Pitting the new Toyota Tundra against the Dodge Ram has been fun. Both of these trucks are great. While I didn't compare every little detail, I did compare the key components and listed below you'll find the key differences between these two trucks. If you're thinking about either the Ram or the Tundra, take a look at Edmunds and Consumer Reports in addition reviews like these. You should also drive both trucks, if for no other reason than the seats are so different.



I compared a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi SLT Quadcab 4x4 with a 2007 Toyota Tundra SR5 Doublecab 4x4. Surprisingly, these two trucks have a lot in common. They're both very quick, very large, and quite capable. In fact, I had to look to find major differences because the trucks are so similar.

The engines of these trucks are both powerful -- 381hp for the Toyota, 345hp for the Dodge, and both of these engines have excellent acceleration. However the HEMI uses a less sophisticated pushrod engine design compared to the iForce's DOHC design. Toyota's engine uses more technology to control combustion, and the result is quite a bit more power than the HEMI as well as better efficiency. I noticed the Tundra's fuel economy was about 2mpg better than the Ram during my test, and I'm sure this is due to Tundra's superior engine technology. Considering the Toyota is much more powerful, this is a major advantage to buying the Tundra.

Comparing transmissions wasn't too surprising -- the Ram has a five speed auto, the Tundra a six-speed, and as expected the Tundra accelerated better and shifted more smoothly than the Ram. Combine the Tundra's higher tow rating of 10,300 lbs to Ram's 8,500 lbs and it's clear the Tundra's transmission is also stronger.

Both trucks accelerate very well, and, surprisingly, they stop about the same (60mph to 0 in about 130 feet). Even though the Toyota has better brake components than the Ram - Toyota's larger front rotors, ventilated discs front AND rear, and standard 4-wheel ABS - both trucks stopped equally well. I suspect that while towing or hauling Toyota's better components will make a difference, but I was unable to confirm that during my test.

I think that Toyota dropped the ball when it comes to frame design -- while most trucks in the segment feature fully-boxed frames head to toe (including the Ram), the Tundra has a boxed section up front with the remainder of the frame being open c-channel. While only time will tell if the Tundra's frame is as strong as the Ram, Toyota would have been more comparable to the Ram if they had chosen a full length boxed frame.

The interiors of the Ram and the Tundra are completely different. The Tundra is nicer and more comfortable than the Ram, with more features and better quality materials. The Ram is an older truck (design-wise) than the Toyota, so the Toyota's superior interior is to be expected.

The Ram is a nice truck. It handles as well as the Tundra, has a higher government safety rating, and I think it's a little better looking than the Tundra too. But when you look at the big picture, the Tundra comes out on top becuase it's more powerful and more modern. When Dodge brings out a new Ram in 2009 it will be an interesting re-match.