2021 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

2021 RAM 1500
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tundra
2021 Toyota Tundra
$34,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tundra
$34,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$29,490

MSRP

$34,125

Average price

$36,409

Average price

$40,692

Listings

6580

Listings

961
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Stylish design
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Spacious
  • Good towing capacity
Cons
  • Limited bed and cab configurations
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Outdated technology

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.

2021 Toyota Tundra Reviews Summary

If you’ve been paying attention to any new truck ads, you’ll likely see items being promoted like a massive touchscreen or even a six-way multi-function tailgate. Like the rest of the automotive industry, the truck segment is charging ahead with many new innovations, incorporating new in-car technologies. But this seems like overkill for a segment whose main purpose is to tow, haul, and get work done.

The window sticker for this Toyota Tundra says “2021,” but its design and underpinnings date back to the mid-2000s. It’s the oldest truck in a segment where companies are constantly one-upping and updating. So does the Tundra’s age hinder it among full-size pickups? Not really. In fact, it might be its best attribute. The Tundra might be an old design, but the engineers at Toyota have kept the Tundra relevant with some key updates and special editions.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.6L 305 hp V6

Engine

5.7L 381 hp V8

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

6

Horsepower

305 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

381 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG City

17

MPG City

13

MPG Highway

25

MPG Highway

17
2021 RAM 1500
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tundra
2021 Toyota Tundra
$34,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tundra
$34,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$29,490
$34,125
Average price
$36,409
$40,692
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.6
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 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
  • Powerful engine
  • Spacious
  • Good towing capacity
Cons
  • Limited bed and cab configurations
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Outdated technology
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.

If you’ve been paying attention to any new truck ads, you’ll likely see items being promoted like a massive touchscreen or even a six-way multi-function tailgate. Like the rest of the automotive industry, the truck segment is charging ahead with many new innovations, incorporating new in-car technologies. But this seems like overkill for a segment whose main purpose is to tow, haul, and get work done.

The window sticker for this Toyota Tundra says “2021,” but its design and underpinnings date back to the mid-2000s. It’s the oldest truck in a segment where companies are constantly one-upping and updating. So does the Tundra’s age hinder it among full-size pickups? Not really. In fact, it might be its best attribute. The Tundra might be an old design, but the engineers at Toyota have kept the Tundra relevant with some key updates and special editions.

Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.6L 305 hp V6
5.7L 381 hp V8
Drive Train
4X2
4X2
Seating Capacity
3
6
Horsepower
305 hp @ 6400 rpm
381 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
17
13
MPG Highway
25
17
Look and feel
2021 RAM 1500
7/10
2021 Toyota Tundra
7/10
The 2021 Ram 1500 charges into the high-performance off-road vehicle segment with the confidence of a seasoned contender. Last year's second-best-seller in truck sales, Ram, has introduced the SRT Hellcat-powered TRX trim, aiming not just to climb the sales chart but to redefine the competition's parameters—quite literally aiming to drive over its rivals with unmatched capabilities and innovations. On the other side, the 2021 Toyota Tundra brings a different perspective to the table. Despite its design and underpinnings harking back to the mid-2000s, making it the oldest design in a rapidly evolving segment, Toyota has managed to keep the Tundra relevant. Through key updates and special editions, the Tundra stands as a testament to the adage that age can come with its advantages, offering reliability and a straightforward approach in a segment that's increasingly focused on bells and whistles.
Performance
2021 RAM 1500
9/10
2021 Toyota Tundra
6/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 Ram 1500 rates a 9 out of 10 for performance, whereas the 2021 Toyota Tundra rates a 6 out of 10. The Ram 1500 TRX sets a new standard for performance with a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine, delivering 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. This power allows the TRX to achieve remarkable acceleration, reaching 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Off-road, the TRX impresses with its capability and versatility, offering multiple driving modes, including a Baja mode, to tackle various terrains with ease. The Toyota Tundra, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, offers a reliable 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. While it may not match the Ram TRX in terms of raw power or speed, it’s not intending to, either. The Tundra provides a solid and confident driving experience, with a comfortable ride over various surfaces and a straightforward, intuitive control layout. Its towing and payload capacities, though not leading the segment, are more than adequate for most practical needs.
Form and function
2021 RAM 1500
8/10
2021 Toyota Tundra
8/10
CarGurus rates both the 2021 Ram 1500 and the 2021 Toyota Tundra an 8 out of 10 in form and function, emphasizing their balance between utility and comfort. The Ram 1500 TRX, with its off-road design and features, offers full-length rock rails for added body protection and traditional running boards for easier cabin access. It doesn't skimp on utility, providing a full-size spare tire with a matching wheel design for practicality. Despite its imposing exterior size, the TRX's interior dimensions are generous, offering ample space for passengers and cargo alike. Notably, the Ram 1500 TRX has a payload capacity of 1,310 pounds and a maximum towing capability of 8,100 pounds, showcasing its balance of performance and utility. The Toyota Tundra, with its practical design, offers different cab and bed configurations to suit various needs. The CrewMax model, known for its spacious interior, provides exceptional legroom and a 5.5-foot bed for cargo. The Tundra's functional design extends to its towing and payload capacities. With a standard 5.7-liter V8 engine, the Tundra boasts a towing capacity of up to 10,200 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,730 pounds, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing utility. Optional in-bed storage lockers offer secure storage solutions, though they are smaller compared to the Ram's RamBox system. The Tundra's interior is designed for practicality, featuring a large center console and an intuitive layout that prioritizes ease of use over luxury.
Technology
2021 RAM 1500
8/10
2021 Toyota Tundra
8/10
When it comes to technology, CarGurus rates both the 2021 Ram 1500 and the 2021 Toyota Tundra at 8 out of 10. The Ram 1500 stands out with its 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen, offering extensive customization, connectivity, and entertainment options, including a full-color head-up display and performance tracking features. Despite its impressive array of technology, the system is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, ensuring that drivers can easily access and use its many features without feeling overwhelmed. The Tundra, while not as technologically advanced as the Ram, offers a solid and reliable infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Its touchscreen, available in 7-inch or 8-inch options, provides a straightforward and easy-to-navigate interface, with the added benefit of hard buttons for core functions. This approach ensures that drivers can enjoy modern connectivity and entertainment features without the complexity that sometimes accompanies more advanced systems.
Safety
2021 RAM 1500
9/10
2021 Toyota Tundra
9/10
Safety ratings from CarGurus experts give both trucks a 9 out of 10. The Ram 1500 TRX comes equipped with an extensive array of safety features, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pedestrian detection with emergency braking, though some of these features require additional packages. The truck also features innovative safety technologies such as a digital rear-view mirror and a comprehensive suite of passive safety features designed to enhance protection for occupants. The Toyota Tundra incorporates Toyota Safety Sense P as standard equipment across all models, offering forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, among others. This suite of safety features, combined with standard equipment like eight airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system, ensures that the Tundra remains competitive in terms of safety, offering peace of mind to its occupants.
Cost Effectiveness
2021 RAM 1500
6/10
2021 Toyota Tundra
7/10

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ram 1500 is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Tundra scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Ram 1500 emerges as the recommended choice for consumers looking for a blend of performance, technology, and functionality in their pickup truck.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ram 1500 is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Tundra scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Ram 1500 emerges as the recommended choice for consumers looking for a blend of performance, technology, and functionality in their pickup truck.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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