2026 Ram 1500 vs. Toyota Tundra | Imlay City, MI

2026 Ram 1500 Exterior Design

Rugged, muscular styling is a hallmark of the 2026 Ram 1500 and 2026 Toyota Tundra. Each truck boasts a bold face with more deeply chiseled lines on the Tundra and smoother edges across the front end with the Ram 1500. Enjoy similar features like LED lighting, fog lamps, heated outside mirrors, bed-mounted power outlets, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power-deployable running boards, and a wide range of wheel options that top out at 22 inches. Both trucks offer trailer tow mirrors for workday use.

Notable exterior differences between the Ram 1500 and Tundra include:

• Distinctive tailgate options — The optional multi-function tailgate of the Ram 1500 functions with a 60/40-split swing gate in addition to the traditional tailgate flip-down design. Both trucks offer a power-operated tailgate, with the Tundra tailgate also including knee-lift assist that will automatically close it once you start to lift the tailgate.
• Cargo management options — To keep all your gear and tools organized and secure, the Ram 1500 is available with the unique RamBox® cargo management system, which provides a secure storage compartment on the outside wall of the truck bed.
• Adjustable glass options — To improve cabin airflow, the Ram 1500 is offered with a horizontal-sliding power rear window, while the Toyota Tundra offers a power vertical rear glass panel. For a brighter cabin, the Ram 1500 is available with a twin-panel panoramic sunroof and the Tundra offers a power tilt and slide panoramic roof.

2026 Ram 1500 Interior Design & Technology

Deluxe interior design and cutting-edge technology work together to make you feel at home in the 2026 Ram 1500 and 2026 Toyota Tundra. Enjoy soft-touch materials like quilted leather or cloth and vinyl in the Ram 1500 or slike semi-aniline leather or SofTex® in the Tundra. Shared interior comfort options include heated and ventilated front and rear seats, massaging front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a heated steering wheel. Storage solutions include rear under-seat compartment storage in both trucks and in-floor storage bins in the Ram 1500. Shared connectivity features include Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone mirroring (wireless in the Tundra) and an 8.4-inch Uconnect® touchscreen in the Ram 1500 or 8-inch Audio Multimedia system in the Toyota Tundra.

Notable interior and technology differences between the Ram 1500 and Tundra include:

• Seat comfort options — Adjust the front seats to your liking with ten directions of power adjustability in the Toyota Tundra or up to 24-way power front seats in the Ram 1500. Additionally, only the Ram 1500 offers reclining rear seats.
• Upgraded display options — Premium display options in the Toyota Tundra include a 14-inch audio multimedia touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital meter, and a head-up display. Likewise, the Ram 1500 is offered with a 14.4-inch center display, a 12-inch driver information cluster, and a head-up display, along with a unique 10.25-inch interactive display for your front passenger.
• Wireless charging capabilities — While both trucks offer wireless phone charging capabilities, the Ram 1500 offers class-exclusive dual wireless charging pads that can accommodate two phones at the same time. Premium audio systems — The top-of-the-line audio system in the Toyota Tundra is a 12-speaker JBL® setup, while the Ram 1500 offers a number of different options, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon® premium sound system and a 23-speaker Klipsch® Reference Premiere sound system.

2026 Ram 1500 Engine Specs & Fuel Economy

Dependable capability and dynamic performance characterize the 2026 Ram 1500 and 2026 Toyota Tundra.

Across the Ram 1500 lineup, four engine options are available — the standard 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine makes 305 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, while the most powerful available high-output twin-turbo 3.0L Hurricane inline-six cylinder (I6) engine makes 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque. By comparison, the standard i-FORCE 3.4L turbo V6 engine of the Tundra makes 358 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, while the i-FORCE MAX 3.4L turbo V6 hybrid engine makes 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque.

When you put each truck to work, the Ram 1500 provides an advantage in standard fuel economy and payload capacity, while the Tundra offers a higher maximum towing capacity. The Ram 1500 engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission while the Tundra engines are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission.

Both trucks offer unique suspension systems for off-roading and premium comfort. These include a TRD Pro off-road suspension with 2.5-inch FOX® internal bypass coil-covers or a load-leveling rear height control air suspension in the Toyota Tundra, and a 2-inch raised suspension with a Bilstein® Black Hawk® e2 shock system and adaptive damping or an Active-Level™ four-corner air suspension on the Ram 1500.

See the key performance differences between the two trucks in the following chart.

2026 Ram 1500 Size & Cargo Space

Having space for all your passengers and gear is crucial in a new truck. To accommodate your needs, the 2026 Ram 1500 and 2026 Toyota Tundra both offer two comparable cab options. Overall, the Ram 1500 cabs offer more available seating and more second-row legroom for your passengers’ comfort. Load up the truck box of either model — two comparable box sizes are offered with either truck, plus a unique 8-foot box option for the Tundra.

Compare the key Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra size differences in the following chart.

2026 Ram 1500 Safety Options & Features

Today’s trucks come outfitted with a wide range of driver assistance features, and the 2026 Ram 1500 and 2026 Toyota Tundra are shining examples of this safety revolution. Similar systems help you stay in your lane and alert you to imminent collisions with both trucks. For parking sensors, blind spot assistance, and rear cross-traffic monitoring, you need a higher Tundra trim level, while the Ram 1500 includes them as standard equipment. Both trucks offer surround view camera technology. However, only the Ram 1500 allows you to drive hands-free on compatible roadways using the optional hands-free active driving assist system.

Standard Ram 1500 safety features include:

• Advanced brake assist
• Active lane management system
• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
• Blind spot and cross-path detection
• Full-speed forward collision warning plus
• Hill start assist
• ParkSense® front and rear park assist
• ParkView® rear backup camera
• Pedestrian emergency braking
• Rear seat reminder alert

Standard Toyota Tundra safety features include:

• Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5
  • Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
  • Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control
  • Lane departure alert with steering assist
  • Lane tracing assist
  • Automatic high beams
  • Road sign assist

2026 Ram 1500 Key Advantages

Renowned for its premium features and luxurious options, the 2026 Ram 1500 offers a first-rate and spacious driving experience for everyone who steps inside. Functional exterior options add workday versatility, as does its thrilling available horsepower and payload advantages. And for modern enjoyment, the Ram 1500 comes equipped with a range of unique technologies.

Notable advantages for the Ram 1500 include:

• Multi-function tailgate
• RamBox cargo management system
• Max. payload capacity
• Available horsepower
• Standard MPG
• 24-way power front seats
• Six-passenger seating
• Reclining rear seats
• Second-row legroom
• Front passenger’s interactive display
• 23-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere sound system
• Hands-free active driving assist system
• Drowsy driver detection, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist

2026 Toyota Tundra Key Advantages

Practical and ready for work, the 2026 Toyota Tundra offers design features and capability for everyday use. The advantage in towing and standard capability specs go to this truck. And, if you need a longer bed, the Tundra offers an 8-foot option.

Notable advantages for the Toyota Tundra include:

• Knee lift tailgate
• Vertical rear glass
• Max. towing capacity
• Standard horsepower
• Standard and available torque
• 8-ft. bed option

Additional Ram 1500 Comparisons

Do you like what the Ram 1500 has to offer, but want to see how it compares to other competitors besides the Toyota Tundra? Our team has created additional Ram 1500 comparison guides pitting it versus other full-size trucks for your research convenience! 

• Ram 1500 vs. Chevy Silverado 1500

Learn More About the Ram 1500

Take the next step in your research process and explore everything the Ram 1500 has to offer with help from the Ram truck pros at Imlay City CDJR. See an overview of the top features, specs, and colors with our model review, then compare lists of standard features in each model option with our Ram 1500 trims guide. See the specs available for each brawny engine option with our Ram 1500 engines and towing guide.

Of course, there’s no replacement for in-person research. Set up a test drive with your favorite new Ram 1500 for sale at our dealership in Imlay City, MI, or consider one of our used Ram 1500 options. Contact one of our Ram truck pros for more information about any of our available models online or by calling (810) 642-5800.