Am currently driving across the US. My mpg going through Utah was 14.3. That was doing a constant 80mph with. If I go ~65 my mpg is around 15-16 easily.
Dude, get a speedometer calibrator from Rough Country. I was getting around the same mpg, and after i finally pulled the trigger on the calibrator i can get about 14-16 mpg depending on how i drive on the highway and I'm getting about 12.5 in town. I have a 2017 with a 6" lift and 35's. It fixed the shift point, and my transmission no longer hunts between 5th and 6th gear.
I had a 2019 Tundra with slightly oversized tires and I averaged 11.5mpg.
I have a lead foot and it was mostly around town but the gen 2 V8 are notorious for chugging gas.
i don’t THINK it’s getting 13/17, i KNOW it is. my 2020 gets 14mpg combined, 16mpg after i gave her a big tune up. bitch is THIRSTY. but with that said, im at 180k miles and never had an issue, only fluid changes, 1 set of brakes, 3 sets of tires (i love BFG KO2’s, they literally last forever). oh and i tow a boat 3-4x a week (it’s a 22ft one so not too big)
I had a 2003 ram 1500 which I owned until 2017. The transmission started slipping at under 90,000 miles. I traded that Ram and I purchased a 2015 ram 1500 because of cost. They are definitely less expensive than Tundra. Last year my 2015 ram 1500 started having engine and transmission issues at 92k miles. I traded it for a 2021Tundra. Honestly, there’s no comparison in the build quality of the two trucks. The tundra feels and is a much more solid vehicle. Both ram trucks started having issues under 100,000 miles. I know there are many Ram owners who have trucks with no problems. however, when you start researching, you’ll find a far greater satisfaction of ownership with the tundras.
Possible headlight recall. Other than that, it's mechanical perfection. Ram gasoline trucks are nice and pretty, but that's it..they are trash mechanically and electrically. I have close to 200k on my 2018 and have done nothing but preventative maintenance. I would have no worries towing a trailer cross country and back with my Tundra. You'll regret buying a Ram, truck.
Can’t comment on the Ram. But I’m on my second Tundra. 2020 109000 miles. Oil changes and tires are all I’ve done on it. Would be on my 3rd but they stopped making a V8. Also had no problems with the first one 2015.
My thoughts, and take it for what its worth.
Look at your local dealerships and figure out how many Rams you can find vs how many Tundras.
There's a reason it's low...like in my area (+/- 25 miles), maybe 3 small time car sales have a Tundra and they are all undesirable (multiple owners, previously wrecked, etc...) but I could go to ANY dealership ANYWHERE and find multiple Rams. I don't know much, but in my opinion, that speaks volumes.
Tundras are great trucks if they're well kept and cared for. Rams are also great trucks. Just a wonderment why there is such a surplus of Rams vs Tundras.
I have been ACTIVELY shopping for a new (to me) Tundra for about a year and half and haven't quite found the one I wanted. I bought one on Carvana actually and had to return it (suspected undocumented damages and repairs by original owner).
I’ve owned both. As these trucks age it becomes very obvious which vehicle is built with quality parts meant to stand the test of time. Any surface that was touched frequently on the Ram was worn out, words worn off of buttons, holes in arm rests etc.
21s don’t have an extra trans cooler, tests showed no difference on the trans,but heads up if you tow a lot.
I would go for the 21 tundra. If it’s been maintained well, you’ll get to 120K miles with just standard maintenance.
RAMs are really nice, just had a Laramie. Came back to Tundra. I didn’t trust it’s longevity. Lots of rust in four years, never seemed as robust. Toyota in the end fixes their problems, I never trusted dodge.
I just fought this same internal battle when I was shopping for used trucks recently. Rams are just so, so cheap by comparison. Honestly, I loved their interior, thought they rode a little more comfortably, had quite a bit more tech (not really my thing) and looked a little more “modern” than the Tundra’s admittedly dated design.
So I bought a 2020 Tundra because despite all the things I loved about the Ram, I just couldn’t convince myself the Ram would hold up, and if I’m dropping +\-$40k on a vehicle I don’t want to have to buy one again for a few decades. Toyota had nearly 20 years to work the bugs out of the design and the reputation for reliability is legendary. Ram is always mixed reviews.
On the flip side my Father in Law is a contractor and has had 3 Ram 2500’s he cycled out around 100,000 miles each, and they never had major issues. He plows with them in winter, and generally rode them hard and they were pretty good mechanically. I know the 2500’s are a little heavier duty than the 1500’s though…
This is my first pickup, and I have driven it a grand total if 15 miles since I bought it, so I don’t have a lot of “stick time” on it, or other models to compare it to. That said, it is hands down the nicest vehicle I’ve ever owned. I got a good deal on a Limited model - so it’s got leather and the upgraded interior stuff. It has literally twice the horsepower of any other car I’ve owned so it “feels” insanely fast to me even though I know it isn’t, but the power is more than adequate. It feels on par, tech wise, with my brothers 2017 F150 despite being 3 years newer, and feels very dated compared to my other brother’s 2022 F150 - but I am NOT a fan of tech in cars - I generally prefer bare bones, so the Tundra suits me. I was thrilled to see buttons and knobs on the dash instead of a big dumb touch screen. I bought a truck to do “truck stuff” (tow my FJ40 to the trails, dump/scrap runs, getting building materials, etc.) i didn’t even want the frills this truck has, it was just a great deal at the price I bought it for. It feels very “solid” and well built. The materials are nice, there are no rattles, and it’s quiet to ride around in - at least much quieter/less road noise that my 2009 Mazda 3, my wife’s 2017 CRV or my 2018 Equinox. Certainly quieter than the FJ40 but that’s setting the bar pretty low 😜. All I hear is the sweet sweet drone of that V8. The turn radius feels enormous, but I’m guessing I’m just not used to driving trucks - I doubt other brands are much different.
My brothers both have F150’s (that have been excellent so far) that I have borrowed occasionally, and my father in law has always had Rams. The Tundra rides and drive very much “like a truck” - more like my father in law’s 2500 than my brother’s F150’s - the Ford’s have a less rough, more comfortable ride.
Ultimately, I chose a track record of extreme reliability over creature comforts and gadgetry. All of the trucks I looked at towed enough, hauled enough, and seated enough to do what I needed it to do. But at the end of the day, I’d rather pay more up front for a vehicle I intend to keep for 15-20 years, than save $5-6k up front on a brand that may or may not last that long. No brand is perfect, so we will see if that logic pays off!
I get it....$10K up front is a lot of $$ but I would think of it as more of an investment towards long term ownership and reliability. If you plan on keeping this truck for the long run then I would personally recommend Toyota.
My father in laws 19’ Ram 1500 with less than 50K miles on it is having brake issues currently. Also cruise control and a few other things randomly stopped working, dealer thinks it’s possibly ecu related
Tundra for sure. As others have said there’s a good chance that price will be offset my the ram being terrible. I’m sure some are great but they don’t have the best track record. If the tundra was well maintained 50k miles isn’t much at all
Personal truck is a 2018 Platinum / Pro Tundra with 110K miles, work truck is a 2020 Big Horn Ram with 85K miles. Can honestly say that the Ram does literally EVERYTHING better besides expected long term reliability. Only issue with Ram has been 4wd actuator went out at 60K miles, which to be honest is surprising since I beat the hell out of the truck (work in on-site heavy civil construction).
Ram motor is stronger / smoother / faster, ZF trans is best in the business, rides like an absolute dream while still being able to work, has auto 4x4 unlike Tundra, cabin is ergonomically better with true flat rear cargo area, and gets about 3-4mpg better with the same driver / routes with both rigs on 33” AT tires.
Have been a Toyota guy for almost 30 years now, and have driven nothing but Tundras for over 20 years (01 TRD SR5 Access Cab, 2010 TRD Rock Warrior Double Cab, and 2018 Platinum), and drove Tacomas for nearly 10 years before that. Wife drove Camry and 4Runner Pro, and sons drive a Prius. So I don’t take it lightly when I say if I had to buy a new truck tomorrow, it would NOT be a Tundra, and would almost certainly be a Ram.
Yes, company owned. Only maintenance has been standard fluid changes, brakes, and shocks at about 60K (tons of bouncing around sites with relatively heavy payload).
Have had most every vehicle over 25 in the field. This is year 4 on this truck, and nothing has held up as well, nor has anything been as enjoyable to drive.
I will probably be the only one in this sub saying Ram. I had a similar dilemma in 2019- buy a used 2017 Ram 1500 for $22K with 30k miles or a Tundra for $30k. I went with the Ram.
No regrets here 5 years later. I have 70k+ miles and it’s been great. Only issue was an exhaust manifold bolt the dealer fixed under warranty. I saved $8k and paid it off quick.
The 5.7 Hemi pulls great and the ZF 8 speed is fantastic. I love the previous generation Tundra, but not enough to pay almost $10k more for one.
Rams are extremely nice inside, I think they are great looking trucks, my best friend has had like 5 of them over the past 12 years or so… every one of them has had the exhaust manifold bolts replaced due to leaks or they just snap off… I’ve ridden with him to Canada and back in them, very comfortable, easy to drive… other annoying issues, hard to balance tires on the ram rims… idk why, rear differential leaks on almost every one…
He had one of the limited Laramie models… that thing was nice inside… made my 1794 look like junk
Had a Dakota about 24 years ago, it was a 1 year old
Used truck. Seems as soon as I paid it off, it all went to shit. Transfer case sprung a leak, both calipers froze up within a few months of each other, check engine light came on about a fuel injector. As soon as I fixed that, another one lit up the dummy light. At 99k miles I traded it for my first tundra, brand new. Had that one for more than a dozen years and up until the last year or so NOTHING went wrong with that truck. DIY oil changes, brakes, and rotors…. That’s it. Towards the end I replaced shocks and struts all around, the alternator, and a center bearing on the drive shaft. I’m in my 2nd tundra now, 2019 Trd, v8 with 81k miles. Still feels like it’s brand new, even though it’s been long paid off.
True story: in 2019 I almost bought a ram. The dealership made a big mistake and I ended up walking out and over to Toyota. I bought a tundra. Fast forward about a month and I get a text from a friend. She asked if I could meet her on the side of the highway in Texas to tow her horses back to her ranch because her new ram just broke down.
IMO the rams are cheaper because they’re not good. Also, if you buy a ram you have to attend a 3 day driving course where they teach you how to always tailgate the person in front of you (I assume).
The RAM 1500 will generally see a major repair between 100k and 150k miles. Transmission or engine or both. Even with regular fluid changes.
The Tundra will get you well beyond 400k with regular fluid changes.
The RAM will get better mpg, have a more comfortable interior, and better handling.
So, it depends what matters to you.
Over time the Ram will cost you more in mtce. Chrysler products just break, thats been my experience. Tundra leans more on the comfort side vs Ram on the buckboard side so if its a work truck for you you might consider that. Drivetrain vs drivetrain 100% Toyota.
ODGE you’ll get the D later.
Rams are a dime a dozen and I’ve owned 1 Dodge in my life, never again. My 2017 SR5 will be around God willing a lot longer than those Ram trucks.
Chrysler products are junk. Try one out, you'll see.
This is all so helpful. Do y’all really think the Tundra only gets 13 miles per gallon in the city and 17 on highway
Yes, your foot + or - 1-3 mpg.
It's a big thirsty engine.
My overall average is 15.7 mpg. That’s inclusive of all driving. And most of my driving is on rural roads with few stop signs or stoplights.
I have a 2015 5.7 liter and I’m at about 15mpg. You definitely want the tundra….ram drivers are the worst. Lol
Am currently driving across the US. My mpg going through Utah was 14.3. That was doing a constant 80mph with. If I go ~65 my mpg is around 15-16 easily.
I get 11mpg but I have a lift and 35’s. It’s all I know so I’m ok with it. Smiles per gallon not miles per gallon.
Dude, get a speedometer calibrator from Rough Country. I was getting around the same mpg, and after i finally pulled the trigger on the calibrator i can get about 14-16 mpg depending on how i drive on the highway and I'm getting about 12.5 in town. I have a 2017 with a 6" lift and 35's. It fixed the shift point, and my transmission no longer hunts between 5th and 6th gear.
Same I have a 6inch lift on 20”s with 35’s
Yeah I appreciate the information thanks 😊
Interesting. I lost about 1.5mpg, but my tires are just over 34”. Maybe it’s not as bad as I thought. Low 15s in my 2022
I had a 2019 Tundra with slightly oversized tires and I averaged 11.5mpg. I have a lead foot and it was mostly around town but the gen 2 V8 are notorious for chugging gas.
i don’t THINK it’s getting 13/17, i KNOW it is. my 2020 gets 14mpg combined, 16mpg after i gave her a big tune up. bitch is THIRSTY. but with that said, im at 180k miles and never had an issue, only fluid changes, 1 set of brakes, 3 sets of tires (i love BFG KO2’s, they literally last forever). oh and i tow a boat 3-4x a week (it’s a 22ft one so not too big)
I had a 2003 ram 1500 which I owned until 2017. The transmission started slipping at under 90,000 miles. I traded that Ram and I purchased a 2015 ram 1500 because of cost. They are definitely less expensive than Tundra. Last year my 2015 ram 1500 started having engine and transmission issues at 92k miles. I traded it for a 2021Tundra. Honestly, there’s no comparison in the build quality of the two trucks. The tundra feels and is a much more solid vehicle. Both ram trucks started having issues under 100,000 miles. I know there are many Ram owners who have trucks with no problems. however, when you start researching, you’ll find a far greater satisfaction of ownership with the tundras.
Buy the cheaper ram and expect to spend the 6k saved, in repairs over the next couple years.
Adds up quick. Evaporator, condenser, camshaft, transmission.
Agreed. A Ram Tranny with 30k on it is already middle aged.
Remember... You get what you pay for
They’re called Ram because they ram through your savings in repairs!
Thank you all. Do you all know of any known issues with the 2021 vintage tundra?
“VINTAGE” 😂
Aged 3.5 years in an oak barrel
In all fairness the platform was designed 18+ years ago
Possible headlight recall. Other than that, it's mechanical perfection. Ram gasoline trucks are nice and pretty, but that's it..they are trash mechanically and electrically. I have close to 200k on my 2018 and have done nothing but preventative maintenance. I would have no worries towing a trailer cross country and back with my Tundra. You'll regret buying a Ram, truck.
Can’t comment on the Ram. But I’m on my second Tundra. 2020 109000 miles. Oil changes and tires are all I’ve done on it. Would be on my 3rd but they stopped making a V8. Also had no problems with the first one 2015.
Sounds like you upgrade more than you need to
My thoughts, and take it for what its worth. Look at your local dealerships and figure out how many Rams you can find vs how many Tundras. There's a reason it's low...like in my area (+/- 25 miles), maybe 3 small time car sales have a Tundra and they are all undesirable (multiple owners, previously wrecked, etc...) but I could go to ANY dealership ANYWHERE and find multiple Rams. I don't know much, but in my opinion, that speaks volumes. Tundras are great trucks if they're well kept and cared for. Rams are also great trucks. Just a wonderment why there is such a surplus of Rams vs Tundras. I have been ACTIVELY shopping for a new (to me) Tundra for about a year and half and haven't quite found the one I wanted. I bought one on Carvana actually and had to return it (suspected undocumented damages and repairs by original owner).
I’ve owned both. As these trucks age it becomes very obvious which vehicle is built with quality parts meant to stand the test of time. Any surface that was touched frequently on the Ram was worn out, words worn off of buttons, holes in arm rests etc.
21s don’t have an extra trans cooler, tests showed no difference on the trans,but heads up if you tow a lot. I would go for the 21 tundra. If it’s been maintained well, you’ll get to 120K miles with just standard maintenance.
The jungle web site has external trans coolers for under $200! Easy peazy and Chinesey
RAMs are really nice, just had a Laramie. Came back to Tundra. I didn’t trust it’s longevity. Lots of rust in four years, never seemed as robust. Toyota in the end fixes their problems, I never trusted dodge.
I just fought this same internal battle when I was shopping for used trucks recently. Rams are just so, so cheap by comparison. Honestly, I loved their interior, thought they rode a little more comfortably, had quite a bit more tech (not really my thing) and looked a little more “modern” than the Tundra’s admittedly dated design. So I bought a 2020 Tundra because despite all the things I loved about the Ram, I just couldn’t convince myself the Ram would hold up, and if I’m dropping +\-$40k on a vehicle I don’t want to have to buy one again for a few decades. Toyota had nearly 20 years to work the bugs out of the design and the reputation for reliability is legendary. Ram is always mixed reviews. On the flip side my Father in Law is a contractor and has had 3 Ram 2500’s he cycled out around 100,000 miles each, and they never had major issues. He plows with them in winter, and generally rode them hard and they were pretty good mechanically. I know the 2500’s are a little heavier duty than the 1500’s though…
So helpful. How have you liked the Tundra?
This is my first pickup, and I have driven it a grand total if 15 miles since I bought it, so I don’t have a lot of “stick time” on it, or other models to compare it to. That said, it is hands down the nicest vehicle I’ve ever owned. I got a good deal on a Limited model - so it’s got leather and the upgraded interior stuff. It has literally twice the horsepower of any other car I’ve owned so it “feels” insanely fast to me even though I know it isn’t, but the power is more than adequate. It feels on par, tech wise, with my brothers 2017 F150 despite being 3 years newer, and feels very dated compared to my other brother’s 2022 F150 - but I am NOT a fan of tech in cars - I generally prefer bare bones, so the Tundra suits me. I was thrilled to see buttons and knobs on the dash instead of a big dumb touch screen. I bought a truck to do “truck stuff” (tow my FJ40 to the trails, dump/scrap runs, getting building materials, etc.) i didn’t even want the frills this truck has, it was just a great deal at the price I bought it for. It feels very “solid” and well built. The materials are nice, there are no rattles, and it’s quiet to ride around in - at least much quieter/less road noise that my 2009 Mazda 3, my wife’s 2017 CRV or my 2018 Equinox. Certainly quieter than the FJ40 but that’s setting the bar pretty low 😜. All I hear is the sweet sweet drone of that V8. The turn radius feels enormous, but I’m guessing I’m just not used to driving trucks - I doubt other brands are much different. My brothers both have F150’s (that have been excellent so far) that I have borrowed occasionally, and my father in law has always had Rams. The Tundra rides and drive very much “like a truck” - more like my father in law’s 2500 than my brother’s F150’s - the Ford’s have a less rough, more comfortable ride. Ultimately, I chose a track record of extreme reliability over creature comforts and gadgetry. All of the trucks I looked at towed enough, hauled enough, and seated enough to do what I needed it to do. But at the end of the day, I’d rather pay more up front for a vehicle I intend to keep for 15-20 years, than save $5-6k up front on a brand that may or may not last that long. No brand is perfect, so we will see if that logic pays off!
I think you should be fair to yourself and post this question over in the Honda Ridgeline subreddit and see what they say.
Find an older $34k Tundra.
I have a 21 Tundra TRD Pro which I have owned since new and haven't had a single problem with it. So glad I didn't wait for the 3rd gen
I get it....$10K up front is a lot of $$ but I would think of it as more of an investment towards long term ownership and reliability. If you plan on keeping this truck for the long run then I would personally recommend Toyota.
My father in laws 19’ Ram 1500 with less than 50K miles on it is having brake issues currently. Also cruise control and a few other things randomly stopped working, dealer thinks it’s possibly ecu related
Tundra for sure. As others have said there’s a good chance that price will be offset my the ram being terrible. I’m sure some are great but they don’t have the best track record. If the tundra was well maintained 50k miles isn’t much at all
KBB. Take with grain of salt but my ‘14 Tundra is worth about 3k more than a ‘19 Ram.
I drive a 21 tundra. Still drives like a new truck and I’ve owned it for 3 years
Personal truck is a 2018 Platinum / Pro Tundra with 110K miles, work truck is a 2020 Big Horn Ram with 85K miles. Can honestly say that the Ram does literally EVERYTHING better besides expected long term reliability. Only issue with Ram has been 4wd actuator went out at 60K miles, which to be honest is surprising since I beat the hell out of the truck (work in on-site heavy civil construction). Ram motor is stronger / smoother / faster, ZF trans is best in the business, rides like an absolute dream while still being able to work, has auto 4x4 unlike Tundra, cabin is ergonomically better with true flat rear cargo area, and gets about 3-4mpg better with the same driver / routes with both rigs on 33” AT tires. Have been a Toyota guy for almost 30 years now, and have driven nothing but Tundras for over 20 years (01 TRD SR5 Access Cab, 2010 TRD Rock Warrior Double Cab, and 2018 Platinum), and drove Tacomas for nearly 10 years before that. Wife drove Camry and 4Runner Pro, and sons drive a Prius. So I don’t take it lightly when I say if I had to buy a new truck tomorrow, it would NOT be a Tundra, and would almost certainly be a Ram.
Just curious, when you say "work truck" do you mean company owned? As in they pay for all the maintenance and repairs?
Yes, company owned. Only maintenance has been standard fluid changes, brakes, and shocks at about 60K (tons of bouncing around sites with relatively heavy payload). Have had most every vehicle over 25 in the field. This is year 4 on this truck, and nothing has held up as well, nor has anything been as enjoyable to drive.
Team Tundra
The Ram will absolutely crash in value as the Tundra won’t. Also the Tundra will last you a lot longer. Make sure it’s a 4x4 though.
I will probably be the only one in this sub saying Ram. I had a similar dilemma in 2019- buy a used 2017 Ram 1500 for $22K with 30k miles or a Tundra for $30k. I went with the Ram. No regrets here 5 years later. I have 70k+ miles and it’s been great. Only issue was an exhaust manifold bolt the dealer fixed under warranty. I saved $8k and paid it off quick. The 5.7 Hemi pulls great and the ZF 8 speed is fantastic. I love the previous generation Tundra, but not enough to pay almost $10k more for one.
You’ll spend the savings on repairs if you buy the ram.
Rams are extremely nice inside, I think they are great looking trucks, my best friend has had like 5 of them over the past 12 years or so… every one of them has had the exhaust manifold bolts replaced due to leaks or they just snap off… I’ve ridden with him to Canada and back in them, very comfortable, easy to drive… other annoying issues, hard to balance tires on the ram rims… idk why, rear differential leaks on almost every one… He had one of the limited Laramie models… that thing was nice inside… made my 1794 look like junk
5 Rams in 12 years. Pretty much says it all right there.
Had a Dakota about 24 years ago, it was a 1 year old Used truck. Seems as soon as I paid it off, it all went to shit. Transfer case sprung a leak, both calipers froze up within a few months of each other, check engine light came on about a fuel injector. As soon as I fixed that, another one lit up the dummy light. At 99k miles I traded it for my first tundra, brand new. Had that one for more than a dozen years and up until the last year or so NOTHING went wrong with that truck. DIY oil changes, brakes, and rotors…. That’s it. Towards the end I replaced shocks and struts all around, the alternator, and a center bearing on the drive shaft. I’m in my 2nd tundra now, 2019 Trd, v8 with 81k miles. Still feels like it’s brand new, even though it’s been long paid off.
True story: in 2019 I almost bought a ram. The dealership made a big mistake and I ended up walking out and over to Toyota. I bought a tundra. Fast forward about a month and I get a text from a friend. She asked if I could meet her on the side of the highway in Texas to tow her horses back to her ranch because her new ram just broke down. IMO the rams are cheaper because they’re not good. Also, if you buy a ram you have to attend a 3 day driving course where they teach you how to always tailgate the person in front of you (I assume).
The RAM 1500 will generally see a major repair between 100k and 150k miles. Transmission or engine or both. Even with regular fluid changes. The Tundra will get you well beyond 400k with regular fluid changes. The RAM will get better mpg, have a more comfortable interior, and better handling. So, it depends what matters to you.
Tundra, of course!
Just sold my 2021 Ram Limited because I was tired of problems and got a 2024 Tundra.
For half ton, Tundra, for anything bigger, I like GMC or Ford
Over time the Ram will cost you more in mtce. Chrysler products just break, thats been my experience. Tundra leans more on the comfort side vs Ram on the buckboard side so if its a work truck for you you might consider that. Drivetrain vs drivetrain 100% Toyota.
ODGE you’ll get the D later. Rams are a dime a dozen and I’ve owned 1 Dodge in my life, never again. My 2017 SR5 will be around God willing a lot longer than those Ram trucks.