The half-ton pickup truck is one of America's most popular vehicle styles, and two models that are always pushing the segment forward with new features and capabilities are the RAM 1500 and Toyota Tundra.
For the 2023 model year, these two popular trucks are bringing improved performance and efficiency, more standard options, and fresh styling packages that deliver an ultra-modern look and feel.
Let's examine the main highlights of the RAM 1500 and Toyota Tundra to see which one offers the level of toughness and fun that best matches your active lifestyle.
2023 RAM 1500 Comparison Highlights
The 2023 RAM 1500 continues to be a leader and benchmark in the pickup segment, offering durability and innovation with features that have never before been seen on a truck. To set the stage, the 1500 delivers up to 12,750 pounds of towing capacity and 2,300 pounds of payload. It's also America's most powerful half-ton diesel pickup, pumping out 480 lb-ft of torque and up to 1,000 miles of driving range on a full tank of fuel.
And for this model year, the 1500's capabilities are accompanied by even more versatility. For example, the new 2023 RAM 1500 Limited Elite Edition comes standard with a multifunction and locking tailgate, deployable bed step, adjustable cargo tie-down hooks, and a cargo divider. These thoughtful features, along with the class-exclusive RamBox cargo management system, will help you get the most out of the truck, especially since no work or adventure day is ever the same.
On the road, the RAM 1500 features a class-exclusive air suspension that not only enhances fuel efficiency, but also upgrades overall ride quality and off-road capability thanks to its adjustable ride height and load-leveling functions. And if you want extreme speed to go along with your hauling, the TRX's 702-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine makes it the world's quickest, fastest, and most powerful mass-produced truck.
This trend of setting benchmarks also exists in the 1500's passenger area, as the largest cab configuration offers lots of legroom and best-in-class interior storage volume and luxury amenities. You'll find leather-trimmed seating options, premium details, and excellent connectivity, thanks to the Uconnect 5 infotainment software and 12-inch touchscreen. The second row can slide recline by 8 degrees and also offers heated and cooled seats, a flat-load floor with integrated RamBins, tie-down rings, and under-seat storage. The level of flexibility and smart usage of space means the RAM 1500 is ready for anything you can throw at it.
The RAM 1500's safety and security features are powered by advanced technology that's been designed to instill confidence in every scenario you might find yourself in, from commuting, to road trips, to hauling cargo for work. Awareness and detection are key, and the 1500 includes functions like a 360-degree surround view camera, a 360-degree trailer surround view camera, blind spot awareness, rear cross path detection, and forward collision warning. The 1500 can even take a more active role with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, where the system automatically manages steering input for precise movement.
2023 RAM 1500 Specifications:
Models and Trims:
- Tradesman (4x4 or 4x2)
- Tradesman HFE (4x2 only)
- Big Horn (4x4 or 4x2)
- Laramie (4x4 or 4x2)
- Rebel (4x4 or 4x2)
- Limited Longhorn (4x4 or 4x2)
- Limited (4x4 or 4x2)
- TRX (4x4 only)
Special Edition Packages:
- Built to Serve EMS Editions
- Limited Elite Edition
- Limited (RAM)RED Edition
- Laramie G/T Edition
- Rebel G/T Edition
- Night Edition
- Big Horn Backcountry Edition
- Limited Longhorn Southfork Edition
- Sport Appearance Package
Body Style:
- Crew Cab w/ 5'7" box
- Crew Cab w/ 6'4" box
- Quad Cab w/ 6'4" box
Drivetrain:
- 4x2
- 4x4
Engines:
- 5.7-liter HEMI V8 w/ eTorque Mild Hybrid Tech; 395 horsepower
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 w/ eTorque Mild Hybrid Tech; 305 horsepower
- 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6; 260 horsepower
- 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V8; 702 horsepower
Transmissions:
- 8-speed automatic 850RE transmission
- 8-speed automatic 8HP75 transmission
- 8-speed automatic 8HP95 transmission
Safety:
- RAM 1500 Safety & Security
- Max Payload:
- Up to 2,300 pounds
- Max Towing:
- Up to 12,750 pounds
2023 Toyota Tundra Comparison Highlights
Fresh off of its third-generation complete redesign, the 2023 Tundra is continuing to shake up the truck arena with its two new twin-turbo V6 powertrains, one of which is a powerful hybrid system. And for the new model year, an SX Package makes its debut, which provides custom styling at a reasonable cost. On SX trucks, you'll find Dark Gray Metallic 18-inch wheels, body-color trim, minimalist badging, and black interior accents.
But more broadly, the Tundra's standard i-FORCE 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine is what has everyone excited. Its combination of power--389 HP and 479 lb-ft of torque--and efficiency deliver a ton of versatility and value to any truck usage scenario. And if you need extreme capability, the available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain produces 437 horsepower and a whopping 583 lb-ft of torque at just 2,400 rpm.
The i-FORCE MAX gets its additional power from a dedicated clutch-operated motor generator and Ni-MH battery, which actually does most of the work at lower vehicle speeds. This dynamic operation and direct integration into the transmission is also what allows the Tundra to achieve up to an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Other aspects of the 2023 Tundra--like a high-strength steel chassis, larger frame cross members, and a new multi-link rear suspension--work in conjunction with the i-FORCE powerhouses to deliver improved handling dynamics, as well as up to 12,000 pounds of towing and 1,940 pounds of max payload. These numbers are 17.6% and 11% greater, respectively, than what the previous generation Tundra could handle.
But it doesn't end there - the Tundra TRD models and those equipped with the TRD Off-Road package receive even more upgrades like Multi-Terrain Select drive modes, CRAWL Control, and Downhill Assist Control. These advanced technologies go hand-in-hand with an electronically locking rear differential, FOX internal bypass shocks, a front stabilizer bar, an aluminum front skid plate, and all-terrain Falken tires to deliver some serious off-road exploration.
And for the first time ever, Tundra offers a rear air suspension system with automatic and manual leveling that enhances stability and efficiency for heavy payloads. This type of balance and assurance can also be seen as part of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a suite of advanced prevention and awareness features that comes standard on every Tundra model.
The TSS 2.5 system includes helpful technologies like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and much more.
2023 Toyota Tundra Specifications
Models and Trims:
- SR
- SR5
- Limited
- Platinum
- 1794 Edition
- TRD Pro
- Capstone
Packages:
- TRD Off-Road Package
- TRD Off-Road Premium Package
- TRD Sport Package
- TRD Sport Premium Package
- Advanced Off-Road Technology Package
Body Style:
- Double Cab w/ 6.5 ft bed
- Double Cab w/ 8.1 ft bed
- Crewmax w/ 5.5 ft bed
- Crewmax w/ 6.5 ft bed
Drivetrain:
- Rear-wheel drive w/ Auto LSD
- 4WDemand part-time 4-Wheel Drive w/ 2-speed transfer case & Auto LSD
Engines:
- i-FORCE 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6; 358 hp
- i-FORCE 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6; 389 hp
- i-FORCE MAX 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid; 437 hp
Transmissions:
- 10-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i)
Safety:
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5)
Max Payload:
- Up to 1,940 pounds
- Max Towing:
- Up to 12,000 pounds
Choosing Between the RAM 1500 and Toyota Tundra
No matter how tough of a job or adventure you throw at these two trucks, they're going to get it done with ease, and keep you as comfortable as possible. But the flair and personality that each truck brings along while doing these tasks just might be the tie-breaker for your purchasing decision.
The 2023 RAM 1500 is the only one of the two to offer a beastly diesel engine for high-strength duties, and on the other end of the spectrum, a 702-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine. In terms of sheer engine performance, the 1500 has you covered from from max torque to max horsepower. And its overall experience is also thoughtful and refined thanks to the class-exclusive RamBox cargo management system and advanced tailgate features.
The 2023 Tundra, on the other hand, excels at performance efficiency thanks to its new twin-turbo engines, and offers the highest standard output at 358 horsepower. And with the available hybrid powertrain, the Tundra produces up to 583 lb-ft of peak torque, which is over 20% more than what the RAM 1500's diesel engine can deliver. The Tundra also offers sportier features and hardware aimed at maximizing off-road adventures thanks to its TRD packages and exclusive TRD models.
Either way, both the 1500 and Tundra combine the best working capabilities with high attention to overall lifestyle enhancements. And the best way to determine which lifestyle benefits speak to you the most is to visit your local AutoNation RAM and Toyota dealerships for a test drive.
Andrew Chen | March 27, 2023
