome addition. The TRD Pro's wide seats offered comfort, though the driver's seat caused tailbone pain during long drives. Heated and ventilated front seats were appreciated, but getting in and out of the TRD Pro was challenging for shorter individuals.

The 2023 RAM 2500 featured a new 12-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable gauge and menu tile displays, controlled via steering wheel buttons. The system required familiarization to avoid distraction while driving. The Rebel offered improved exterior camera systems and trailering technologies, including blind-spot cameras and a digital rearview mirror. Trailer Reverse Steering Control was a notable addition, allowing drivers to steer trailers with a dashboard knob. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with a 12-inch touchscreen, included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a navigation system. The optional 17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system delivered excellent audio quality. While glare affected the digital instrumentation panel, the infotainment screen remained bright and visible. The voice-recognition system was effective, though not as advanced as smartphone assistants.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. To maximize the infotainment system's benefits, activating complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services was necessary. Toyota offered generous trials, with Wi-Fi Connect limited to 30 days or three gigs of data. Remote Connect and Drive Connect were complimentary for one year, while Service Connect and Safety Connect were available for up to ten years. Safety Connect included automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, and a stolen vehicle locator. Drive Connect powered the cloud-based navigation system and digital voice assistant, which performed well. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the TRD Pro included a 12-speaker JBL audio system. Additional tech features included wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera, and trailering assistance.

The 2023 RAM 2500 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. During testing, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems proved effective on wide highways, though their performance in denser traffic was untested. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the truck's size and weight provided a sense of security.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), featuring adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors were available on higher trim levels. During testing, the lane-centering assist was less reliable on curved roads and in bright sunlight, leading to its deactivation. The parking sensors were overly sensitive during off-roading. The Tundra received high safety ratings 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.