Toyota Tundra vs. Dodge Ram

Pitting the new Toyota Tundra against the Dodge Ram has been fun. Both of these trucks are great. While I didn't compare every little detail, I did compare the key components and listed below you'll find the key differences between these two trucks. If you're thinking about either the Ram or the Tundra, take a look at Edmunds and Consumer Reports in addition reviews like these. You should also drive both trucks, if for no other reason than the seats are so different.

This comparison pitted a 2007 Toyota Tundra DoubleCab SR5 4x4 with a iForce 5.7L V8 to a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 QuadCab SLT 4x4 with a 5.7L HEMI. Both of these trucks are behemouths, but both of them are also quite fast. In fact, I can't imagine anyone being dissapointed with either truck. But, there are some important differences between the two.

When comparing the 5.7L HEMI to the 5.7L iForce, it's important to note that the HEMI is a pushrod setup and the iForce is DOHC. While pushrod gives the HEMI good low-end power, it lacks the efficiency of the Toyota's DOHC setup.

The Dodge I tested came with a five speed automatic that was responsive and smooth shifting. But the Tundra has a six speed, and six speeds are better than five. The Tundra seemed to accelerate better at all speeds. Also, the Tundra is rated to tow about 2000 lbs more than the Ram, and the higher tow rating indicates the Tundra’s transmission is stronger.

Stopping the trucks, it was hard to tell a difference between their braking systems. However, my tests were done while the vehicles were empty. The Dodge's brake systems are inferior to the Toyota's -- the front rotors are smaller, the rear rotors aren't ventilated, and the Ram comes with only rear wheel ABS standard as opposed to Toyota's four-wheel ABS. Even though the brakes felt (and measured) the same, I think the Tundra's brakes would be better towing or hauling because of their better quality parts.

The Tundra's frame isn't as good as the Ram - at least on paper. I think both trucks are probably strong, but the Tundra uses a combination of fully boxed and c-channel steel for its frame whereas the Ram has a fully boxed frame from head to toe. Toyota has a history of making a great vehicle, but I think going with a fully boxed frame would have been a better decision.

When you get inside both the Ram and the Tundra, the differences in comfort, features, and quality of materials is substantial. The Tundra is definitely a nicer truck on the inside. Considering the Ram is an older design this isn't that much of a shock.

The Ram handles as well as the Tundra, and the Ram's safety rating is actually higher than the Tundra. The Ram also is a better looking truck than the Tundra. However, in most other aspects the Toyota Tundra is superior to the Dodge Ram. Frankly, that really shouldn’t come as a surprise. Toyota’s truck is a newer design and has the benefit of a lot more technology. I can’t wait to see how the new Ram (due out in 2009) will compare to the Tundra.

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