2021 RAM 1500 vs 2020 Toyota Tacoma

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was a vehicle that embraced simplicity and functionality over flashy aesthetics. Its design was clean and straightforward, with a focus on practicality rather than embellishments. Despite its utilitarian appearance, the Tacoma had a certain rugged charm, especially with the TRD Pro package, which featured redesigned LED headlights, a bold grille, and a striking Army Green paint option. The interior mirrored the exterior's straightforwardness, with a functional dash and a modest touchscreen. However, the materials used were mostly basic, and the leather seats in the TRD Pro were not particularly impressive. The Tacoma's design was more about durability and off-road capability than luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 RAM 1500, particularly the TRX model, was a commanding presence with its purpose-built design inspired by off-road rally races. The TRX featured a functional hood scoop, massive grille, and fender vents, giving it a robust and aggressive look. The interior of the TRX was a blend of durability and luxury, with premium materials and a focus on comfort and technology. The cabin was spacious, with plenty of storage options and a high level of adjustability for the seats and pedals. The TRX's design was both functional and stylish, catering to those who wanted a performance-oriented truck with a touch of luxury.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, with an optional six-speed manual transmission for certain trims. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, although these were not available with the manual transmission. Despite its off-road prowess, the Tacoma's on-road performance was less impressive, with slow steering and a noisy V6 engine. Fuel efficiency was also a downside, with the V6 consuming 13.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 11.9 combined.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX, on the other hand, was a powerhouse with its 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi V8 engine, delivering a staggering 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing the TRX to accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The TRX's off-road capabilities were further enhanced by its high-torque-capacity transmission and eight drive modes, including a Baja mode. However, this performance came at the cost of fuel efficiency, with the TRX consuming 22.4 litres per 100 km in the city and 19.8 combined. Despite this, the TRX was a thrill to drive both on and off the road, offering a unique blend of power and capability.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size was one of its biggest selling points, making it easier to navigate city streets and park in tight spaces. The bed, while shallow, featured a rail system with movable cleats for securing cargo, and an optional power outlet and LED lighting. The Double Cab's rear seats were adequate for short trips but could feel cramped on longer journeys. Storage options were limited, and the lack of a rear defroster was a minor inconvenience. Overall, the Tacoma was a practical choice for those who valued manoeuvrability and off-road capability.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX, despite its larger exterior proportions, offered the same interior dimensions as the standard Ram 1500. The cabin was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The TRX featured numerous storage options, including a large centre storage bin, and the seats were comfortable and adjustable. The powered-adjustable pedals were a welcome addition, providing extra comfort for drivers of all sizes. The TRX's interior was designed with both functionality and comfort in mind, making it a great choice for long drives and off-road adventures.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a simple and intuitive infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen as standard and an 8-inch version available. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a new USB-C port. While the Tacoma's infotainment system was functional and easy to use, it lacked some of the more advanced features found in other vehicles. The standard suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams, added to the Tacoma's appeal.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX boasted a 12-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 4C infotainment system, offering a high level of customization and personalization. The system included features like wireless charging, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and a 10-speaker Alpine audio system. The TRX also offered advanced features like Performance Pages and Off-Road Pages, providing detailed vehicle calculations and accessory gauges. The new head-up display was a welcome addition, offering real-time driving information. Overall, the TRX's technology offerings were impressive, catering to tech-savvy drivers.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which included forward-emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring was optional. The Tacoma scored 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash tests and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in most crash tests.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX offered over 100 safety and security features, including forward collision warning and a range of advanced driver-assistance systems. However, many of these features were optional and came at an additional cost. The TRX included a rear backup camera as standard, with the option to upgrade to a 360-degree view. Other available features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. While crash-test ratings were not available at launch, the TRX was designed to offer a high level of safety and security.