VS
At a Glance
Power
420hp @ 5200
278hp @ 6000
Torque
469lb-ft @ 3500
317lb-ft @ 1700
Towing
8320lbs
6300lbs
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 420hp @ 5200 while the Toyota Tacoma produces 278hp @ 6000. Pricing starts at $47,915 for the 1500 and $43,815 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)
420hp @ 5200
278hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
469lb-ft @ 3500
317lb-ft @ 1700
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
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18mpg
19 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
33gal
18.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
241.8in
213in
Width (in)
82.1in
77.9in
Height (in)
77.4in
74.6in
Wheelbase (in)
153.5in
131.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5168lbs
4630lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
61.5cu ft
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
8320lbs
6300lbs
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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Tacoma
Practicality
1500
Pros & Cons
Ram 1500
Higher towing capacity (8320lbs)
Higher starting price
Toyota Tacoma
Lower starting price ($43,815)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the 1500 or Tacoma?
The 1500 produces 420hp @ 5200 and 469lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Tacoma delivers 278hp @ 6000 and 317lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the 1500 and Tacoma?
The 1500 starts from $47,915 and the Tacoma from $43,815. The Tacoma is cheaper by $4,100 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 8320lbs and the Tacoma can tow 6300lbs. 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.