Ford F-150 vs Dodge Ram 1500

Pickup trucks are hugely popular in the United States. They offer utility and towing capabilities, and newer models include numerous valuable features. The Ford F-Series and Ram 1500 are the best-selling trucks in America, so if you’re planning to buy a heavy-duty truck, this guide will highlight the pros and cons of the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500 so you can decide which features check all the boxes to fulfill your needs.


Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500 Pricing

Whether you go for the Ford F-150 or Ram 1500, what you’ll pay will depend on the trim you go for. Also, higher starting prices aren't always a bad thing as a car with more features and a better overall design might be more profitable in the long run than a cheaper model. Here are the numerous Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 trim levels and their starting prices:


2021 Ford F-150 Trims Price

2021 RAM 1500 Trims Price

Ford F-150 XL: $29,290 MSRP

Ram 1500 Tradesman®: $32,795 MSRP

Ford F-150 XLT: $35,400 MSRP

Ram 1500 Tradesman® HFE: $34,645 MSRP

Ford F-150 Lariat: $45,045 MSRP

Ram 1500 Big Horn®: $37,390 MSRP

Ford F-150 King Ranch®: $56,015 MSRP

Ram 1500 Laramie®: $42,080 MSRP

Ford F-150 Platinum: $58,795 MSRP

Ram 1500 Rebel®: $46,120 MSRP

Ford F-150 Limited: $73,105 MSRP

Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn™: $52,780 MSRP

Ford F-150 Tremor®: $49,505 MSRP

Ram 1500 Limited: $57,350 MSRP

Ford F-150 Raptor: $64,145 MSRP

Ram 1500 TRX®: $70,425 MSRP


Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500 Dimensions

When comparing dimensions of the Ram 1500 to the Ford F-150, you'll see that the Ram 1500 is significantly larger. It is not only longer and broader, but it also has a large internal passenger volume. The Ram 1500 may be a better option if you need more cargo space with the ability for the rear seats to recline. You can also add in-floor storage and get more storage space for your work tools. The Ford F-150 still provides lots of space with the same three- to six-passenger options, but the interior of the Ram 1500 is downright sumptuous offering more comfort options.

2021 Ford F-150 (base)

2021 RAM 1500 (base)

# of seats

3

5

Cargo Capacity

50.9 cu. ft.

61.5 cu. ft

Length

209.1 inches

228.9 inches

Width

79.9 inches

82.1 inches


Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500 Technology Features

The F-150 and Ram 1500 offer a similar array of technology features. On the F-150, you get an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone compatibility. It is also equipped with automatic emergency braking, a front collision warning system, and pedestrian detection, but this safety feature isn’t available on the Ram 1500 until the Laramie which is fitted with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, heated and cooled front seats with leather upholstery.

The RAM offers a lot more impressive standard and available safety and security features including blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross path, smart cruising, and guided parking—all designed to ensure you have a smooth and safe drive. Another remarkable feature is the trailer blind spot monitoring function to help you tow safely. Here are some of the desired technology features in the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150:

2021 Ford F-150

2021 RAM 1500

Available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Available 8" touchscreen

8.4" or 12" touchscreen

Available SYNC 3 infotainment

Available Wi-Fi hotspot

Available navigation

Available navigation

Available satellite radio

Available satellite radio

Available voice controls

Wireless charging

Available Wi-Fi hotspot

USB ports

Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500 Performance

When it comes to the performance comparison between the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, the Ram base model takes the lead with a 3.6L V-6 engine with 305 horsepower, while with the Ford F-150 you get a 3.3L Ti-VCT V-6 engine with 290 horsepower.

Sure, you can always upgrade the Ford F-150 and get the 3.5L V-6 engine or a hybrid variant but the Ram 1500 offers a lot more. Most Ram 1500 trims have the same engine but if you need to tow a lot of stuff, you should definitely go for the 6.2L V-8 engine offering 702 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, as well as the diesel options. This engine goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, while the Ford F-150 hits this speed in 5.7 seconds.

If you would like to save some money on gas, you should also consider the mpg ratings. On the Ford F-150, expect an EPA-estimated 25/26 (city/highway) mpg but an EPA-estimated 20/25 (city/highway) mpg for the Ram 1500.

2021 Ford F-150 (base)

2021 RAM 1500 (base)

Engine:

2.7 L V6

3.6 L V6

Horsepower:

250 hp

260 hp

0–60:

5.7 seconds

4.1 seconds

Torque:

265 lb-ft

410 lb-ft

Drivetrain:

RWD

RWD

Towing Capacity:

5,000 pounds

6,150 pounds

Payload Capacity:

1,745 pounds

1,242 pounds

Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500 Towing

The F-150 has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a starting payload capacity of 1,985 pounds, however, the Ram 1500 has a higher starting max towing capacity of 7,730 pounds and a payload capacity of 2,320 pounds. If you are going to be towing some really heavy stuff, the base Ram 1500 model can pull about 3,000 pounds more than the Ford F-150 model, which only allows you to carry up to 5,000 pounds for the journey. So if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a lot of towing power, the Ram 1500 base model is a pretty decent buy.

Is the Ford F-150 Better than the RAM 1500?

When comparing the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, the Ram had a lot more advantages on the base trim than the Ford. However, both trucks offer really good performance, luxury, and capability you’ll need in any pickup truck. If you’re in Post Falls, Idaho, or surrounding areas and would like to get behind the wheel of the  Ford F-150 or the Ram 1500 pickup truck, contact Group Wholesale Inc today to schedule your test drive.