The Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150 are two of the giants in the full-size-trucks vehicle class. But which is the right workhorse for you? Here, we'll put them head-to-head and break it down to see which of these two pickup trucks comes out on top, point by point, from engines to tires.
Engines for the Ford F-150 come in both V6 and V8 configurations. The Ford EcoBoost® V6 can be found in 2.7L(325 hp/400 lb-ft) or 3.5L(400 hp/500 lb-ft), with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 3.3 L Ti-VCT V6(280 hp/265 lb-ft) and 5.0L Ti-VCT V8(400 hp/410 lb-vt) operate with a twin independent variable camshaft timing, which adjusts to operating conditions.
Ford's Hybrid F-150 runs on the Hybrid 3.5L Powerboost V6 (430 hp/570 lb-ft), and the fully electric Lightning™ has a singular Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor capable of an output of up to 580 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. There is no diesel engine for the 2023 F-150. Ford now only offers a diesel engine in the Super Duty® class of trucks, shifting focus to hybrid and electric trucks due to trends in demand for more efficient engines in pickups.
The Ram 1500 series offers a 3.6L Pentastar V6 (306 hp/269 lb-ft), 5.7L Hemi V8 (395 hp/410 lb-ft), and Supercharged 6.2 HEMI V8 (702 hp/650 lb-ft). There is also a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (260 hp/480 lb-ft) engine option.
Trucks are equipped with the eTorque System, which is a mild hybrid system. It replaces a conventional alternator. It both charges the battery and converts electricity to 12 volts at the same time.
The hybrid powertrain acts as a generator to power the truck's accessories. It converts the kinetic energy from deceleration and braking into electricity to store or use, which would otherwise be lost as heat. The improved efficiency results in an increased combined output in power.
The eTorque system offers a host of benefits. In comparison to a traditional hybrid car, it turns the engine off when it's not actively in use. However, it smoothly restarts it with added torque, so it isn't sluggish, a common criticism of hybrid cars.
The generator's motor helps minimize vibration and noise, improving comfort in the cabin. It can also serve to boost output when road conditions demand it. While it may not directly impact towing capacity, the added boost and control certainly improve the experience.
As the automotive industry shifts toward trucks with higher fuel economy, Ram indicated at CES 2023 that it will offer both hybrid and fully electric (the Ram Revolution) configurations in its truck line starting in 2024.
The Ram 1500 offers a more varied line of engines in their lineup, including the most powerful gas option and the only diesel engine. Ford offers the only fully electric model in 2023, but the eTorque has bridged the gap for Ram to prepare to venture into the electric and hybrid truck market in the near future without sacrificing the function of their line of trucks.
The Ford F-150 ranges from 18 to 20 miles per gallon in the city and 20 to 26 mpg on the highway. The Hybrid F-150 posts a steady 23 mpg. The Lightning F-150 offers an impressive 76 mpg in the city and 61 mpg on the highway.
The Ram 1500 ranges from 15 to 20 miles per gallon in the city and 21 to 25 miles per gallon on the highway. The TRX gets 10 mpg city and 14 mpg highway, intentionally sacrificing efficiency for performance. The EcoDiesel engine gets 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Both trucks come equipped with a 23-gallon capacity gas tank. The Ram 1500 has an optional upgrade to a 33-gallon tank. The F-150 has a 36-gallon tank available.
Outside of the outliers, with the Ram 1500 TRX focused on performance and the electric F-150 Lightning on the other end, most of the rest of the pickups fall within a similar range of mileage and fuel economy.
The Ford F-150 has a towing capacity ranging from 8,200 lb to 14,000 lb, depending on truck weight and axle ratio. With added features such as the smart hitch, Smart Trailer Tow Connector, Dynamic Hitch Assist, and Adaptive Suspension, they have thought this through to make towing with the F-150 experience as stress-free as possible.
The Ram 1500's towing capacity ranges from 6,180 to 12,750 lbs, depending on truck weight and axle ratio. Optional features include Trailer Reverse Steering Control, Cargo and backup cameras, trailer tow mirrors, air suspension to help adjust the height of the hitch, and a multifunction tailgate that can be opened even if the trailer is hitched.
In a comparison of payloads, the Ram 1500 can handle a hefty 2,320 lbs, and the F-150 tops out at 2238 lbs. In the regular and extended cab models, the Ram has the longer wheelbase, at 140.5-153.5", compared to Ford's 122-163". A longer wheelbase translates into better steering and control when pulling a trailer.
Overall, both pickup trucks have excellent tow ratings and are going to pull what you need to, as long as they are properly equipped with a towing package.
For Ram 1500 vs F-150, the chassis setup is similar. Both trucks offer 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.
Ford's standard suspension is coil-over shock and stamped lower arm in front, with leaf spring and a solid axle in back.
Ram offers a standard short and long-arm suspension in front with a multi-link suspension in the back and an optional air suspension system for a smoother ride. For the off-road lover, the Rebel offers a lifted height for more ground clearance, 33" tires, and performance shocks.
Both the Ram 1500 and the F-150 use power rack and pinion steering.
The Ram 1500 comes standard with 18" wheels, with options for 20" or 22" wheels in a range of finishes. Ford F-150 comes standard with 17" wheels, with options to upgrade up to 20" polished aluminum wheels.
In a comparison of the Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500, both offer standard rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available as an upgrade for all models.
The four-wheel drive option does come at a cost, however. Running four-wheel drive results in lower fuel economy and requires more frequent oil changes and maintenance. But it offers better handling and better acceleration in bad weather.
Four-wheel drive can also improve safety when towing a trailer with increased traction and steering, particularly in bad weather.
Although the cabin configurations are similar in Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500, on the comparison, we see the difference in the details.
The Ram 1500 holds 5 or 6, with two rows of seating. The front seats are a 40/20/40 bench seat or two pilot seats with a center console and charging station that functions as a center armrest.
The Ram 1500 is roomy with 40.9" of headroom, 40.9" of legroom up front, and up to 45.2" in the back seat. 63.4" of hip room in both front and back, and 66" of shoulder room up front with 65.7" behind.
The Ram's rear seat is an adaptable 3-seat bench, which can be folded to add cargo space. There is additional storage in the floor. There is up to 52.3 cubic feet of interior storage.
The Ford F-150 holds 5 to 6 people with the 40/20/40 front bench seat or two pilot seats with a center console. The F-150 is a similar size to the Ram with 40.8" of cabin headroom, 66.7" of shoulder room up front and 66.1" in back, 623.5" of hip room, and 43.9" of leg room up front, with 33.5" in the rear seat, which is a 60/40 split-bench, and up to 62.8 cubic feet of interior storage.
The Ford F-150 offers standard interior features such as a 4" productivity screen in the dashboard, climate control in the cabin, and a dimmable rear-view mirror. Optional upgrades to the truck include an interior work surface and a twin-panel moon roof that makes you want to go for a ride.
Ram has invested in the driver experience with many upgrades, like a digital rearview mirror featuring a camera that can provide video stream from behind the truck in blind spots. A Heads-Up Display makes stats easily visible without sacrificing attention to the road. An improved standard air filtration system helps remove particulates from the air for a cleaner cabin, and a sunroof allows you to expand your experience.
There is plenty of room for power tools in the bed of both trucks. The F-150 comes in three-bed configurations. The 5.5-ft short bed style side offers 52.8 cubic feet of volume and a length of 67." The 6.5-ft style side long bed is 79" and has 62.3 cubic feet of storage. The largest option is the 8-ft style side, with 77.4 cubic feet of storage and 97.6" of length.
The Ford F-150 offers an optional tailgate step and work surface. Running boards will help with getting in and out of the doors.
The Ram 1500 has a 5'7" short bed, 67.4" in length, and 53.9 feet of storage space. The 6'4" long bed is 76.3" long and holds 68.5 cubic feet of storage.
As with the interior, Ram continues to invest in features to augment the experience. Upgrades include LED lighting, power running boards, and a multifunctional tailgate that opens in multiple ways to offer easier loading. Tailgate assist offers remote open from the key fob, and outlets in the truck bed that run off the generator function of the engine makes it easier to play and work.
With the Ford F-150 vs the Ram 1500, the cabins are configured similarly. In the single cabin option, there are two doors. For an extended cab, there are three doors to access the rear seat, and for the crew cab, there are four doors.
The Ram includes power remote mirrors and heated auto-dimming mirrors as part of the standard package, but they are upgrades on the Ford.
The Ram 1500 offers standard wireless Apple Carplay and wireless Android Auto to connect to a premium sound system, while the Ford requires a USB cord. Both the Ram and the Ford offer a voice-activated audio control system. The heads-up display and 12" digital cluster bring premium access to technology. The Ram App allows you to send directions or unlock your truck from your phone.
Ram has implemented extra safety features like pedestrian detection, predictive brake assist, roll stability, driveline traction control, and forward collision warning. Ford includes roll stability and curve control, pre-collision assist, and emergency brakes on the F-150.
Ford offers Ford's SYNC® standard on new vehicles, compared to Ram's Uconnect® system. Both offer WIFI hotspot capability but require a subscription service to access advanced functions.
Evaluating value in Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500, the Ford F-150 starts at $34,695 for the base model and goes all the way up to $99,619 for a fully loaded electric F-150 Lightning. The Ram 1500 comes in at $30,235 for the base model 1500 Classic and tops out at $97,525 for a top-of-the-line TRX. Both trucks can be built in an endless number of configurations, and the price depends on the number of upgrades.
Ford offers, from lowest to highest price, the F-150 XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch®, Platinum, Limited, Tremor™, Raptor®, and the fully electric motor Lightening. The Ram 1500 truck comes in Classic Tradesman®, Classic Express, Classic Warlock, Tradesman, Big Horn®, Laramie, Rebel®, Limited Longhorn™, Limited, and TRX.
It's a tie between Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500 on their warranties. Both Ford and Ram offer a 3-year or 36,000-mile warranty overall, a 5-year or 60,000-mile warranty on the drivetrain, with no maintenance included, and 5 years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance.
Overall, both pickups offer strong performance and a wide range of options. Of note, Ram has been investing in the Ram 1500 experience, and it shows. The attention to detail pays off in an experience that punches above its pay grade. You get a lot of bang for your buck with the price of the 2023 Ram 1500 in comparison to the F-150.
Let Landmark Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram help you find the combination of form and function that is perfect for you in your new truck. Give us a call at Landmark Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, where you can reach us at this number: 816-836-0100. We can help get the process started with financing and get you the best value for your trade-in, and then keep it running at its best with maintenance and premium parts at our service center.
