The Ford F-150 and the RAM 1500 represent two of the top-selling vehicles of the past decade (and beyond) and it’s easy to see why. With a quick wash, they can transform from a workhorse at the farm into a chariot ready for a night out on the town.
Their large footprints and poor maneuverability preclude them from being ideal for urban runabouts and their fuel efficiency - although relatively good - will put a dent in your monthly statement. But out on the open road, these trucks’ spacious interiors, stout capability figures, and strong residual value give consumers an itch that must be scratched. Let’s take a more focused look to see which one does it better with a brief comparison.
F-150 vs. RAM 1500 Price
The F-150, like the RAM 1500 has a wide range of configurations that aims to suit the needs of all consumers - from the “just the essentials” fleet vehicles to the outrageously modified (and opulent) off-road desert racers, and everything in between.
Pricing for the F-150 ranges from about $36,000 to just over $109,000 with the middle-of-the-road Lariat starting at nearly $60,000. Ford is willing to help take the sting out of that sticker shock by frequently offering good lease rates (albeit for the lesser-equipped trims) and as low as 0% financing for certain financing terms. The F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle for forty straight years it’s obvious that it will work these knobs to ensure it stays that way.
The RAM 1500’s price range isn’t as broad as the F-150 but still, it too can be equipped from basic to beautiful and base prices range from about $39,000 to $86,000. Carryover 2022 models are still available and will be your best bet for getting a factory rebate or a good lease deal. RAM is also offering low APR financing but only for quick payback terms.
It may be challenging to find a specifically-equipped model on the lot due to the large range of configurations and equipment and don’t expect to find any deals on the high-performance models such as the Raptor, Lightning, and TRX as they are often in high demand.
F-150 vs. RAM 1500 Dimensions
The Ford F-150 is offered in every common configuration with three cab lengths: Regular, Super Cab, and Super Crew, and three bed lengths: five-foot six-inches, six-foot six-inches, and eight-foot.
The RAM 1500, on the other hand, is standard with an extended cab with four-forward hinged doors and offers a six-foot four-inch and a five-foot seven-inch bed. Only the RAM Heavy-Duty models can be ordered with a standard cab (or the huge Mega Cab) and/or long bed.
A crew cab is standard on both brands’ premium models and in their most popular crew cab and short-bed configuration, they are nearly identical in length - about 232 inches. Rear passengers will enjoy the limo-like legroom and shoulder room, with the RAM offering 45.2 inches of legroom and the F-150 measuring nearly as much, just 1.5 inches less.
Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500 Towing
It feels reasonable to put quotations around the light in light-duty as both of these trucks tout incredible towing ratings. That advertised rating, however, is typically limited to a specific configuration that is different from what is most popular.
The RAM is rated to pull 12,750 pounds while the top trim with four-wheel drive is rated at just over 8,000 pounds - a significant difference. The Ford sees less fluctuation with a maximum rating of 14,000 pounds and a 12,400-pound rating for its four-wheel-drive hybrid model.
The F-150 is no longer available with a V6 diesel engine - still offered in the RAM - but is uniquely available as a battery-electric that can tow up to 10,000 pounds.
Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500 Gas Mileage
The F-150 offers a wide range of engines - the most efficient being a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 with an EPA-estimated 22 miles per gallon combined, which matches the RAM’s much less powerful atmospherically-aspirated V6 score. Only the HFE offered for 2022 scores a 23-MPG rating.
The RAM’s 5.7-liter V8 incorporates high-tech features and achieves an impressive 20 MPG which is matched by the F-150’s 5.0-liter V8 while Ford’s 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 easily out-powers those V8 engines and matches their fuel economy.
The F-150 can additionally be equipped with a hybrid system that has a win-win specification with a 25 MPG-combined rating, 570 pound-feet of torque, and a built-in generator that greatly improves the truck's usability. Per the EPA, the average user will see the hybrid’s initial extra expense paid off by year three. The F-150 Lightning EV earns a 70 MPGe rating and offers up to 320 miles of range.
Only the RAM offers a diesel engine and it returns up to 26 MPG but is an expensive option and is more expensive to run due to the fuel’s higher price.
Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500: Which Truck Is Better?
The F-150 offers a wide breadth of features, body configurations, and powertrains. While the F-150 Lightning’s demand has forced Ford to stop taking orders, the Hybrid has been on the market for over a year and its added all-around performance makes it highly practical. It’s even available on the lower-end trim levels.
The RAM wins the award for best-crafted interior with premium materials and intricate designs while its unique coil-sprung air suspension delivers an excuse-free smooth ride. But the Ford’s recently updated interior provides a practical design with clever features, a very large infotainment center, and Ford’s updatable advanced highway driving assist system.
The RAM carries a sense of tradition while the F-150 is pushing boundaries without alienating the early adopters. For its added focus on efficiency without sacrificing capability, the new-for-2022 F-150 gets the win.