The Redesigned Tundra Only Surpasses the Current Ram 1500 in 1 Area
Ram launched the redesigned fifth generation of its half-ton 1500 for the 2019 model year. It kept tried-and-true technology like its naturally-aspirated V8 while upgrading the truck’s interior and cargo storage features. The resulting 1500 has been one of the segment’s favorites ever since. For 2022, Toyota released a completely re-engineered Tundra. The third-gen Tundra is, honestly, not for everyone. In fact, there’s only one area where it is objectively better than the aging Ram 1500: its infotainment and sound system.
The new Toyota Tundra’s infotainment is better than the Ram 1500’s
As Toyota does not re-engineer its Tundra often, the automaker knew it would need to leap ahead of the competition to stay relevant for years to come. It engineered an available 14-inch horizontal touchscreen and complete digital gauge cluster. Reviewers agree there is no lag in the entry-level 10-inch screen or the 14-inch upgrade. Even the digital gauges are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. Finally, reviewers say the truck’s available JBL sound system is the best in the segment.
While the Tundra‘s new infotainment system has a ton of functions–such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google Maps–reviewers also agree that it is intuitive. All of the major controls are icons on the left sides of the screen, so you don’t have to stretch across the 14-inch unit to reach controls. It also has a click wheel. Finally, Toyota retained physical toggle switches and knobs beneath the screen for controlling the climate system.
The 14-inch screen not only surpasses Ram’s optional 12-inch screen but also shows Ram’s system’s shortcomings. The entry-level Ram screen is a horizontal eight-inch unit. If you opted for the 12-inch upgrade, you got a vertical screen that replaced all the HVAC controls with an app. You can then swap your HVAC controls for a second screen so you can–for example–see your Spotify and your navigation at the same time. MotorTrend reports both Toyota infotainment options keep physical HVAC controls, which automakers are finding most drivers prefer.
The Tundra interior has character! Too much character?
Toyota certainly tried to do something new with the 2022 Tundra interior. The interior of its previous Tundra generation was that of a work truck with sturdy materials in simple shapes. This third-generation truck offers some more upscale interiors but tries to retain a no-nonsense format.
For example, while the luxurious 1794 Edition has wood trim pieces, they are flat open-grain pieces like the dash-length accent reminiscent of a stained 2×4.
To review the Tundra on YouTube, Meyn Motor Group picked up a 1794 Edition. It found the luxury truck had plastic trim panels colored to look like leather, and even the leather seats were not the same quality as in a Ram 1500. While the Toyota interior is daring, the segment-leading Ram 1500 probably remains preferable for most drivers.
The Tundra’s V6 is an acquired taste
Toyota shocked the truck world when it tossed its naturally-aspirated 5.7-liter V8 in favor of a twin-turbocharged V6. It paired this engine with an Aisin 10-speed automatic to create as smooth a powertrain as possible. But like every turbocharged engine, the Tundra still suffers some lag.
Once the Toyota Tundra’s turbochargers do get spooled up, it makes more peak torque than the Ram 1500’s available V8 (479 lb-ft vs 410 lb-ft). But the objective benefits stop there. The engines make similar horsepower (389 in the Tundra and 395 in the Ram). And they have identical fuel efficiency. Meyn Motor Group specified that if you let the eTorque Hemi or the turbocharged V6 idle along, you might get 18 mpg. But if you lay into either engine, the mph drops off dramatically.
So did the Toyota Tundra catch up to the Ram with its latest redesign? They ended up neck-and-neck. The better truck is a matter of taste.
Next, find out whether the $66k Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is a ripoff or see Meyn Motor Group’s Tundra vs Ram 1500 review in the video below:
