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Let’s forget about the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500 for a moment. Let’s use this article to compare the 2021 Ram 1500 and 2021 Toyota Tundra instead. Both of these trucks are strong contenders in the market but the Ram and Toyota both have their pros and cons. 

Is the 2021 Ram 1500 better than the 2021 Toyota Tundra? 

Pictured is one of the best trucks for towing, the 2021 Ram 1500 Limited, as it tows a boat.
2021 Ram 1500 Limited | Stellantis

Let’s dive right into the 2021 Ram 1500 vs. the 2021 Toyota Tundra battle. The Ram 1500 begins at about $32,795. You can get started in a new Toyota Tundra for about $34,025. These prices are listed before the dealership fees, and destination fees have been added. 

The Ram does a little better on fuel and gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and up to 33 mpg on the highway. The Toyota Tundra is thirsty. It only gets an EPA-estimated 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. 

How do the Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra perform? 

The 2021 Toyota Tundra only has one engine option, which is a 5.7-liter V8 with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 10,200 lbs when properly equipped and carry a payload of about 1,730 lbs. 

The 2021 Ram 1500 has tons of powertrain options: 

  • The base engine is a 3.6-liter V8 option with 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. 
  • The 5.7-liter V8 engine pumps out 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. 
  • The 6.2-liter V8 HEMI is the engine found in the TRX with 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. 
  • Last but not least, the 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine provides 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. 

When properly equipped, the Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 lbs. It can carry a payload capacity of about 2,300 lbs. 

According to Edmunds, the Ram 1500 provides an excellent driving experience. It has a peppy acceleration, confident brakes, secure handling, and responsive steering. It has an incredibly smooth ride thanks to its coil-spring suspension in the rear and a quiet cabin. 

Edmunds noted that the Toyota Tundra has plenty of power, but the brake pedal feels numb. The steering can be a little unresponsive, and the handling doesn’t provide confidence in tight areas. The suspension provides a stiff ride compared to rivals. 

Does the Ram 1500 or Toyota Tundra have better features? 

Both of these trucks feature a spacious interior with enough space for adults in the front and back. But the 2021 Toyota Tundra has an interior that feels dated, the 2021 Ram 1500 stills feels brand new. 

The 2021 Toyota Tundra 1794 CrewMax Edition parked on a farm
2021 Toyota Tundra 1794 CrewMax Edition | Allison Barfield

The Ram 1500 has a standard 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system that can be upgraded to a 12-inch unit. It has tons of USB and USB-C ports. The graphics are clear, and the navigation map is huge. 

In the Toyota Tundra, the infotainment screen is fast and efficient, the graphics are fine too. Both trucks have standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the audio can get distorted in the Tundra as you turn it up. 

The Toyota Tundra has the advantage of providing more standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. These features are available with higher trim levels of the Ram 1500.

Related

For Towing You Need The Chevy Silverado, Not The Ram 1500

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.