2024 Toyota Tacoma vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 RAM 1500 was a full-size truck available in both quad cab and larger crew cab configurations, with bed lengths of 6-foot, 4-inch or 5-foot, 7-inch. The Limited trim, near the top of its eight available trims, offered a sophisticated interior with leather seating, contrasting stitching, and open-pore wood accents. The exterior featured a stealthy $3,895 Night Edition package, which included 22-inch black aluminum wheels, providing a sleek alternative to the chrome-heavy trims. The 12-inch portrait-oriented screen added a unique touch to the interior, complemented by practical features like chunky volume controls and a Ram logo on the dash.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma, while all-new, retained a familiar design with a hexagonal grille and a blockier, more angular look. Standard 17-inch alloy wheels were available, with off-road alloys on the TRD Off Road packages. Inside, the Tacoma underwent a significant aesthetic shift, drawing inspiration from the Ford F-Series. The dash featured squared-off areas, and the gear shift knob was a geometric design. MOLLE panels emphasized a function-over-form approach, and even the Premium packages, with heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats, maintained a rugged interior with large plastic grids. The Tacoma's interior updates aimed to provide practicality and versatility, with a focus on accessory attachment points.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, including a 3.6-litre V6 with eTorque, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, and a 3.0-litre EcoDiesel engine. The top TRX trim featured a supercharged 6.2-litre V8, delivering 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The eTorque system provided improved fuel economy and additional torque, with the V8 producing 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The RAM 1500's eight-speed automatic transmission offered smooth shifts, and the coilover rear suspension provided a comfortable ride. The truck's towing capacity reached up to 5,783 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 1,043 kilograms. The TRX trim excelled in off-road performance, featuring Bilstein active performance shocks and a 2.5-centimetre lift.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma introduced a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous six-speed, offering smooth and timely shifts. The Tacoma's new coil spring multi-link rear suspension varied across packages, with sport-tuned shocks on the TRD Sport and monotube Bilstein shocks on the TRD Off-Road. The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain promised maximum capability, though details were limited. The Tacoma's updates included standard disc brakes and electric power steering, enhancing driver-assistance features and addressing previous steering vagueness.

The 2023 RAM 1500 featured a spacious interior with numerous storage options, including a two-tiered centre console and a large centre console capable of holding a laptop. The front seats were heated and cooled, with eight-way adjustability, and the rear seats reclined up to eight degrees. The crew cab configuration provided ample rear legroom of 1,148 millimetres, and the multifunction tailgate offered versatile access. The RamBox storage system integrated into the rear quarter panel provided secure, lockable storage for tools and equipment.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma eliminated the Access Cab, standardizing the four-door Double Cab configuration. The updated seat shape improved comfort, with nearly identical head- and legroom figures for 2024. The Double Cab offered 1,061 millimetres of front legroom and 856 millimetres in the back. Gas-powered models featured increased storage capacity beneath the flat-folding rear seats. The Tacoma offered a choice of 5-foot or 6-foot beds, with a 440-watt outlet available on gas models. The bed depth increased, allowing for more storage volume and accommodating accessories like camp fridges.

The 2023 RAM 1500 received a tech upgrade with an available 12-inch gauge cluster and a portrait-oriented 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Uconnect system allowed for dual-function display and Bluetooth connectivity for two phones. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though there was some lag with Apple CarPlay. The optional Equipment Group 1 added features like a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and surround-view camera system. The RAM 1500 Limited offered multiple USB outlets, a wireless charging pad, and 115-volt and 12-volt outlets for device charging.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma saw significant technology improvements, with an 8-inch standard touchscreen and a 14-inch display in Premium packages. The Audio Multimedia system was responsive, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. A Qi wireless charging pad and USB-C ports were available, along with an optional 10-speaker JBL sound system with a removable portable speaker. The Tacoma offered pre-wired auxiliary switches for accessory operation and a trailer brake controller with a Panoramic View Monitor. A wireless trailer camera accessory was also available for towing assistance.

The 2023 RAM 1500 lacked standard advanced driver-assist systems, with features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring available as options or in packages. The NHTSA awarded the RAM 1500 crew cab a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma introduced new safety technology with standard electric power steering and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This included advanced features like Lane Tracing Assist, lane-departure alert, and oncoming vehicle collision avoidance assist. The Tacoma also added road-sign assist and an emergency stop system. Adaptive cruise control offered four following distance choices, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard. Official safety ratings were not yet available, but Toyota aimed for improved safety recognition.