2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2023 RAM 1500

2022 Toyota Tacoma
2022 Toyota Tacoma
$27,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 RAM 1500
2023 RAM 1500
$30,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Toyota Tacoma
$27,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 RAM 1500
$30,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$27,150
$30,695
Average price
$47,124
$48,853
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.3
4.6
Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Impressive off-road abilities
  • Manual transmission available
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Cramped back seat
  • Poor ride quality
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Strong powertrain
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Competition offers more technology
Summary

Other small trucks have come and gone—and come back again—but the Toyota Tacoma has been the cornerstone of the segment for decades now. Though it has grown in size through the years, it has remained one of the best options if you’re in the market for a smaller alternative to full-size pickups. It’s a great option for a commuter who goes on the occasional camping, kayaking, or mountain biking adventure. The bed is good for picking up supplies to tackle a weekend project.

But the midsize Tacoma has increased competition. In the past decade, the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Ford Ranger have returned. The Nissan Frontier recently received a long-overdue overhaul. And there’s even a new crop of compact pickups, including the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. So is the Tacoma still the big dog among small trucks?

Do you remember when pickup trucks were used only by construction workers and gardeners? They were work machines, meant to have scratched beds, a cab full of McDonald’s wrappers, and a big dent on the tailgate from an unfortunate run-in with a telephone pole.

Not anymore. Today’s trucks give luxury vehicles a run for their money, with fancy features and ridiculous amounts of technology. Today we’re looking at the 2023 Ram 1500. This truck hasn’t gotten a major update since 2019, and while it still holds its own next to the offerings from Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota, the others are catching up quickly.

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Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.7L 159 hp I4
3.6L 305 hp V6
Drive Train
4X2
4X2
Seating Capacity
4
3
Horsepower
159 hp @ 5200 rpm
305 hp @ 6400 rpm
MPG City
20
17
MPG Highway
23
25
Look and feel
2022 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
2023 RAM 1500
8/10

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, a staple in the North American market since 1995, was beginning to show its age despite a facelift in 2020. Its exterior maintained a contemporary look with an aggressive grille and headlights, but the interior revealed its dated design with hard plastics and older switchgear. The cabin, though functional with features like keyless entry and push-button start, felt a bit outmoded. In Canada, the Tacoma was available in various configurations, including access and double cabs, with a range of packages from the standard to the TRD Pro. Standard features included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features.

The 2023 RAM 1500 Limited, near the top of its eight trim levels, offered a more modern and luxurious feel. The Night Edition package added a stealthy look with 22-inch black aluminum wheels. Inside, the Limited trim was adorned with leather, contrasting stitching, and open-pore wood, creating an upscale atmosphere. The 12-inch portrait-oriented screen was a standout feature, providing a unique interior look. The RAM 1500's cabin was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like heated and cooled front seats, a two-tiered centre console, and a multifunction tailgate. The RamBox storage system added practicality, making it a versatile choice for those needing secure storage.

Performance
2022 Toyota Tacoma
8/10
2023 RAM 1500
8/10

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma in Canada came standard with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and a payload capacity of 583 kilograms. While the V6 provided decent acceleration around town, it struggled on highways due to its gearing and transmission. The Tacoma's suspension was trail-oriented, offering a smooth ride and firm handling around corners. The TRD Pro trim excelled off-road, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, making it a capable choice for adventurous drivers.

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 TRX trim featured a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 producing 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The eTorque system provided better fuel economy and extra power, while the V8 delivered 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The RAM 1500's eight-speed automatic transmission was smooth and well-matched to its engines. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,783 kilograms and a payload capacity of 1,043 kilograms, the RAM 1500 was a strong performer. Its coilover rear suspension and available air suspension offered a smooth ride, while the 14.9-inch brake rotors provided confident stopping power.

Form and function
2022 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
2023 RAM 1500
7/10

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma was available in Access Cab and Double Cab body styles, with a five-foot or six-foot-one-inch bed. The Access Cab featured clamshell rear half-doors and seating for four, though rear legroom was tight. The Double Cab offered seating for up to five, but rear-seat space remained limited. The front seats provided ample legroom, but the tilt/telescoping steering wheel's limited range could be an issue for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed included in-bed lighting and a power outlet, adding practicality.

The 2023 RAM 1500's cabin was designed with storage in mind, featuring numerous cubbies and a two-tiered centre console. The front seats were heated and cooled, with eight-way adjustability, and power-adjustable pedals were standard. The crew cab offered generous rear legroom of 1,148 millimetres, with reclining rear seats and a flat floor for easy cargo loading. The multifunction tailgate and RamBox storage system added versatility, making the RAM 1500 a practical choice for those needing ample storage and comfort.

Technology
2022 Toyota Tacoma
8/10
2023 RAM 1500
7/10

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma's infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth compatibility, with an 8-inch screen and SiriusXM available on higher trims. The system's older design made it familiar and easy to use, though the tuning and volume dials were undersized. A wireless device charger was available, but required manual activation. The Tacoma's tech features were basic, but functional for those with an active lifestyle.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered a tech upgrade with a reconfigurable 12-inch gauge cluster and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Uconnect system allowed for dual-functionality, such as displaying audio and navigation simultaneously. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though there was some lag with the former. The optional Equipment Group 1 added features like a head-up display and digital rearview mirror. The RAM 1500 was well-equipped for tech-savvy drivers, with multiple USB outlets, a wireless charging pad, and a surround-view camera system.

Safety
2022 Toyota Tacoma
9/10
2023 RAM 1500
6/10

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came standard with driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tacoma received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in side crash tests.

The 2023 RAM 1500 lacked standard advanced driver-assist systems, with features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control being optional. The NHTSA awarded the RAM 1500 crew cab a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS gave it Good marks in most categories. The RAM 1500's safety features were effective, but required additional packages for comprehensive coverage.

Cost Effectiveness
2022 Toyota Tacoma
undefined/10
2023 RAM 1500
undefined/10
N/A

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2023 RAM 1500 scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Toyota Tacoma is the recommended choice for those seeking a reliable and capable truck with strong off-road performance and standard safety features.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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