The 2021 Ram 1500 Is “Kinder, Gentler” Than the 2021 Toyota Tundra
The 2021 Ram 1500 is the highest rated pickup truck in its class, and with good reason. It combines a solid road test score with a positive owner satisfaction rating, though it’s predicted reliability is a little low. In fact, Consumer Reports calls it, “a kinder, gentler pickup truck in this crowded field.” Let’s look at why Consumer Reports favors the 2021 Ram 1500 over the 2021 Toyota Tundra.
The Ram’s road test score blows away the Tundra’s
The Ram 1500 scores a much higher 83 in Consumer Reports’ road test. The Tundra only gets a 59 in this. So what does the road test include? Consumer Reports conducts tests such as emergency handling, braking, and comfort on cars they’ve independently purchased.
Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Ram 1500 scores a 4/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in 7.1 seconds. Its transmission scores a 5/5. Routine and emergency handling receive a mediocre 3/55. The Ram 1500’s max avoidance speed is 48 mph.
The 2021 Toyota Tundra also scores a 4/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds. Its transmission scores a 5/5. Routine handling receives a mediocre 3/5, while emergency handling only gets a 2/5. The Toyota Tundra’s max avoidance speed is 44 mph.
The Tundra comes standard with more safety equipment
The 2021 Toyota Tundra comes standard with nearly all of the Consumer Reports recommended advanced safety features. The exceptions are blind-spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, and daytime running lights, which are optional. Unfortunately, lane-keeping assist isn’t available.
On the other hand, the Ram only comes with a minimal amount of safety features. Only a rear view camera, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and daytime running lights are standard.
If you want additional safety equipment, you’ll have to pay. Forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, as well as lane keeping assist are all optional. Blind spot warning, automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic warning are also optional.
The Tundra’s reliability is twice as high
To determine the reliability of a vehicle, Consumer Reports sends out surveys to people who have bought previous versions of the vehicle. They then combine this survey data with what they know about the current model.
Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Ram 1500 only a 2/5 for its predicted reliability. Major problem areas in the 2019 include the power equipment and in-car electronics. The worst rating for the 2020 1500’s reliability is for the climate system.
The 2021 Toyota Tundra reliability rating is twice as high, at a 4. Reliability for the 2019 and 2020 Toyota Tundras is pretty good. The only score in the 2020 to be mediocre is paint and trim. In the 2019, the only problem area is body integrity.
Overall, the 2021 Ram 1500 is a better truck. Even when taking the reliability ratings into account, the Ram 1500’s ratings are better overall. If you’re shopping for a new pickup truck, the 2021 Ram 1500 is definitely the way to go.
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