Toyota Tundra vs RAM 1500
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Utes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Toyota Tundra starts from $155,990 before on-road costs, while the RAM 1500 opens at $119,950. That makes the RAM 1500 the more affordable entry point by $36,040.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $171,589 and $131,945 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Tundra by roughly $2,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Toyota Tundra holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the RAM 1500.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Tundra packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the RAM 1500.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Toyota Tundra and 6 in the RAM 1500. The Toyota Tundra adds a 360-degree camera that the RAM 1500 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota Tundra features a 14-inch touchscreen, while the RAM 1500 gets a 8.4-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota Tundra stands out with wireless charging, ventilated seats and JBL audio that you will not find on the RAM 1500. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Tundra uses a Petrol producing 326kW and 790Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The RAM 1500 responds with a Petrol V8 making 291kW and 556Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The Toyota Tundra has the clear power advantage at 326kW vs 291kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Tundra is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota Tundra measures 5,955mm long on a 3,700mm wheelbase, 39mm longer than the RAM 1500 at 5,916mm (3,672mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Tundra generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the Toyota Tundra leads with a 4,536kg braked capacity vs 4,500kg. That 36kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
14.4m to 14.6m
Based on 14.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 14.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,249/year for the Toyota Tundra and $3,734/year for the RAM 1500. That is a $485 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Tundra.
Estimated annual total: $3,249 (Toyota Tundra) vs $3,734 (RAM 1500). The Toyota Tundra saves you roughly $485 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Tundra) vs 3 years / 100,000km (RAM 1500). The Toyota Tundra has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Tundra if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the RAM 1500 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer RAM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Tundra takes 6 of 8 key spec categories. The Toyota Tundra will save you roughly $485 a year in fuel. The Toyota Tundra adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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