Tundra v. Ram — Part II: Features and Pricing

The second part of our Tundra v. Ram comparison will evaluate the relative cost of the two trucks and compare the features of both. We’re only going to highlight the features that are unique and non-commercial. In other words, something the “common man” would want and buy. Finally, features that are similar will only be compared if the difference between them is significant.

INTERIOR:

While the Ram is an older design, it’s not without its charms. Much like the Tundra, the Ram’s interior is pretty straightforward. Simple, easy to use knobs and buttons dominate. We like the standard stain resistant cloth, and we think the UConnect Bluetooth system and DVD-based Navigation system are both great options that show Dodge’s commitment to offering a top of the line vehicle, even if it is a fairly basic truck. We do hate the seats though. The front seats are uncomfortable, without much back or lateral support. The rear seats in the QuadCab are cramped and much too small for an adult to ride comfortably. The Ram hasn’t seen a major redesign in six years, and it really shows here.

The Tundra offers many of the same features found in the Ram, but the Tundra’s interior is nicer and more utilitarian than the Ram. The dual glove boxes, console filing cabinet, standard Bluetooth integration, and larger dimensions all create a better work environment in the Tundra than in the Ram. We also think the materials are nicer. Finally, the Tundra’s seats are MUCH more comfortable.

WINNER: Tundra. More comfortable seats, nicer, more modern interior with more features, better quality materials.

EXTERIOR:

Like all the domestics, the Dodge Ram offers more choices in terms of exterior features. Different wheels, two-tone color schemes, moonroof, power-sliding rear window, etc., can all be had in lots of different trim levels. The Tundra usually offers these features in only one or two different configurations. Also, like all the domestics, the Ram can be factory ordered with nearly anything you would want. These are both aspects of the Dodge that we really appreciate. We also like Ram’s TRX4 off-road package and the cool-as-hell option of MOPAR power retracting step bars. The Ram offers a few chrome option groups on the new truck too, something the Toyota doesn’t have available.

We wish that the Tundra offered power retracting step bars (too cool) and more exterior option choices (like chrome packages, more wheel choices, color schemes, etc.), but the available TRD off-road package is equivalent to Ram’s TRX4 and we don’t know how long it would be until we broke the power step bars, so maybe it’s OK that Tundra doesn’t have them. Besting the Ram, the Tundra comes standard with a limited slip differential, 18″ wheels on the SR5 (as opposed to 17″ on the SLT), and a host of other features that the Ram doesn’t offer. For example: front and rear sonar (Ram has no sonar-like feature), back-up camera, tail-gate assist, extending tow mirrors, integrated hitch, and 12 speaker stereo, just to name a few.

BTW, the Ram is a great-looking truck. Dodge came up with an eye-catching original exterior design that looks great even though it’s older than all of its competitors.

WINNER: Tundra. The Ram is long in the tooth, and it shows when it comes to the lack of features available. In Dodge’s defense, when the Ram was last redesigned the standard for a full-featured truck was quite a bit lower. If looks were a reason to buy a truck (which they’re not), we would give the Ram serious consideration. Our “logical side” says the Ram just doesn’t quite cut it in terms of features and optional equipment and to stop staring.

SAFETY:

The Tundra’s safety systems are second to none, with all the following features standard: side airbags, electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, 4-wheel ABS, traction control, and advanced side-curtain and front airbag electronics. While the Ram offers some of these things as options, the list of features that Toyota offers STANDARD dwarfs the Ram.

In terms of crash test ratings, the Ram has a slight edge — 5 stars v. the Tundra’s 4 stars. However, as we’ve said before, crash test ratings aren’t important if you don’t crash your vehicle in the first place. The Tundra has a variety of systems that help keep the vehicle on the road, and they are all standard equipment. In Dodge’s defense, if you purchase a Ram with both side air bag protection and electronic stability control you’re going to have close to the same accident avoidance capabilities of the Tundra and better crash worthiness.

WINNER: While the Ram offers many of the same safety features, they are not standard equipment. Tundra’s lower crash test rating is offset by better overall standard protection. We called it a tie (because we wouldn’t buy a Ram without the safety options), and ties always go to the older design. Ram wins.

PRICING:

The Toyota Tundra DoubleCab SR5 5.7L Short Box 4×4 has an MSRP of $31,805. A Dodge Ram 1500 QuadCab SLT 5.7L Short Box 4×4 has an MSRP of $31,465. If you compensate for the lack of equipment on the Dodge by adding stability control, Bluetooth wireless, limited slip differential, and side curtain airbags, the Ram’s MSRP grows to $33,465. Thus, MSRP to MSRP, the Tundra is about $1,600 less expensive.

MSRP to MSRP is deceptive because the Ram usually has a substantial rebate. As of this writing, $5000 customer cash was available on the Ram and only $2000 was available on the Tundra. Doing the math, the Tundra is about $1500 more than the Ram in a common configuration, not accounting for standard features on the Tundra that aren’t available on the Ram (like tailgate assist, dual glove boxes, bigger interior, etc.).

Dealer discounts aren’t considered because they’re so different based on each transaction, but ultimately the Tundra will still end up being more expensive (on average).

The Tundra’s higher initial expense is compensated for by higher than average resale value — estimated to be 8-10% higher than a comparable Dodge. If the Dodge is worth half of MSRP in 3 years, the Tundra would be worth about $1500 more and the cost difference between the two evaporates. If you factor in Ram’s lower than average reliability (Consumer Reports and JD Power) and a warranty that’s less than the Tundra (the Dodge doesn’t offer any additional coverage over the standard 3yr/36k mile policy), the costs of owning a Ram become higher in the long run.

WINNER: Ram’s lower initial price is offset by lower than average reliability, shorter warranty, and lower resale value. The Tundra, expected to be very reliable and to have high resale value (like all of Toyota’s products) is clearly the better financial choice.

The final stage of our comparison, Tundra v. Ram — Part III: Ride, Handling, and Comfort, is up next.

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