2020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Toyota Tacoma

The 2020 RAM 1500 was a standout in the truck market, known for its iconic design and impressive sales figures. It was available in both the new redesign and the older Classic version, with combined sales surpassing the Chevrolet Silverado. The RAM 1500 boasted a large grille, a feature it had been known for since the '90s, setting a trend that others were only beginning to follow. The truck offered a range of trims, starting with the Tradesman, which included basic features like 18-inch steel wheels and a 5-inch touchscreen. As buyers moved up the trim levels, they could enjoy more luxurious features, such as leather upholstery, advanced infotainment systems, and even a panoramic sunroof in the higher trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma presented a more traditional truck aesthetic, with boxy fender flares and a shield-like grille. It offered unique styling features in certain models, like the Nightshade Edition with blacked-out trim and the TRD Pro with a model-specific grille. The Tacoma maintained a body-on-frame construction, which was beneficial for towing and off-road capabilities. It was available in Access Cab and Double Cab configurations, with the latter offering more passenger space. However, the interior space was limited compared to other midsize pickups, and the Tacoma's ride quality was less refined, focusing more on ruggedness than comfort.

The 2020 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 engine that produced 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and featured a mild-hybrid system called "eTorque," which provided an additional 90 lb-ft of torque when needed. The V8 engine options included a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, delivering 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, with or without the eTorque system. The RAM 1500's EcoDiesel V6 engine offered 260 hp and a class-leading 480 lb-ft of torque, although it suffered from turbo lag. The RAM 1500's fuel efficiency varied depending on the engine and drivetrain, with the V6 achieving 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.7 on the highway with 4WD.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. It featured Toyota's D4S fuel-injection system for improved fuel efficiency and was available with either a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission. The Tacoma's part-time 4WD system included a standard electronic rear limited-slip differential, with a fully locking rear diff available. The TRD models enhanced the Tacoma's off-road capabilities with features like upgraded suspension, Multi-Terrain Select drive modes, and Crawl Control. However, the Tacoma's on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and a hesitant transmission. Its maximum towing capacity was 2,948 kilograms, and the payload capacity was 571 kg, which were respectable but not class-leading figures.

The 2020 RAM 1500 excelled in interior space and comfort, offering a spacious cabin with plenty of room for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats could even recline in higher trims, providing additional comfort. The RAM 1500 also featured over 151 litres of interior storage, including a giant centre console and hidden pockets. However, achieving the maximum towing capacity required specific configurations, limiting some functional aspects. The dials in the cabin were noted to be loosely calibrated, which could be a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma's interior space was more limited, especially in the Double Cab configuration. Rear headroom and legroom were the worst in the segment, and the front seats also offered below-average space. The Tacoma's interior had a bunker-like feel due to the lack of headroom and the tall hood, which impaired visibility. While the rear seats folded up to reveal storage cubbies, other in-cab storage was limited. The Tacoma's bed featured a standard rail system with tie-down cleats and a 120-volt outlet, but it lacked the clever storage solutions found in some competitors.

The 2020 RAM 1500 stood out with its technology offerings, particularly the tablet-style 12-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect system. This system was praised for its ease of use and smartphone integration, although there was a minor issue with audio playback. The RAM 1500 also featured push-button start and a wealth of USB and USB-C inputs, ensuring ample charging options for passengers. The engine technology, including the diesel and eTorque mild hybrid system, was also noteworthy.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma came with a 7-inch touchscreen in the base model, while other trims received an 8-inch screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with a seven-speaker JBL audio system available on higher trims. The infotainment system was functional but not exceptional, with plain graphics and basic features. The TRD Pro model included the Multi-Terrain Monitor surround-view camera system, which was useful for off-road driving and parking.

The 2020 RAM 1500 received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was the first full-size pickup to be named a Top Safety Pick Plus by the IIHS, provided it was equipped with the Crew Cab and optional LED lights. Most safety features were available across the trims, with some reserved for higher trims. The RAM 1500's hood design improved visibility, and the braking feel was consistent, although stopping distances were average for the class.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the passenger-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating. The Tacoma came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some features offered by competitors, such as lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring for trailers.