2020 Toyota Tundra vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was available in three models in Canada: SR, SR5, and Platinum, with various package configurations for the SR5 trim, including SX, TRD Off-road, and TRD Pro, among others. The Platinum model offered a 1794 Edition package. As you moved up the trim levels, the Tundra became more luxurious. It featured two cab styles, Double Cab and CrewMax, with three bed lengths depending on the cab and trim. Prices ranged from an MSRP of $40,650 to $63,190, excluding destination charges and options. The TRD Pro CrewMax, the most expensive version, boasted a 4WD drivetrain, exclusive Army Green paint, and black 18-inch forged aluminum wheels, giving it a military-grade appearance. Inside, the TRD Pro featured black leather with red stitching and embroidery, though the interior's industrial-grade plastic was less appealing at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2020 RAM 2500 stood out with its elegant design, offering a more upscale appearance compared to its competitors. The truck's grille was unique to each of its six trim levels, and it featured options like chrome or painted body-color bumpers and sleek LED headlights on upper trims. The RAM 2500's design was reminiscent of the smaller RAM 1500 but stretched to accommodate its larger size. The Limited test truck came with 20-inch chrome wheels and LED taillights, adding to its refined look. Inside, the RAM 2500 impressed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, especially in upper trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited. The interior featured soft-grained leather, light wood trim, and a stunning beige-and-navy-blue color combo, making it feel like a luxury vehicle. The truck also offered a 12-inch vertical touchscreen and large switches for added convenience.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. It had a maximum towing capacity of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) and a payload capacity of up to 784 kilograms (1,730 lbs.) with the SR Double Cab and rear-wheel drive. The TRD Pro model featured BBS forged aluminum wheels, heavy-duty Fox off-road shocks, a TRD-tuned dual exhaust system, and an aluminum skid plate. The V8 engine produced a robust sound, though it could be loud for bystanders. The Tundra's steering and brakes were reliable, and its turning radius was surprisingly tight. However, fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with an average of 16.4 L/100 km during a week of driving.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered two engine options: a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.7-litre Cummins inline-six diesel with 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque. The V8 engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel engine provided a maximum towing capacity of 8,972 kg (19,780 pounds) and a payload capacity of 1,388 kg (3,060 pounds). The diesel engine's acceleration was slow, but it was quick to merge on highways. The RAM 2500's steering was loose, and the ride was stiff compared to the RAM 1500. However, the diesel's exhaust brake was highly effective, and the truck averaged 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres over 800 mostly highway kilometres.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra, built in Texas, offered a spacious interior, especially in the CrewMax model. The rear seating area was large, though the bench was low and flat. The front seats were comfortable and supportive for long drives. Storage was abundant, except for the small glove compartment and limited backseat storage. The Tundra's bed was basic, lacking features like locking storage wells or step ladders, emphasizing its simplicity.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered three cab options and two bed lengths. Single cabs provided the most payload, while Crew Cabs offered more space. The Mega Cab allowed rear passengers to recline and hide behind a thick C-pillar. The truck featured power running boards, a retractable tailgate step, and a power tailgate. The RAM 2500 also offered a spray-in bed liner, LED lighting, and a rear air suspension for trailer hitch height adjustment. The truck's alternator options supported power-hungry equipment, and diesel models included a countdown timer for cold starts and a DEF level gauge.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system, though surrounded by hard plastic, was up-to-date with a 7-inch or 8-inch display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports. The TRD Pro trim featured dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system. However, the system's virtual buttons were challenging to use while driving, and the Tundra lacked advanced towing technology.

The 2020 RAM 2500 came standard with a 5-inch touchscreen, but the 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade was recommended for its quick and logical interface. The 12-inch display was particularly impressive, offering large maps, dual information tiles, and 360-degree cameras. The system allowed for easy adjustment of settings and trailer features, and the display could be customized to show specific shortcuts. The RAM 2500's infotainment system was well-executed and scaled to the truck's size.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. However, its crash-test performance was lacking, with Marginal and Poor ratings from the IIHS for small-overlap, frontal-impact tests. The NHTSA rated the Tundra more favourably, with 5 stars for side-impact protection and 4 stars for frontal-impact protection and rollover resistance with 4WD.

The 2020 RAM 2500 was not rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2020 RAM 1500 received a Top Safety Pick+ and 5 stars overall from the NHTSA. The RAM 2500 offered optional driver assists, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward emergency braking. These features were not standard, but the RAM 1500's strong crash-test performance suggested a high level of safety.