VS
At a Glance
Power
540hp
323hp @ 6000
Torque
521lb-ft
465lb-ft @ 1700
Towing
9150lbs
5950lbs
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 323hp @ 6000. Pricing starts at $88,800 for the 1500 and $64,150 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
323hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
521lb-ft
465lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183cc
2.4 L/146cc
Engine Layout
Inline
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
15mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
21mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
33gal
18.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
232.9in
227.4in
Width (in)
82.1in
79.9in
Height (in)
77.6in
75.5in
Wheelbase (in)
144.5in
145.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5930lbs
5410lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
40.6cu ft
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
9150lbs
5950lbs
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
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ 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 (9150lbs)
Higher starting price
Toyota Tacoma
Lower starting price ($64,150)
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 323hp @ 6000 and 465lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the 1500 and Tacoma?
The 1500 starts from $88,800 and the Tacoma from $64,150. The Tacoma is cheaper by $24,650 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 9150lbs and the Tacoma can tow 5950lbs. 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.