2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2023 RAM 1500

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.