Anyone in the market for a full-size pickup truck would be wise to have the 2024 Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 on their test-drive shopping list. Each of these trucks delivers an outstanding blend of comfort and versatility, not to mention some truly high-end features in upper trims.
Let’s explore highlights of the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.
2024 Ford F-150
The 2024 Ford F-150 starts at $38,765, including delivery charges. Despite maintaining its status as the best-selling truck in the U.S., Ford hasn’t gotten complacent. This model year ushers in a number of changes, including an exterior makeover, new cabin trim, more standard tech touches, and cool features like lockable cargo bed storage and the side-opening Pro Access tailgate.
Ford F-150 Highlights
Engine choices: Serving as the base powertrain is a 325-horsepower twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and 4-wheel drive is optional. There are also four other engine choices, including a 5.0-liter V8, an efficiency-minded hybrid V6, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, and a 720-horsepower supercharged 5.2-liter V8 in the wild Raptor R variant. There’s also an all-electric variant, the Ford F-150 Lightning. This diversity allows an F-150 owner to pick the best available engine for their budget and driving needs.
Towing and hauling ability: Many people choose a full-size truck to get a tough job done. The Ford F-150 has a maximum payload capacity of 2,455 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds, both more than the Ram 1500’s best.
Improved infotainment: Every F-150 now has a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a sizable 12-inch infotainment touchscreen. This system comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, advanced voice recognition, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and multiple USB ports. We’ve found this infotainment interface user-friendly and easy to navigate while driving.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the F-150 models near you.
2024 Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 enters the 2024 model year with some noteworthy changes and updates, too. If you want a screaming Hellcat V8 in your Ram truck, act fast because the TRX Final Edition is the end of the line for this potent combo. One small but welcome update this year: a tailgate ajar warning is now standard on every Ram 1500. Pricing starts at $41,415, including delivery fees.
Ram 1500 Highlights
Interior quality: Since this generation of Ram 1500 arrived back for the 2019 model year, it reset the standard for interior design and cabin quality among full-size trucks. That still holds true; we’re constantly impressed with the fit and finish of the Ram’s cabin. The updated Ford F-150 is closer than it once was, though the Ram – particularly in higher trims – remains the standard-bearer for classy truck cabins.
Smooth ride: Let’s also not forget how smoothly the Ram 1500 rides. Credit the coil spring rear suspension; it’s far superior to the leaf spring setups found in rival trucks. And if you want even more coddling, adaptive air suspension can be optioned onto the Rebel, Laramie, Longhorn, and Limited trims.
Mighty TRX model: Farewell, Ram TRX. We’re going to miss you. Granted, the price for this 702-horsepower muscle machine on stilts is sizable — roughly $98,000 –and easily streaks into six figures without trying too hard. Yet the TRX’s blend of speed, comfort, and off-road prowess is something to behold. It’s a little crazy, we admit, but it’s outrageously fun.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Ram 1500 models near you.
Similarities
The Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 are hugely capable and can be anything from a no-frills (or less frills) work truck to a luxury machine fitted with leather upholstery, wood trim, heated and ventilated seats, and much more.
They are also incredibly adept at venturing off-road, and they both have performance-tuned variants for anyone who wants muscle-car-level speed in a high-riding truck.
Conclusion
We don’t want to waffle, but there really isn’t a bad choice to be made among these two trucks. The Ram 1500 isn’t the newest model in this segment, though it still ranks among the best in many ways. This is especially true when it comes to cabin quality and ride comfort.
That being said, we think the Ford F-150 continues to be the truck to beat. This mid-cycle refresh brought improvements that made this hard-working pickup even more capable in every type of driving situation. This includes towing, hauling, off-road adventures, or simply getting from Point A to Point B in daily driving.
| 2024 Ford F-150 | 2024 Ram 1500 | |
| Starting Price | $38,765 | $41,415 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 | 3.6-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 325 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 305 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 400 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm | 271 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined | 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway/22 mpg combined |
| Also Available | 5.0-liter V8; twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6; twin-turbo gas-electric V6; supercharged 5.2-liter V8; all-electric; 4WD | 5.7-liter V8; supercharged 6.2-liter V8; 4WD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 |
| Wheelbase | 145.0 inches (crew cab/short box) | 144.5 inches (crew cab/short box) |
| Overall Length | 231.7 inches | 232.9 inches |
| Width | 79.9 inches | 82.1 inches |
| Height | 75.6 inches | 77.5 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 47.8 feet | 46.2 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.8 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 40.4 inches | 39.8 inch |
| 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 | 66.0 inches | 65.7 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 52.8 cubic feet | 53.9 cubic feet |
