2026 RAM 1500 vs. 2026 Toyota Tundra for Jacksonville, NC
Jacksonville, North Carolina
2026 Ram 1500 vs. Toyota Tundra
Two full-size trucks. One clear pick for Onslow County. We line up the 2026 Ram 1500 against the 2026 Toyota Tundra. See the numbers and decide for yourself.
2026 Ram 1500
Starting at
$40,275
Head To Head
Ram 1500 vs. Tundra, Spec By Spec
Eleven numbers that matter to Jacksonville drivers. The red check marks each Ram 1500 win.
Feature
2026 Ram 1500
2026 Toyota Tundra
Starting MSRP
$40,275
$41,260
Powertrain Options
4 engines, V8 included
2 engines, no V8
Maximum Horsepower
540 hp
437 hp
Fuel Economy
Up to 20/25 mpg (V6)
Up to 20/24 mpg (hybrid)
Maximum Payload
2,360 lb
1,850 lb
Top Touchscreen
14.5 inches
14 inches
Wireless Charging
Dual pads available
Single pad available
Safety Suite
100+ features, hands-free assist
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5
4x4 Availability
Available
Available
Maximum Towing
11,610 lb
12,000 lb
Powertrain Warranty
10 yr / 100,000 mi
5 yr / 60,000 mi
Ram 1500 Strengths
Why Jacksonville Drivers Pick Ram
Tap a topic to see where the 2026 Ram 1500 pulls ahead.
American Muscle
Four Engines, Real Power
The Ram 1500 gives you four engines to pick from. The Toyota Tundra gives you two. You match the truck to the work in front of you.
The 5.7L HEMI V8 is back for 2026. The High Output Hurricane Six makes 540 horsepower. That tops the Tundra by more than 100 horsepower.
540
Max Horsepower
521
Lb-Ft Torque
4
Engine Choices
Built To Work
Carry More Per Trip
The Ram 1500 hauls up to 2,360 pounds of payload. The Tundra tops out at 1,850 pounds. That gap means fewer runs to the Richlands job site.
Add the RamBox cargo system for locking side storage. The 33-gallon tank stretches your range on long hauls down US-17.
2,360
Lb Payload
11,610
Lb Towing
33
Gallon Tank
Long-Term Peace Of Mind
10 Years Of Backup
The Ram 1500 carries a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Tundra covers 5 years and 60,000 miles. Ram doubles the years.
The Ram 1500 also took the top spot in its class for dependability in the J.D. Power 2026 study. That backup matters when you drive hard near Camp Lejeune.
10
Year Warranty
100K
Mile Coverage
#1
In Dependability
First Class Inside
A Bigger Screen Up Front
The Ram 1500 offers a 14.5-inch touchscreen. The Tundra tops out at 14 inches. You also get a 10.25-inch screen for the front passenger.
Rear riders stretch out in 45.2 inches of legroom. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon system fills the cabin on the drive to Wilmington.
14.5"
Touchscreen
45.2"
Rear Legroom
19
Speakers
The Matchup
Two Trucks, One Honest Comparison
Truck shoppers near Camp Lejeune ask one question. Which half-ton works harder for the money? The Ram 1500 and the Toyota Tundra both haul, tow, and seat the whole crew. We put them side by side so the choice gets simple.
The Ram 1500 starts at a lower price than the Tundra. It offers four engines, more payload, and a 10-year powertrain warranty. For work on US-17 and weekends at Emerald Isle, the Ram 1500 fits Jacksonville life. The Tundra still earns wins on torque and towing, and we show those too.
Full Comparison
Every Spec That Counts
Both trucks win where they earn it. The blue check marks the winner in each row.
| Specification | 2026 Ram 1500 | 2026 Toyota Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,275 | $41,260 |
| Engines Available | 4 (V6, two turbo I6, V8) | 2 (turbo V6, V6 hybrid) |
| Maximum Horsepower | 540 hp | 437 hp |
| Maximum Torque | 521 lb-ft | 583 lb-ft |
| Maximum Towing | 11,610 lb | 12,000 lb |
| Maximum Payload | 2,360 lb | 1,850 lb |
| Fuel Economy (best) | Up to 25 hwy mpg (V6) | 20/24 mpg, hybrid with 437 hp |
| Standard Touchscreen | 12 inches | 8 inches |
| Top Touchscreen | 14.5 inches | 14 inches |
| Wireless Charging | Dual pads | Single pad |
| Driver Assistance | Hands-free Active Driving Assist | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 |
| 4x4 Availability | Available | Available |
| Rear Legroom (Crew) | 45.2 inches | 41.6 inches |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 yr / 100,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Powertrain
Four Engines, One For Every Job
The Ram 1500 gives you four engine choices. Pick the 305-horsepower V6 for daily work. Step up to the 420-horsepower Hurricane Six for towing. Want max muscle? The 540-horsepower High Output Six and the 5.7L HEMI V8 deliver it.
The Toyota Tundra offers two engines and no V8. The Ram 1500 lets you match the truck to the task. That matters when you tow a boat to Sneads Ferry one day and run errands the next.
- 305 hp 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque
- 420 hp 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo Six
- 540 hp High Output Hurricane Six
- 395 hp 5.7L HEMI V8, back for 2026
Cargo
Haul More In The Bed
The Ram 1500 carries up to 2,360 pounds of payload. The Toyota Tundra tops out at 1,850 pounds. That gap means more mulch, gear, and tools per trip.
Add the RamBox cargo system for locking side storage. Load lumber for a Richlands job or coolers for Topsail Beach. The split tailgate makes loading simple.
- Up to 2,360 lb of payload
- RamBox lockable side storage available
- 60/40 split swing tailgate
- Mopar spray-in bedliner available
Technology
A Bigger Screen Up Front
The Ram 1500 packs a standard 12-inch touchscreen. Step up to the available 14.5-inch display. That beats the Tundra's 14-inch top screen.
Add a 10.25-inch passenger screen and a 12.3-inch digital cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Two charging pads keep phones topped off on the drive to New Bern.
- 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen
- 10.25-inch front passenger display
- Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
- Dual wireless charging pads
Comfort
Room For The Whole Crew
The Ram 1500 Crew Cab gives rear riders 45.2 inches of legroom. The Tundra CrewMax offers 41.6 inches. Four inches feels big on a long haul.
Rear passengers get available heated seats and air vents. USB-C ports keep kids' tablets charged. Tall Marines stretch out on the ride home from Camp Lejeune.
- 45.2 inches of rear legroom
- Available heated rear seats
- Rear air vents and USB-C ports
- Flat floor for the middle seat
Gallery
See The 2026 Ram 1500
Three exterior shots and three interior shots. Use the arrows or dots to move through.
Bold Rear Three-Quarter Stance
Built For The Trail
RamBox Cargo System
Front Seat Comfort
Digital Instrument Cluster
Room In The Back RowBy The Numbers
Where The Ram 1500 Wins
540
Max Horsepower
High Output Hurricane Six
$40,275
Starting MSRP
Less than the Tundra
2,360
Pounds Of Payload
510 more than the Tundra
10 yr
Powertrain Warranty
100,000 miles of coverage
About Us
Jacksonville's Truck Store Since 1977
National Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram opened in Jacksonville in 1977. We sit at 2223 North Marine Boulevard, minutes from Camp Lejeune. Many of our team members served in the Marines and the Navy. We treat every customer like a neighbor.
Our goal stays simple. We aim for perfection in integrity, honesty, and care. We sell and service Ram trucks for drivers across Eastern North Carolina. Come see why families and service members trust us.
1977
Serving Since
100+
Team Members
Minutes
From Camp Lejeune
Reviews
What Jacksonville Drivers Say
Real reviews from real customers across Onslow County.
Visit Us
Find Us On North Marine Boulevard
We sit on US-17 in Jacksonville, close to Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River. Stop in for a test drive or a service visit. We serve drivers from Wilmington to New Bern.
| Dealership | National Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram |
|---|---|
| Phone | (910) 548-7964 |
| Website | nationaldodge.com |
| Cities Served | Jacksonville, Richlands, Swansboro, Sneads Ferry, New Bern, Wilmington, Havelock |
Questions
Ram 1500 Questions, Answered For Jacksonville
Is the 2026 Ram 1500 a good truck for daily driving in Jacksonville?
Yes. The Ram 1500 handles the daily run down US-17 and Western Boulevard with ease. The independent front suspension rides smooth on Lejeune Boulevard and Gum Branch Road. A quick trip to Onslow Memorial Hospital feels easy too. The cabin stays quiet at highway speed on NC-24.
Where do I service my Ram 1500 in Jacksonville?
You service it right here at National Dodge on North Marine Boulevard. Our Mopar techs handle oil changes, tires, and warranty work. We sit minutes from Camp Lejeune and the Naval Medical Center. Book a visit and we get you back on US-17 fast.
Does the Ram 1500 cost less than the Toyota Tundra?
Yes. The 2026 Ram 1500 starts at $40,275. The 2026 Toyota Tundra starts at $41,260. You pay less up front and get a longer powertrain warranty. Ask us about Ram rebates and military offers.
Can the Ram 1500 tow my boat to the coast?
Yes. The Ram 1500 tows up to 11,610 pounds. That covers a boat run to Sneads Ferry or the New River. It pulls a camper to Hammocks Beach State Park or Topsail Beach with room to spare. A loaded trip to Emerald Isle stays steady.
How does the Ram 1500 handle Eastern North Carolina weather?
It handles our weather well. Available 4x4 grips wet roads during summer storms. Ground clearance helps on flooded streets after a hurricane like Florence. Heated seats take the chill off cold January mornings. The cabin stays cool through hot, humid Jacksonville afternoons.
Do you offer financing for military families at Camp Lejeune?
Yes. We finance active duty Marines, sailors, and veterans every day. Our team works with many lenders to find your rate. Ram also offers special APR and bonus cash on the 2026 1500. Call us and we build a plan around your budget.
What Ram 1500 trims do you stock in Jacksonville?
We stock Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, and more. You can pick a work-ready V6 or a 540-horsepower Tungsten. Colors and beds change weekly as trucks arrive. Check our live Ram 1500 inventory online before you drive over.
How do I test drive a Ram 1500?
Stop by 2223 North Marine Boulevard any day but Sunday. Tell us which trim you want to drive. We hand you the keys and map a route up US-17. You feel the power and ride before you decide.
Where is National Dodge located?
We sit at 2223 North Marine Boulevard in Jacksonville. That puts us minutes from Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River. We serve Richlands, Swansboro, Sneads Ferry, Hubert, and New Bern. Drivers from Wilmington and Havelock reach us in under an hour.
Drive The 2026 Ram 1500 Today
Compare the Ram 1500 and the Tundra in person at National Dodge. Pick your trim, take a test drive, and talk numbers with our team.
2223 North Marine Boulevard, Jacksonville, NC 28546