Ford F150 vs Ram 1500: Which is Better?

The Ford F-150 offers more engine options, larger fuel tank, and higher towing and payload capacity. The RAM 1500, in contrast, offers superior off-road capability, better ride quality and fuel economy and a more modern exterior design. Furthermore, the F-150 is slightly cheaper than the RAM 1500 in terms of base price.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at every detail of Ford F-150 vs RAM 1500 and see which truck is better.

Ford F150 vs Ram 1500: Quick Comparison 

Here is an overview table comparing the key features between Ford F150 and Ram 1500:

FeaturesFord F-150 RAM 1500
Engine3.3L Ti-VCT V62.7L EcoBoost® Twin-Turbocharged V65.0L Ti-VCT V83.5L EcoBoost® Twin-Turbocharged V63.5L PowerBoost™ Full Hybrid V6High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost® Twin-Turbocharged V6High-output supercharged 5.2L V85.7L HEMI V8,3.6L  PENTASTAR V6,3.0L ECODIESEL V6,6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8.
Horsepower (hp)290 hp – 700 hp.260 hp – 702 hp.
Torque265 lb-ft – 640 lb.-ft.273 lb-ft To 650 lb.-ft.
Transmission 10-speed automatic8-speed automatic
Payload capacity1,400 – 3,315 lbs.1,075 – 2,300 lbs.
Towing Capacity8,200-14,000 lbs.7,730 – 12,750 lbs.
Off Road Capabilities Available Trail ControlTrail 1-Pedal DrivePro Power OnboardAvailable BilsteinOff-road shocksElectronic locking readDifferentialHill descent control
Fuel Economy 10 – 25 MPG-CITY15-25 MPG-HWY10- 21 MPG-CITY14-29 MPG-HWY
Fuel Tank26-36 gal.23-33 gal.
Exterior Design Boxy, Angular LookModern, Aerodynamic Design
Curb Weight4,705-5,740 lbs4,765-6,440 lbs.
Truck Length 209.1 – 250.3 in228.9 – 241.8 in
Truck Width 79.9 – 86.6 in82.1 – 88.0 
Cargo Space 52.8 cu-ft – 77.4 cu-ft53.9 cu-ft – 61.5 cu-ft 
Bed Length 5.5 ft, 6.5 ft, 8ft.5.7 ft, 6.4 ft
Interior DesignTraditional Modern and Luxurious
Infotainment System 8 to 12 inch Touchscreen (SYNC 4)5 to 12 inch Touchscreen (Uconnect 5)
Ride Quality Good, but less firm when loaded with cargo and more traditional feelBest in class, comfortable and luxurious ride quality, especially with optional air suspension
Safety Features Forward Collision Warning360-degree CameraAutomatic Emergency brakingPedestrian DetectionLane Departure Warning Adaptive Cruise ControlBrake assistPanic alarm
Base PriceMSRP Starting at$33,695MSRP Starting at $37,410

Now, let’s explore all these features and compare Ford-150 vs RAM 1500 in detail.

Ford F150 vs Ram 1500 : In-depth Comparison

The Ford F-150 and RAM 1500, both trucks are known for their power, durability and ruggedness. However, they differ in some key areas as well. In this comparison, we will take a closer look at trucks and see how they stack up against each other.

Engine Options 

The Ford F-150 offers 7 engine options. Those are given below:

  1. 3.3L Ti-VCT V6
  2. 2.7L EcoBoost® Twin-Turbocharged V6
  3. 5.0L Ti-VCT V8
  4. 3.5L EcoBoost® Twin-Turbocharged V6
  5. 3.5L PowerBoost™ Full Hybrid V6
  6. High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost® Twin-Turbocharged V6
  7. High-output supercharged 5.2L V8

On the other hand, the RAM 1500 has four engine options available. Those are given below: 

  1. 5.7-Liter HEMI V8
  2. 3.6-Liter PENTASTAR V6
  3. 3.0-Liter ECODIESEL V6
  4. 6.2-Liter Supercharged HEMI V8.

It’s worth noting that the F-150 also offers a hybrid engine option. In contrast, the Ram 1500 doesn’t have a fully hybrid engine option.

So, both trucks offer a variety of engine options to meet different needs. Ultimately, the decision on which truck to choose will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the buyer.

Horsepower And Torque 

The F-150’s top engine High-output supercharged 5.2L V8 produces 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the RAM 1500’s top engine 6.2L HEMI V8 produces a whopping 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.

Here is a table showing the horsepower and torque of Ford F-150 based on different engine options:

F-150 Engine Horsepower Torque
3.3L Ti-VCT V6290 HP265 lb-ft
2.7L EcoBoost® Twin-Turbocharged V6325 HP400 lb-ft
5.0L Ti-VCT V8400 HP410 lb-ft
3.5L EcoBoost® Twin-Turbocharged V6400 HP500 lb-ft
3.5L PowerBoost™ Full Hybrid V6430 HP570 lb-ft
High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost® Twin-Turbocharged V6450 HP510 lb-ft
High-output supercharged 5.2L V8700 HP640 lb-ft

Here is a table showing the horsepower and torque of RAM 1500 based on different engine options:

RAM 1500 Engine Horsepower Torque
5.7L HEMI V8395 hp410 lb.-ft.
3.6L  PENTASTAR V6305 hp273 lb.-ft.
3.0L ECODIESEL V6260 hp480 lb.-ft.
6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8702 hp650 lb.-ft. 

Ultimately, The RAM 1500 has more powerful engine options. The Ford F-150, in contrast, offers a wider range of engines with varying levels of horsepower and torque. The choice between the two trucks will ultimately depend on individual preference.

Transmission Speed

The F-150 from Ford comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission on all trim levels and engine options. On the other hand, the RAM 1500 has an 8-speed automatic transmission on all engines.

Fuel Economy 

The F-150’s city MPG ranges from 10-25, while the RAM 1500’s city MPG ranges from 10-21. On the highway, the F-150’s MPG ranges from 15-25, while the RAM 1500’s MPG ranges from 14-29.

Here is a table showing the fuel economy of Ford F-150 based on Models:

Model F-150City MPGHighway MPGCombined MPG
F-150 Pickup 2WD 6 cyl, 2.7 L18 MPG25 MPG21 MPG
F-150 Pickup 2WD 6 cyl, 3.5 L18 MPG24 MPG21 MPG
F-150 Pickup 2WD FFV 6 cyl, 3.3 L19 MPG23 MPG20 MPG
F-150 Pickup 2WD FFV 8 cyl, 5.0 L17 MPG25 MPG20 MPG
F-150 Pickup 2WD HEV 6 cyl, 3.5 L,25 MPG25 MPG25 MPG
F-150 Pickup 4WD 6 cyl, 2.7 L17 MPG23 MPG20 MPG
F-150 Pickup 4WD 6 cyl, 3.5 L17 MPG23 MPG19 MPG
F-150 Pickup 4WD FFV 6 cyl, 3.3 L20 MPG22 MPG20 MPG
F-150 Pickup 4WD FFV 8 cyl, 5.0 L16 MPG22 MPG18 MPG
F-150 Pickup 4WD HEV 6 cyl, 3.5 L23 MPG23 MPG23 MPG
F-150 Pickup Tremor 4WD 6 cyl, 3.5 L16 MPG20 MPG18 MPG
F-150 Pickup Tremor 4WD FFV 8 cyl, 5.0 L15 MPG20 MPG17 MPG
F-150 RAPTOR 37 4WD 6 cyl, 3.5 L14 MPG16 MPG15 MPG
F-150 RAPTOR R 4WD 8 cyl, 5.2 L10 MPG15 MPG12 MPG

Here is a table showing the fuel economy of RAM 1500 based on models:

Model RAM 1500City MPGHighway MPGCombined MPG
Ram 1500 2WD 6 cyl, 3.6 L20 MPG25 MPG22 MPG
Ram 1500 2WD 8 cyl, 5.7 L18 MPG23 MPG20 MPG
Ram 1500 4WD 6 cyl, 3.0 L21 MPG29 MPG24 MPG
Ram 1500 4WD 6 cyl, 3.6 L19 MPG24 MPG21 MPG
Ram 1500 4WD 8 cyl, 5.7 L17 MPG22 MPG19 MPG
Ram 1500 TRX 4WD 8 cyl, 6.2 L10 MPG14 MPG12 MPG
Ram 1500 Classic 2WD 6 cyl, 3.6 L17 MPG25 MPG20 MPG
Ram 1500 Classic 4WD 8 cyl, 5.7 L15 MPG20 MPG17 MPG
Ram 1500 HFE 2WD 6 cyl, 3.6 L20 MPG26 MPG23 MPG

Overall, the RAM 1500 is likely to save you more money on gas over time.

Fuel Tank Size

The F-150’s fuel tank ranges from 26-36 gallons, while the RAM 1500’s fuel tank ranges from 23-33 gallons. So, the F-150 generally has a larger fuel tank than the RAM 1500.

Here is a table showing the fuel tank size of Ford F-150 based on trims and cab style:

F-150 Trims/Cab StyleFuel Tank Capacity
XL Regular Cab XL SuperCab XLT Regular CabXLTSuperCab23.0 gal
XL SuperCrewXLT SuperCrew Lariat SuperCrewPlatinum SuperTrimsKing Ranch SuperCrew26.0 gal
Limited SuperCrew30.6 gal
Tremor SuperCrewRaptor SuperCrew36.0 gal

Here is a table showing the fuel tank size of RAM 1500 based on trims and cab style:

Ram 1500 Trims/Cab StyleFuel Tank Capacity
Tradesman, Rebel23 gallon
Laramie, Limited Longhorn, Limited26 gallon
TRXLimited 4×4 with the 6-foot 4-inch bedCrew Cab with the 5-foot 7-inch bed models33 gallon

Towing Capacity And Payload Capacity

In terms of towing capacity, the F-150 generally offers higher numbers than the Ram 1500.

Here is a table of the towing capacity of the Ford F-150 based on engine options:

Engine Towing Capacity Payload Capacity 
3.3L Ti-VCT V68,200 lbs1,955 lbs
2.7L EcoBoost V610,100 lbs2,465 lbs
5.0L Ti-VCT V813,000 lbs3,315 lbs
3.5L EcoBoost V614,000 lbs3,235 lbs
3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V612,700 lbs2,120 lbs
High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost8,200 lbs1,445 lbs
High-output supercharged 5.2L V88,700 lbs1,400 lbs

Here is a table of the towing capacity of the Ram 1500 based on engine options:

Engine Towing Capacity Payload Capacity 
5.7L HEMI V812,750 lbs1,830 lbs
3.6L  PENTASTAR V67,730 lbs2,300 lbs
3.0L ECODIESEL V612,560 lbs1,075 lbs
6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8.8,100 lbs1,310 lbs

The F-150 can tow up to 14,000 pounds with its top engine option. The Ram 1500, in contrast, can tow up to 12,750 pounds with its top engine option.

Also, the Ford F-150 has a higher payload capacity than the RAM 1500.

The Ford F-150 can carry up to 3,315 pounds, while the RAM 1500 can carry up to 2,300 pounds.

Off-Roading Capability

Both Ford and Ram have off-road versions of their full-size trucks, with unique features. 

The Ram 1500 Rebel is good for trail-crawling. On the other hand, the Ford has the FX4 package available from the base trim level. Also, includes the Tremor package from the XLT trim level.

For high-speed desert-running, the Ram 1500 TRX is more powerful and less expensive than the Ford F-150 Raptor R. 

Exterior Design 

The Ford F-150 has a more traditional design, with a boxy, angular look that emphasizes its ruggedness. The RAM 1500, on the other hand, has a more modern, aerodynamic design.

It has a sleeker front grille and sculpted lines that give it a more stylish appearance.

Curb Weight 

ImThe RAM 1500 ranges from 4,765-6,440 lbs while the Ford F-150’s ranges from 4,705-5,740 lbs.

Here is a table showing curb weights of Ford F-150 according to trim levels:

Trim LevelCurb Weight
XL4,021 lbs
XLT4,705 lbs
Lariat4,705 lbs
King Ranch4,712 lbs
Platinum 5,014 lbs
Limited 5,517 lbs
Raptor5,740 lbs

Here is a table showing curb weights of RAM 1500 according to trim Levels

Trim LevelCurb Weight
Tradesman4,765 lbs
Laramie5,009 lbs
Rebel5,102 lbs
Limited Longhorn5,199 lbs
Limited5,503 lbs
TRX6,440 lbs

So, In terms of curb weight, The RAM 1500 tends to be heavier than the Ford F-150.

Truck Length And Width 

The F-150 tends to be longer than the RAM 1500, with a range of 209.1-250.3 inches compared to the RAM 1500’s range of 228.9-241.8 inches.

Here is a table showing Ford F-150 truck lengths according to cab type.

Cab TypeTruck Length (inches)Truck Width (inches)
Regular Cab209.9-227.779.9
SuperCab231.7-250.3 79.9
SuperCrew231.7-243.579.9-86.6

Here is a table showing RAM 1500 truck lengths according to cab type.

Cab TypeTruck Length (inches)Truck Width (inches)
Quad Cab (extended cab)228.982.1
Crew Cab232.9-241.882.1
TRX232.988.0

In case of truck width, the RAM 1500 tends to be wider than the F-150. The range is 82.1-88.0 inches compared to the F-150’s range of 79.9-86.6 inches.

Cargo Space 

The Ford F-150 offers between 52.8 and 77.4 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on the configuration. The  RAM 1500, in contrast, offers between 53.9 and 61.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

Here is a table showing cargo space according to bed lengths of Ford F-150:

Bed Length Cargo Space
5.5 ft52.8 cu ft
6.5 ft62.3 cu ft
8 ft77.4 cu ft

Here is a table showing cargo space according to bed lengths of RAM 1500:

Bed Length Cargo Space 
5.7 ft53.9 cu ft
6.4 ft61.5 cu ft

So, Ford F-150 offers more cargo space than RAM 1500.

Bed Length 

The 2023 Ford F-150 offers an 8 feet bed option on the Regular and Super Cab body styles. It is over 1.5 feet longer than the RAM 1500’s 6.4 feet bed. Both trucks offer shorter bed options as well. The Ford offers a 6.5 foot and 5.5 feet bed, while the Ram offers a 5.7 feet one.

Here is a table of the bed length options for the Ford F-150 based on cab type:

Cab TypeBed Length 
Regular Cab6.5 ft, 8.0 ft
SuperCab (extended cab)6.5 ft, 8.0 ft
SuperCrew (crew cab)5.5 ft, 6.5 ft

Here is a table of the bed length options for the RAM 1500 based on cab type:

Cab TypeBed Length 
Quad Cab (extended cab)5.7 ft, 6.4 ft
Crew Cab5.7 ft, 6.4 ft

Interior Design

The Ford F-150 has a more traditional interior design, with a simple layout and easy-to-use controls. Whereas, the RAM 1500 has a more modern and luxurious interior.

Infotainment System

The Ford F-150 has an advantage in terms of offering its Sync 4 infotainment system across the lineup. The touchscreen starts at 8 inches and goes up to 12 inches on higher trims. The system includes FordPass Connect, which enables a wireless hotspot for up to 10 devices. 

The Ram 1500’s infotainment system, in comparison, is available in multiple configurations depending on the trim level. It ranges from a 5-inch touchscreen on the lower trims to a 12-inch touchscreen on the TRX trim.

However, the Ram’s higher-end Uconnect systems with larger touchscreens and additional features are only available on certain trims.

Here is a table showing infotainment screen size for different trim levels of Ford F-150:

Trim Levelinfotainment display size
XL8.0″
XLT8.0″
Lariat12.0″
King Ranch12.0″
Platinum 12.0″
Limited 12.0″
Raptor12.0″

Here is a table showing infotainment screen size for different trim levels of Ford RAM 1500:

Trim Levelinfotainment display size
Tradesman5.0″
Laramie8.4″
Rebel8.4″
Limited Longhorn5.0″
Limited12.0″
TRX8.4″

So, the F-150 has more advantages than RAM 1500 in infotainment systems.

Ride Quality 

The RAM 1500 has been praised for having the best ride and handling in the full-size truck class. Especially with the optional air suspension that provides a more comfortable ride. Its steering is responsive and the brake pedal feels firm, providing a confident and luxurious driving experience.

On the other hand, the Ford F-150 still has a good ride. However, some reviewers have noted that it doesn’t feel as firmly planted when loaded with cargo. Also, it has a more traditional truck-like feel compared to the RAM’s more upscale feel. 

Overall, the RAM 1500 is considered to have better ride quality and handling than the Ford F-150.

Safety

The F-150 offers advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, and automatic emergency steering as optional upgrades on XLT and above trims. The Ram 1500 only offers these features as part of a package with the high-luxe Limited trim.

So, the Ford F-150 has more comprehensive standards and optional safety features compared to the Ram 1500.

Price

The Ford F-150 has a more competitive base price compared to the Ram 1500, with the XL trim starting at $33,695. This is cheaper than the Ram 1500’s base Tradesman trim at $37,410. However, for higher-end buyers, the Ram 1500 may be more attractive. Its top-end Limited trim starts at $63,275 compared to the Ford F-150’s top Limited trim starts at $84,910.

Additionally, for speed enthusiasts, the Ram 1500 TRX is cheaper than the Ford F-150 Raptor R, with the Ram 1500 TRX starting at $84,555 compared to the Ford F-150 Raptor R’s $107,350 price tag.

Which One to Choose Between Ford F-150 And RAM 1500?

Based on the comparison above, it’s clear that the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500 are both excellent full-size trucks, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

If you’re looking for a truck with more engine options, higher towing capacity,

and a larger fuel tank, the F-150 might be the better choice for you. The F-150 also offers a hybrid engine option for those who want to save more on gas Over time.

However, if you’re looking for a truck that’s better for fuel economy and off-roading and has a more modern exterior design, the Ram 1500 might be the better choice for you. The Ram 1500 also has a more powerful engine option with the TRX, although it comes at a higher price point than the F-150’s top engine option.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a truck. Both the F-150 and the Ram 1500 are excellent options, so be sure to test drive both and see which one feels like the better fit for you.

FAQS

What Is The RAM Equivalent to The F-150 XLT?

The Ram 1500 Big Horn/Lone star is equivalent to the F-150 XLT. Like the F-150 XLT, the RAM 1500 Big Horn/Lone Star is a mid-level trim that offers a good balance of features and price. It also has similar towing and payload capacities to the F-150 XLT.

What is The Difference Between The Ford F-150 EcoBoost and The Ram 1500 Hemi?

The difference between the F-150 EcoBoost and the Ram 1500 Hemi is that the EcoBoost uses a turbocharged V6 engine. On the other hand, the Hemi uses a V8 engine. The EcoBoost offers better fuel efficiency and higher towing capacity, while the Hemi provides more horsepower and torque.

What Are The Differences Between The Ford F-150 Limited And The Ram 1500 Limited?

Both the Ford F-150 Limited and Ram 1500 Limited differ in terms of design, performance, and features. The Ford F-150 Limited has a higher maximum towing capacity and a more powerful engine. The Ram 1500 Limited, in comparison, offers a more luxurious interior and advanced technology features.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, it comes down to individual needs and preferences when choosing between Ford F-150 vs RAM 1500. Both of them have distinct advantages for different uses. 

The F-150 offers more engine options, higher towing and payload capacity. On the other hand, the Ram 1500 has a more modern design, better riding quality,  better fuel economy and off-roading capability.

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William Baldwin

This Is William Baldwin, The Founder & Managing Editor of this website. Me and my team share automotive tips, tricks, and news

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Talha Atta

Talha Atta, a Mechanical Engineer and experienced technical content writer and editor at Autoglobes.com with a passion for the automotive industry.