VS
At a Glance
Power
540hp
270hp @ 5400
Torque
521lb-ft
310lb-ft @ 2800
Towing
8330lbs
6400lbs
Engine
3.0 L/183cc
2.4 L/146cc
Choosing between the Ram 1500 and the Toyota Tacoma is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ram 1500 delivers 540hp while the Toyota Tacoma produces 270hp @ 5400. Pricing starts at $73,795 for the 1500 and $42,715 for the Tacoma. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
540hp
270hp @ 5400
Torque (lb-ft)
521lb-ft
310lb-ft @ 2800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183cc
2.4 L/146cc
Engine Layout
Inline
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Manual
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
14mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
16mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
33gal
18.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
233.7in
213in
Width (in)
88in
77.9in
Height (in)
81.9in
74.4in
Wheelbase (in)
145.1in
131.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
6294lbs
4605lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
53.9cu ft
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
8330lbs
6400lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ram 1500
2 / 4 categories
Performance
1500
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Tacoma
Practicality
1500
Pros & Cons
Ram 1500
Higher towing capacity (8330lbs)
Higher starting price
Toyota Tacoma
Lower starting price ($42,715)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the 1500 or Tacoma?
The 1500 produces 540hp and 521lb-ft of torque while the Tacoma delivers 270hp @ 5400 and 310lb-ft @ 2800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the 1500 and Tacoma?
The 1500 starts from $73,795 and the Tacoma from $42,715. The Tacoma is cheaper by $31,080 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 1500 or Tacoma?
The 1500 has a braked towing capacity of 8330lbs and the Tacoma can tow 6400lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 1500 or the Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.