2024 Toyota Tacoma vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 RAM 1500, a full-size truck available in both quad cab and crew cab formats, was impressive with its striking design elements. Our review unit, a crew cab, featured a 5-foot, 7-inch bed and was almost at the pinnacle of the trim hierarchy, as we drove the Ram 1500 Limited. This trim level showcased an aggressive style augmented by the $4,145 Night Edition package, which replaced chrome accents with a stealthy blacked-out grille, black badging, headlamp bezels, and mirror caps. Additionally, it flaunted 22-inch black aluminum wheels, creating an imposing presence.

Inside, the RAM 1500 Limited exuded luxury with an abundance of leather, complemented by contrasting stitching and embossed Limited logos on the storage console. Open-pore wood and metallic trim on the dash lent an upscale feel, enhanced further by the wood and leather steering wheel. A standout feature of the interior was the 12-inch portrait-oriented screen, offering a unique and modern look combined with intuitive controls and a distinctive chunky volume knob. The overall design ensured that whether you were adjusting volume, using navigation, or simply relaxing, you'd always be reminded you're in a RAM.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma retained its familiar rugged aesthetic but introduced a meaner, more angular front with a new hexagonal grille. The base SR trim came with 17-inch steel wheels, while higher trims like TRD Sport and Limited sported 18-inch alloy wheels, enhancing the truck's overall tough look.

The interior of the Tacoma took inspiration from the Ford F-Series, featuring a more squared-off dash design and a gear shift knob with a geometric feel. The cabin emphasized functionality over form, evident from the MOLLE panels that provided ample areas to affix accessories. Even the high-end Limited trim maintained this tough utility approach, incorporating extensive plastic grids within the cabin. The heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats added a layer of comfort but maintained the rugged character expected of a Tacoma.

Drivers of the 2023 RAM 1500 had the flexibility of choosing between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The base engine option was a 3.6-liter V6 with Ram's eTorque 48-volt mild hybrid system, designed to enhance fuel efficiency and provide extra bursts of power. Higher trims featured the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque, delivering an impressive 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, making acceleration smooth and highway passing effortless. Another optional engine was the 3.0-liter diesel, but the top TRX trim boasted a phenomenal supercharged 6.2-liter V8, pushing out an absurd 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.

The RAM 1500 excelled in ride comfort thanks to its coilover rear suspension and optional air suspension, which provided an exceptionally smooth drive. With 14.9-inch brake rotors, braking was secure, and steering was accurate with a quick ratio. For those interested in towing, the RAM 1500 could tow up to 12,750 pounds and had a payload capacity of 2,300 pounds, though our tester had slightly lower ratings.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma switched to an all-turbo engine lineup, featuring a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque for most trims. The base SR had a detuned version of this engine, offering 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque—still a significant upgrade over its predecessor. An eight-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous six-speed, providing smooth and timely shifts. The Tacoma also offered a six-speed manual transmission, though it was challenging during tight maneuvers.

The new Tacoma had multiple suspension setups tailored by trim, including sport-tuned shocks for the TRD Sport and monotube Bilstein shocks for the TRD Off-Road. The top Limited trim offered an adaptive variable suspension, significantly enhancing ride comfort. The hybrid-only Trailhunter and TRD Pro were built for off-road performance, with the former featuring FOX QS3 adjustable internal bypass shocks.

The RAM 1500 was packed with cubbies and storage options. Its two-tiered center console was particularly impressive, with cupholders and a storage bin that slid back to reveal additional storage below. The console was large enough to store a laptop, purse, and even a big box of Cheez-Its. The front seats were heated and cooled, with eight-way adjustability for both driver and front passenger. Rear passengers benefited immensely from the crew cab's 45.2 inches of legroom, and the rear seats could be reclined up to eight degrees.

A multifunction tailgate on our tester could open as a 60/40 split door or a traditional tailgate. With the optional air suspension, the tailgate was just 32.8 inches from the ground, making loading easier. The RamBox storage system integrated into the rear quarter panel was a genius addition, offering secure, lockable storage for tools.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma replaced the Access Cab with the new “XtraCab,” a two-door configuration dedicated to cargo space with lockable storage. The XtraCab aimed to make cargo more accessible, though reaching items behind the driver's seat was a bit cumbersome. The Double Cab models offered improved comfort, with nearly identical head- and legroom to the previous model. The rear storage capacity tripled compared to the previous year’s Tacoma, and available bed accessories, including a camp fridge, highlighted Toyota's focus on utility.

The Tacoma offered a choice between a 5-foot and 6-foot bed, with the XtraCab available only with the larger one. The bed depth was increased, accommodating more cargo volume. Payload and towing were facilitated by a 440-watt outlet on gas models or a 2400-watt version on hybrids.

The 2023 RAM 1500 received a tech boost with a new available reconfigurable 12-inch gauge cluster. However, our tester lacked this feature. Most lower trims were equipped with a 5-inch infotainment screen, while mid and upper trims got an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen. The 12-inch portrait screen allowed for dual-function displays, enhancing convenience. Despite a bit of lag with Apple CarPlay, the Uconnect system was generally well-organized.

Additional tech features included a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and multiple USB-A and USB-C outlets, alongside 115-volt and 12-volt outlets. A wireless charging pad ensured that all devices could be charged efficiently.

For 2024, the Toyota Tacoma saw major improvements in tech. An 8-inch touchscreen became standard, with higher trims boasting a massive 14-inch display. Both screens ran Toyota's latest Audio Multimedia system, which was responsive and easy to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional JBL sound system included a removable, water-resistant portable speaker.

The Tacoma also featured pre-wired auxiliary switches for operating additional accessories and an advanced trailer brake controller that worked with the Panoramic View Monitor to combine trailer views with the blind-spot monitoring system.

The 2023 RAM 1500 lagged in standard advanced driver-assist systems. Important features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring were optional or part of packages. However, its blind-spot monitoring extended to cover trailer lengths, enhancing safety while towing. The RAM 1500 scored well with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), earning an overall five-star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the RAM high marks, though some trims scored lower on certain features.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), which included enhanced features like Lane Tracing Assist, lane-departure alert with steering assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. New additions included road-sign assist and a sophisticated emergency stop system. The Tacoma's adaptive cruise control offered more flexibility, and blind-spot monitoring was standard on all but the base trim.