Finding a good pickup truck can get a little difficult. Sometimes it seems like there’s an endless number of choices.
Chances are, in your truck search you’re going to come across the two most reliable brands for trucks: Ram and Toyota. The most popular truck models from these companies are the Ram 1500 series and Toyota’s Tacoma.
Here’s a comparison of these two rugged trucks:
Get to Know the Ram 1500
When you start shopping for a car or truck, one decision you must make is whether to buy a new or a used vehicle. A new car or truck usually comes with a warranty, but a used vehicle is much more affordable.
Thankfully, the Ram 1500 gives you the best of both worlds. The truck is durable enough to be a good used vehicle, and the price of a new vehicle is not astronomically high.
The 2017 Ram 1500 comes in a few different trim options such as the Tradesman, Express, HFE, SLT, Sport, Rebel, Laramie and the Longhorn – just to name a few. Each of these trims gives the buyer the ability to choose the one that fits best. Perhaps this is one reason why the Ram 1500 has won numerous awards amongst truck lovers throughout the country.
Each Ram 1500 comes with three bed and cap types to choose from because each person needs their truck for different purposes. The engine is strong enough to handle many types of jobs. Most of the trims come with a standard 3.6 L six-cylinder engine, which should be more than enough for those doing mild to medium heavy work.
If you need a little more power, consider seeking out trucks that have V8 engines. A Ram 2500 or 3500 has a stronger engine and will deliver anywhere between 305 to 395 horsepower.
Another thing people like about the Ram 1500 is that the truck comes with two transmission options: a six-speed and an eight-speed transmission to handle heavier jobs on unforgiving terrain. (It should also be noted that the Ram 1500 can tow up to 10,650 lbs., making this truck one of the better options for heavy duty hauling.)
Don’t let all of this talk of durability and ruggedness fool you though – the Ram gives drivers a surprisingly smooth ride. This is complimented by the luxurious interior that makes this vehicle feel more upscale than your average heavy-duty truck.
The main drawback with the Ram 1500 is the low gas mileage, especially if you choose the V8 engine option.
Introducing the Toyota Tacoma
Off the bat, the Toyota Tacoma comes with seven trim levels, which is a little less than what you get with the Ram. The trim levels are the SR5, SR, SR5 V6, TRD, Sport and the TRD Off-Road, which is also considered a Limited Edition. Another drawback is the truck only comes with two bed and cab types, which is one less type compared to the Ram.
The Tacoma’s base engine is a powerful four-cylinder 2.7 L engine. You do have the option of getting a V6 engine, but this is only available for top tier trims. The V6 gives the Tacoma a grand total of 6,800 lbs. towing capacity. This is definitely a few thousand pounds less compared to the Ram, but the Tacoma makes up for some of its shortcomings in other ways.
For one, the Tacoma can be equipped with enhanced off-road capabilities for those who need a truck to handle rough terrain. Yes, the Ram can handle some off-road situations, but the Tacoma is slightly better.
This truck also handles better than many other pickups out there, and its upscale interior gives it a luxurious feel which many people love.
It’s true that the base engine is small, which can create a noisier ride, but the vehicle’s exceptional sound system should help muffle it. It’s also possible to replace the rug for thicker options to help muffle the noise more in case it does bother you. It should also be noted that the Tacoma does a little better on gas than the Ram.
Of course, there are a few drawbacks to consider, but the Tacoma is still one of the most popular options.
Whether you’re leaning toward the Ram 1500 or the Toyota Tacoma, be sure to fully consider both options. We recommend taking a test drive of both at your local dealership.