Only one full-size pickup truck is better than the Toyota Tundra, Consumer Reports says
Consumer Reports recently released its final review of the 2022 Toyota Tundra, and overall the site praises the pickup. However, despite its positive review of the Tundra, CR places another model even higher in its roundup of full-size trucks. Read on to find out which model tops the list.
What does Consumer Reports think of the 2022 Toyota Tundra?
In its review of the 2022 Toyota Tundra, Consumer Reports notes that this is the truck’s first redesign in 15 years. The redesigned Tundra gets high marks for many of its features, earning it second place in CR’s full-size pickup truck rankings. However, the review notes some areas for improvement.
Among the many positive points of the 2022 Toyota Tundra are its acceleration, spacious interior and towing capacity. Plus, the Tundra’s 389-horsepower, 3.5-litre V6 engine can take it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds, making it the fastest-accelerating full-size pickup. On the comfort side, there’s a lot to be said for the wide front seats, headroom and space for the driver’s right knee. Then there’s the Tundra’s impressive towing capacity of 11,160 pounds.
But with any vehicle, the Tundra also has a few downsides. They include its agility and braking, as well as the lack of an included automatic 4WD mode. Regarding agility, Consumer Reports says, “Steering is sluggish with an overly light feel, and as such requires more steering wheel rotation than in most vehicles, making the truck clumsy. ”
Brake tests also showed longer stopping times than similar full-size trucks tested by CR. These negatives help explain why this truck ranked second overall on CR’s list of full-size pickup trucks.
2022 Ram 1500 beats Toyota Tundra to top Consumer Reports full-size truck list
The thorn in the side of the 2022 Toyota Tundra is none other than the Ram 1500, which Consumer Reports calls “a nicer, smoother pickup in this crowded field.”
The 2022 Ram 1500 features a powerful 5.7-liter V-8 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, making it “a smooth, willing and satisfying powertrain,” says CR. The site particularly rates the Ram for its smooth ride and low noise level, as well as seating comfort and cargo space. In addition, the Ram has an impressive towing capacity of 12,750 pounds.
However, its overall fuel economy of 17 mpg leaves something to be desired. The 2022 Ram 1500 also received poor marks for braking and emergency driving.
Here’s CR’s Lowest-Rated Full-Size Pickup Truck
If the 2022 Toyota Tundra and Ram 1500 top Consumer Reports’ full-size pickup truck rankings, which model is bottom? It would be the Ram 1500 Classic, the previous generation of the Ram 1500.
The biggest red flag is the reliability of the Classic. Consumer Reports ranks the truck low against the competition. Other weak points include the climb needed to enter the cabin, poor fuel economy, and difficult maneuvering in tight spaces.
But the Classic gets high marks in some areas. Consumer Reports rates its “excellent powertrains” and praises it as having the most comfortable ride among full-size trucks. CR also notes the quiet ride and spacious cabin.
Overall, buyers seem unlikely to go wrong with the 2022 Toyota Tundra or Ram 1500 if they’re looking for a solid, full-size pickup.
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