The pickup truck war is more interesting now that current king, the 2020 Ford F-150, faces serious competition from not just Chevy but the 2020 Ram 1500. Here’s how the crew cab versions of the Ford and Ram half-ton pickups compare.
2020 Ford F-150
2020 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Starting Price: $36,105 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Numerous engine and configuration options; great towing capability; wide range of available luxury features, driver assists and towing aids; lightweight aluminum construction.
Below Average: Prices can climb well past $60,000; largest cab/bed configurations can be balky; some hard plastics on the dash and doors
Consensus: The F-150 remains a best seller for its wide-ranging feature set, multiple powertrain offerings including turbocharged 4- and 6-cylinder engines. While the base truck features a 6-speed automatic, all the other models boast a 10-speed automatic. F-150 has proven that aluminum body panels can work on a pickup.
2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Starting Price: $33,590 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Styling; hybrid engine option; coil spring and air suspension; ride quality; rear seat legroom.
Below Average: Upper trims get expensive; limited powertrain choices; 8- instead of a 10-speed transmission.
Consensus: The Ram offers a bold exterior without going overboard, plus it offers numerous unique options like an air suspension and massive 12-inch touch-screen infotainment setup. While competitive, it has yet to elbow out Chevrolet Silverado as the chief rival to the F-150.
F-150 vs. Ram 1500: Different takes on tech
Ford F-150 SuperCrew
The Ford F-150 is the best-selling pickup in America, with the Ram behind it nipping at Chevrolet’s heels. The F-150 offers five engine options including a diesel. The F-150 employs advanced features ranging from its available 10-speed automatic transmission to its lightweight aluminum constructions. When it comes to towing and payload numbers, the F-150 is best in class, and its fuel economy figures also top the class, at least on paper. Ford’s half-ton pickup comes with a dizzying number of options and configurations ranging from basic work truck to super luxurious family hauler. Ford is a leader in advanced systems to aid in parking, trailer hookup and safety.
Ram 1500 Crew Cab
The Ram, fresh off a 2019 makeover, offers handsome styling, an impressive number of trims and features and improved towing and payload numbers. The base engine is a mild hybrid 3.6-liter V6 called eTorque. That same tech is available on the workhorse 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which helps boost that model’s fuel economy numbers. The big thing that separates the Ram from other pickups is its use of a coil-spring independent rear suspension. Even in base form without the optional airbag suspension, this setup imparts a great ride without sacrificing towing or load-carrying capability. We also like the user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system. Like the F-150, there’s plenty of upscale trims to turn your workhorse into a showhorse, but you’ll pay a pretty penny.
Similarities
Expansive model ranges running from basic to plush; powerful V6 and V8 engine options; advanced driver assists and tech features plus a choice of bed lengths.
Ford F-150 SuperCrew Advantages
Advanced towing and work innovations; class-leading capability; extensive engine lineup; high end sound systems; lightweight aluminum body.
Ram 1500 Crew Cab Advantages
Coil spring rear suspension; large easy-to-use infotainment screen; more rear seat legroom with reclining seats: comfortable ride; hybrid engines.
Final Recommendation
If you’re looking for a proven and high quality truck with good resale, the 2020 Ford F-150 is your pick. It’s not the best selling vehicle in America by accident. However, the Ram 1500 with an independent rear suspension offering smoother ride with its optional air suspension, and a more refined interior. Both trucks offer tons of clever storage solutions, and each has unique features bound to sway fence-sitting buyers one way or the other.
Ready to buy a Ford F-150 or Ram 1500? Shop now for one on sale near you.
| 2020 Ford F-150 Super Crew | 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.3-liter V6 | 3.6-liter V6 Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 305 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 265 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 269 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-spd automatic | 8-spd automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 22 mpg (19 mpg city/25 hwy) | 22 mpg (20 city/25 hwy) |
| Also Available | 250 hp 3.0-liter diesel V6; 325 hp 2.7-liter turbo V6; 395 hp 5.0-liter V8; 375-450 hp 3.5-liter turbo V6; 10-spd automatic; 4WD | 360 hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel; 395 hp 5.7-liter V8 and V8 hybrid; 4WD |
| Specs | ||
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3-years/36,000 miles |
| Max Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 |
| Wheelbase | 145.0-156.8 inches | 144.6-153.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 231.9-243.7 inches | 232.9-241.8 inches |
| Width | 79.9 inches | 82.1 inches |
| Height | 75.6 – 77.3 inches | 75.4-77.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 47.8 feet | 46.2 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.8 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 40.4 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 43.9 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 43.6 inches | 45.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 66.7 inches | 66.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 65.9 inches | 65. 7 inches |
| Max Payload | 1,700 pounds | 2,000 pounds |
| Max Towing | 7,400 pounds | 7,620 pounds |
