One of the Toyota Tundra’s biggest improvements after its latest redesign was the addition of a comfier coil-spring rear suspension. With that setup, it has the potential to have as smooth a ride as the Ram 1500. In fact, we can think of two other reasons why the cheapest Toyota Tundra trim is even better than the Ram 1500’s. 

The 2024 Toyota Tundra SR has more standard features

When you buy a new 2023 Toyota Tundra SR, you get a Double Cab with seating for five and a 6.5 ft.-long compound composite bed. Two other bed sizes and a crew cab can also be matched to this model. The lower-and-lift tailgate comes with a remote locking function. This Toyota Tundra has LED headlights with automatic high beams and rides on 18-inch steel wheels.

The infotainment interface is operated through an 8-inch touchscreen at the center of the cabin. It’s already programmed with a three-month trial of satellite radio and wireless smartphone integration for your convenience. The Tundra SR keeps drivers safe using forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert with lane tracing assist. 

Additionally, the Toyota Tundra SR is powered by a 389-hp turbo-V6 engine that’s coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard and you can add four-wheel drive for an extra $2,575. With the standard drivetrain and cab/bed configuration, this Toyota Tundra costs $39,965.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Tradesman is slightly less expensive, starting at $38,570 with RWD and the standard cab. Its bed is one inch shorter than the Toyota Tundra SR’s and can’t be locked remotely. This Ram 1500 also just has standard halogen headlights and air conditioning. It also has standard 18-inch wheels to match the Tundra. 

The infotainment interface is controlled via a tiny five-inch screen that doesn’t have smartphone integration. In fact, you’ll have to pay at least $54,000 for the Laramie trim if you want that option. The base Ram 1500 is also left without any advanced safety features besides cruise control. The Level 1 Safety Group package includes features like automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning to the tune of $795.

The Ram 1500 Tradesman also has less available power than the Toyota Tundra. It sports a 305-hp V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Upgrading to 4WD costs nearly $4,000 extra on this trim, according to Ram. 

The Toyota Tundra SR’s interior is far from cheap

Inside the Toyota Tundra SR, the seats are covered by durable cloth upholstery. Rear passengers get their own power window and can stay cool using single-zone automatic climate control with air filtration. Toyota even installed a storage cubby under the seat if you need to stow smaller items that you don’t want to be exposed in the cargo box. The Toyota Tundra SR’s Double Cab also has more legroom for cabin passengers (over 41 inches).

The Ram 1500 Tradesman gives you the choice of either vinyl or cloth upholstery, plus it has one extra seat. Backseat passengers get the majority of the legroom (over 35 in), leaving cabin occupants with just under 41 inches. You’ll have to adjust the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel if you more space.

The 2024 Ram 1500 is still the superior truck

The 2024 Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 lb with the proper equipment, while the ToyotaTundra can only pull 12,000 lbs. Critics say that this Ram truck also has a comfier ride and it lacks the visibility problems present inside the Tundra. Higher trims can also be optioned with the weatherproof RamBox storage compartments, and these models can be more affordable compared to their Tundra counterparts. 

However, getting a decently-equipped Ram 1500 is more expensive from the offset. The Toyota Tundra’s value at higher trims becomes questionable, but it’s clearly the better deal if you just want a basic truck.