2023 RAM 2500 vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, a staple in the North American market since 1995, was part of Toyota's long-standing tradition of truck manufacturing, dating back to the Toyota Pickup in 1972 and the Hilux in 1968. By 2022, the third-generation Tacoma, introduced in 2016, was beginning to show its age despite a facelift in 2020. Its exterior maintained a modern appearance with an aggressive grille and headlights, but the interior revealed its age with hard plastics and outdated switchgear. The Tacoma offered various configurations and packages, including the TRD Pro, which featured unique styling, a TRD-tuned suspension, and advanced off-road capabilities.

In contrast, the 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel shared similarities with the Power Wagon but distinguished itself with a sportier appearance, featuring an aluminum hood and 20-inch wheels. The Rebel came with a crew-cab configuration and a 6.4-litre V8 engine, with an optional 6.7-litre Cummins turbodiesel. The interior boasted quality materials and a luxurious feel, though the gloss black plastic surrounding the infotainment system was prone to dust and fingerprints. The Rebel's Mega Cab offered ample space and comfort, with features like heated seats and a 115-volt power outlet. The truck's design and features made it a versatile and capable option for both on-road and off-road adventures.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma in Canada came standard with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and a payload capacity of 583 kilograms. While the V6 provided decent acceleration in urban settings, it struggled on highways due to its gearing and transmission. The TRD Pro excelled off-road, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, making it a formidable trail companion.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel featured a standard 6.4-litre V8 engine with 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It also offered a 6.7-litre Cummins turbodiesel engine, producing 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. The Rebel's maximum towing capacity reached 7,652 kilograms with the V8 engine, while the Cummins provided better fuel efficiency. The Rebel's robust frame, off-road tires, and advanced suspension made it a capable performer in challenging terrains, while its smooth ride and refined handling impressed on highways.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma was available in Access Cab and Double Cab configurations, with bed lengths of five feet and six feet one inch. The Access Cab featured clamshell rear half-doors and limited rear-seat space, while the Double Cab offered slightly more room but remained tight for adults. The front seats provided ample legroom, though the steering wheel's limited adjustment posed challenges for taller drivers. The Tacoma's interior included practical storage solutions and an in-bed power outlet.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel required some effort to enter due to its height, but once inside, it offered a spacious and comfortable cabin. The Mega Cab provided generous rear-seat space, complete with air conditioning vents, heated seats, and USB ports. The interior featured premium materials, with options for cloth or leather upholstery and a choice of bench or bucket seats. The Rebel's cargo box options included a spray-in bedliner, LED lighting, and the innovative Ram Box storage bins, enhancing its utility and functionality.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma's base infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth compatibility, while higher trims offered an 8-inch screen with SiriusXM satellite radio. The system's straightforward design and large icons made it user-friendly, though the wireless device charger required manual activation. The Tacoma's tech features were limited, but its simplicity appealed to those seeking a rugged and reliable vehicle.

The 2023 RAM 2500 introduced a new 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and advanced camera systems, including blind-spot and trailer-view cameras. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with its 12-inch touchscreen, offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. The system's configurable home screen and voice recognition capabilities enhanced usability, while the Trailer Reverse Steering Control added convenience for towing tasks.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came equipped with standard driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tacoma received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in side crash tests.

The 2023 RAM 2500 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, such as automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the truck's size and weight provided a sense of security on the road.