Toyota Tundra vs. Dodge Ram

I've compared the Dodge Ram and the Toyota Tundra to see which truck is best. While I didn't evaluate EVERYTHING, I did compare the key components and highlight any distinct differences between the two trucks. As always, I encourage everyone to drive all vehicles they're considering to find out for themselves which is best. Also, make sure to investigate what reputable reviewers like Edmunds and Consumer Reports have to say too.

I compared a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi SLT Quadcab 4x4 with a 2007 Toyota Tundra SR5 Doublecab 4x4. Surprisingly, these two trucks have a lot in common. They're both very quick, very large, and quite capable. In fact, I had to look to find major differences because the trucks are so similar.

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. Most importantly, that lower efficiency results in lower fuel economy. The decent performance of the HEMI makes it worthy of recognition, but that recognition is overshadowed by poor fuel economy as a result of the old push-rod engine design. The Toyota is more powerful and in my test got better mileage.

Comparing transmissions wasn't too surprising -- the Ram has a five speed auto, the Tundra a six-speed, and as expected the Tundra accelerated better and shifted more smoothly than the Ram. Combine the Tundra's higher tow rating of 10,300 lbs to Ram's 8,500 lbs and it's clear the Tundra's transmission is also 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.

The interiors of the Ram and the Tundra are completely different. The Tundra is nicer and more comfortable than the Ram, with more features and better quality materials. The Ram is an older truck (design-wise) than the Toyota, so the Toyota's superior interior is to be expected.

I enjoyed driving the Ram. It handles just as well as the Tundra, and it also has a better government safety rating (5 stars) than the Tundra (only 4 stars). I also think the Ram is the best looking half-ton truck on the market. However, the Ram is of an older design than the Tundra, and it shows when you look at the Toyota's superior interior, technology, and power. Clearly the Ram isn't as nice as the new Tundra, but that could change when Dodge brings out the new Ram in 2009.

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Author Jason Lancaster has worked in the car industry for almost 10 years. He runs a Toyota Tundra website, www.tundraheadquarters.com, as well as the Lowell Toyota website.
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