Ford F-150
What’s for sale near me?
Above Average: Towing and payload, good resale, reliability, engine lineup, fuel economy, aluminum construction on 2015 and later models
Below Average: Early Sync infotainment systems and that’s about it
Consensus: There’s a reason the F-150 is the best selling pickup in America year after year. From its best-in-class towing, payload and horsepower to its numerous trims and configurations, it simply remains the target for all others to aim.
Ram 1500
What’s for sale near me?
Above Average: Available diesel engine, air suspension, Hemi V8, luxurious interiors on upper end trims, Uconnect infotainment
Below Average: Resale, fuel economy, safety scores
Consensus: A rugged, powerful and dynamically styled pickup with good towing and hauling numbers, unique options and features, but not so great crash test and resale numbers.
The Ram 1500 can’t match the F-150’s in the race for best-in-class bragging rights, but Ram makes up for the shortfall by offering features not found on other pickups. Where the F-150 Super Cab’s rear doors employ a reverse opening design, the Ram Quad Cab model provides a roomy passenger cab and traditional rear doors. The Ram offers a coil spring, multi-link rear suspension for improved handling, and an optional air suspension to keep things level. The Ram’s diesel option first appeared in 2014 and delivers both towing power and good fuel economy. Lastly, the Ram offers a number of high-end and specialty trims that make it stand out like nobody’s business. Even with all these perks, the F-150 is superior in the areas of towing, payload, fuel economy, safety, horsepower and resale. The Ram has no answer to Ford’s advanced electronic assists, although its Uconnect infotainment system is preferable to the early Sync systems. The Ram can match the F-150 trim for trim, with the one exception being the off-road-ready Raptor model. Lastly, the Ram’s crash test scores are only average, especially in the areas of roof strength and rollover protection.
Ford F-150 Advantages
Towing and payload, trim levels, engine choices, resale, safety, advanced tech, fuel economy, off-road Raptor model
Ram 1500 Advantages
Sophisticated suspension, diesel engine, Uconnect infotainment, standard doors on Quad Cab, Hemi V8
Similarities
Both the Ram and F-150 offer numerous configurations and trim levels, powerful gasoline engines, good towing ability, advanced trailering assists and luxurious high-end trims.
Final Recommendation
For its superior towing, payload and engine options, the F-150 is the better truck. However, the Ram 1500 with Hemi V8 can still tow around 10,000 pounds, and the diesel model returns impressive fuel economy. The Ram’s less than stellar safety scores, however, are a concern.
OK, so what’s next?
I’m ready for one of these cars, and I’d like to trade in my current car while I’m at it.
