2023 Ram 1500 vs 2023 Toyota Tundra

The new Ram 1500 continues to gain momentum among truck buyers all over South Dakota. It offers some of the best towing and hauling capability of any full-size truck and also provides a level of available comfort that no other truck can match. The Toyota Tundra benefits from Toyota’s renowned record for long-term reliability so it’s another viable option. Here’s a comparison from us at Iverson Auto in Mitchell SD, showing why we think the Ram 1500 is the better choice.

A comparison of exteriors

Both these outstanding trucks are very attractive and instill a sense of pride as you drive them. The 2023 Ram 1500 carries the same powerful exterior that you’ve been admiring for years. The hood is handsomely-contoured and flows into a large chrome-accented grille that’s integrated with LED-boosted headlights. The Toyota Tundra starts at the base with 18-inch steel wheels.

A comparison of engines

The Ram 1500 for 2023 offers both V6 and V8 gas powertrains that team up with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. Both engines are supported by a 48-volt hybrid system although the 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 is also available without the electric sidekick. A 260-horsepower diesel V6 is available for the 1500 Tradesman, the Big Horn, the Lone Star, the Laramie, the Limited Longhorn and the Limited trims.

The base engine in the new Ram 1500 is a 3.6-liter V6 with 305 horsepower. A 5.7-liter V8 is available and generates 395 horsepower. If you want big-time capability, there’s a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Ram 1500 TRX that produces an incredible 702 horsepower. This big Ram TRX can rocket from zero to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and races through the quarter-mile at 12.7 seconds reaching a speed of 108 mph. The Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds which is more than the Toyota Tundra which can tow a max of 12,000 pounds.

The Toyota Tundra is somewhat underpowered since it’s the only full-size pickup that’s not available with a V8 engine. Your only choice is a twin-turbo V6 that comes in three different options. The base version gives you 348 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque.

Or you can move up to a higher level and get 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Toyota offers a hybrid model that’s good for 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. But even at the highest level, the Toyota Tundra is no match for the Ram 1500 TRX. The 2023 Toyota Tundra takes 5.7 seconds to reach 60 mph. In terms of sheer power and performance, the Ram 1500 is the clear winner.

A comparison of interiors

Both these trucks have two-row cabins and the Ram 1500 is available in a crew cab or a quad cab layout. Thanks to a major redesign just a few years ago, the interior of the new Ram 1500 is bold and contemporary. Some of its available interior features include a head up display, a digital rear view mirror, wireless device charging, premium leather surfaces, an optional 12-inch touch screen display, a navigation system, a wireless Internet connection and an optional Harman Kardon stereo system with 19 speakers.

The Toyota Tundra offers bigger touch screen displays but its best available stereo system has only 12 speakers.

A comparison of safety technology

Both these excellent pickups offer a standard rear view camera and a long list of available safety features. Overall, however, the Ram 1500 is rated more highly than the Toyota Tundra by expert industry reviewers. Browse our new inventory and set up a test drive of the new Ram 1500 at Iverson Auto in Mitchell SD.