Ram 1500 vs. Toyota Tacoma
Pickup trucks are pretty much the do-it-all, go-anywhere type of vehicle. Often starring in Hollywood action movies, they epitomize the American lifestyle. So, how does a good old American truck compare to a contender from a Japanese brand that also happens to be the World's largest vehicle manufacturer?
Read on as we look at two older generation models available in the full-size and midsize truck categories, hopefully assisting you in making the best choice when it comes time to pull the trigger on your next pre-owned truck purchase.
Ram 1500
The 2015 Ram 1500 is a fourth-generation model with an interesting background. This generation started life as a Dodge Ram 1500 back in 2009 and became the Ram 1500 a year later when Ram was separated from the Dodge brand and became its own marque, even though it was still marketed as a Dodge until 2013.
The fourth gen Ram was available from 2010 up to 2018 with three bed lengths and four cab styles to choose from. The truck saw a plethora of refreshes from 2013 through to 2018 and for the 2019 model year, the Ram 1500 was produced alongside the new fifth generation version now known as the Ram 1500 Classic.
In 2015, the Ram 1500 was available in a whopping 11 trims:
- Tradesman/Express
- SLT
- Big Horn
- HFE
- Tradesman
- Lone Star
- Outdoorsman
- Sport
- Laramie
- Rebel
- Longhorn
Toyota Tacoma
The third-generation Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup truck was introduced in late 2015. This model year was available in two cab styles: an Access Cab and Double Cab, with the Access Cab kitted with a six-foot load bed, while the Double Cab was offered in either a five or six-footer bed. The Tacoma accommodates up to five passengers depending on the cab configuration.
The Tacoma was available in three trims for the 2015 model year: Base, PreRunner and TRD Pro.
This model received a facelift in 2020 and was replaced by the current fourth-generation Tacoma in 2023.
Powertrains
Engine choices for the Ram 1500 back in 2015 include the base 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 gasoline unit offering 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, an available 5.7-liter V8 and a single diesel engine option, a 3.0 liter V6 "EcoDiesel".
All power units use an eight-speed automatic transmission that is controlled by a rotary knob on the instrument panel rather than the traditional shift lever.
Rear-wheel-drive is standard, with two available 4WD systems. Both 4WD systems use a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing but differ in their operation. The first is a traditional part-time system featuring manual mode selection, and the second offering an auto 4WD mode to seamlessly switch between rear- and four-wheel drive according to traction needs.
The Base Toyota Tacoma engine is a 159-horsepower, 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine mated with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
A second available 4.0-liter V-6 gasoline engine makes 236 horsepower and is coupled to a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic along with an automatic limited-slip differential.
Towing and Loading Capabilities
The light duty Ram 1500 can tow up to a maximum of 10,450 pounds and haul up to 1,900 pounds depending on the engine and trim plus the correct tow hitch equipment.
When correctly configured, the 2.7L inline-four-cylinder Toyota Tacoma is able to tow up to 3,500 pounds while the 3.5 liter V6 offers up to 6,500 pounds towing capability. A maximum of 1.280 pounds may be loaded onto a 2015 Toyota Tacoma.
Exterior
The Ram 1500, with such a wide choice of trims, offers buyers plenty of exterior features depending on trim; some exterior highlights across the choice of three cab styles and aforementioned box lengths include:
- Trademark big-rig styling with a variety of grilles
- Active grille shutters for improved aerodynamics
- 17-inch wheels; 20- or 22-inch wheels available
- Spray-in Bedliner
- Available LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights
- Dual exhaust tips with V-8 engine, diesel V-6
- Available fog lights
- Available RamBox storage bins in the cargo box
- Available four-corner air suspension
- Available running boards or tubular side steps
- Available rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Available power sunroof
Toyota dropped the regular-cab option from the lineup in 2015 and stuck to the Access Cab and the Double Cab. Toyota offered a Utility Package for the four-cylinder engined Access Cab that dispenses with the rear seats to make room for more in-cab storage.
Exterior highlights on the Tacoma are features such as:
- Dent-resistant composite inner liner in the cargo bed
- Available skid plate for engine
- Available 115-volt power outlet in cargo bed
- 15-, 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheels
- Available fog lights
Interior
The Ram 1500 offers owners an impressive and refined cabin constructed with quality materials, and as mentioned comes in a host of trims and configurations.
Buyers looking for all of life's luxuries will find the range topping Laramie trim meeting their every need with,niceties like a dual-zone automatic climate control, woodgrain interior accents, sapphire blue ambient lighting, a 9-speaker audio system, navigation, rear backup camera and driver seat and even pedal memory.
Inside the Toyota Tacoma, a straightforward dashboard puts practicality first and includes a simple three-dial climate control knob layout. The cabin features plenty of plastic panels but is of good build quality. The driver and front passenger get to sit in bucket seats.
All Toyota Tacoma buyers get standard Bluetooth and a 6.1-inch touchscreen, and tech features like mobile app integration and a rearview camera are available.
Key interior highlights include:
- Fabric upholstery with available heated front seats
- Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- Air conditioning
- Available leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Available cruise control
Safety
The Ram 1500 features several standard safety features, including crumple zones and side-impact door beams, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, an electronic stability control system, and front and side-impact airbags.
Standard driver aids on offer are hill start assist, electronic roll mitigation and trailer-sway control. Further optional features include:
- Integrated trailer brake controller
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Backup camera
The Toyota features as standard, required safety equipment such as:
- Front airbags
- Side-impact and side-curtain airbags
- Anti Lock brakes with front discs and rear drum brakes and brake assist
- Electronic stability system
- Active front-head restraints
Optional driver aids include a rearview camera for easy backing-up maneuvers.
Visit Tims Trucks For Your Next Truck Purchase
Visit Tims Trucks near Concord, NH, and experience exceptional customer service for yourself. If you are in the market for a good quality pre-owned truck, our experienced sales team is there to assist.
We have an impressive inventory of pre-owned trucks, SUVs, vans, and cars to choose from, so be sure to make us your first choice when shopping for a new set of wheels.
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