Buyer’s Guide: Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500

In the market for a new pickup truck? Whether you need a powerful pickup to transport your boat to the lake, pull a trailer to a campsite or attach a U-Haul when you’re moving, these vehicles are meant to do the heavy lifting for you and make your life easier on the day-to-day.

With so many trucks to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down your options. We’ve compared two of the most popular trucks on the market today, the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500, to give you insight into which model could be right for you.

2018 Ford F-150

While the Ford F series has been around for a while, the F-150 comes equipped with some significant improvements. This model features a strong base engine, and has also been improved with a few stylistic modifications. Fuel efficiency is also at its all-time best with the 2018 F-150 collection, with standard auto start-stop technology helping economize fuel consumption. On top of everything, you now have a broad selection of trims to pick from: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited.

The F-150’s new engine runs on a healthy 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. You can also select one of Ford’s optional engines, which you can pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Choose from either the 2.7L EcoBoost engine that can develop up to 375 horsepower, or opt for the V8 engine with its 395 horsepower. Otherwise, the 3.5L EcoBoost engine can charge up to 375 horsepower alongside a crushing 470 pound-feet of torque, ranking it as a top choice. The extra torque allows the F-150 to rocket to 60 mph in as little as 5.6 seconds. It also has a 13,200-pound maximum towing capacity, boosting this model to the top of the F series.

The F-150 continues to impress with its high fuel efficiency. It has an EPA rating of 20 mpg in metropolitan areas and 26 mpg on highways, delivering unbeatable fuel economy with its 2.7L EcoBoost engine. Or choose the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, and you will also be impressed with its ability to amp up to 25 mpg on open road.

The F-150’s impressive list of luxury features will surely leave you wanting more. The base XL model is the most modestly equipped, but offers an optional 101A package that provides tech features like Bluetooth technology and smartphone app integration. Complete with Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, those who have driven this model rave about its high-resolution graphics, quick response time. Expect to be further pampered with its high-powered Bang & Olufsen audio system, and optional heated rear seats.

The safety features on this model are also worth taking note of. Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist system makes backing up into the tightest of spots a breeze, and offers first of its kind automatic emergency braking. This is a world-class feature that qualifies the F-150 as one of the most safe and secure pickup trucks you can buy. Additional safety features like surround-view cameras, pedestrian detection monitors, and blind-spot monitor systems all emphasize its focus on safety.

F-150: Excels in Safety and Efficiency Categories
The powerful design of the Ford F-150 makes it an easy choice for truck drivers. Not only does this model offer better performance than its previous models, it also excels in terms of fuel efficiency. Although, perhaps its most notable features lie in the safety details, which are more abundant than many other full-size trucks available on the current market.

The only negative element to the F-150 is its aluminum body. Aluminum is far more complex to repair than standard steel, which most other trucks are designed with. Drive carefully and don’t get into an accident, and you have nothing to worry about.

2018 Ram 1500

This pickup truck just got a whole lot safer: all models of the 2018 Ram 1500 now come equipped with a backup camera, a feature it was previously sorely missing. The addition of this new camera helps make the Ram 1500 a very appealing contender. A classic style of truck whose exterior appearance hasn’t been drastically altered over the last ten years, the Ram 1500 has aged gracefully. Sporting 20-inch black wheels, the Night edition is a knockout on the road. Perfect for road trips, this vehicle is equipped with ample cabin room and dominates the roughest roads with smooth navigation.

The Ram 1500 engine lineup hasn’t changed, so all your favorite options and features are still available. Its base V6 engine has a 305 horsepower capacity and is fuel efficient at 25 mpg on the highway, making this a great choice for the everyday commuter. Opt for the EcoDiesel engine, and you’ll return up to 20 mpg in the city and a maximum of 27 mpg on the highway. No need to worry about piling on the cargo; the EcoDiesel engine is capable of towing up to 9,200 pounds. However, to experience this truck’s abilities to their fullest, opt for the Hemi V8 engine: with 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, there isn’t much this engine can’t handle. What’s more is that if you go with the V8 engine, your towing capacity increases to 10,700 pounds – no need to worry about towing even the heaviest object.

The Ram 1500 offers many features that never used to be available. Initially designed to serve as a sturdy work truck, the base Ram 1500 Tradesman edition limits its luxury add-ons to a minimum, but you can upgrade with the higher trim levels pack if you want to implement tech into your new ride. Not to mention, the Ram 1500’s Uconnect infotainment system with its 8.4 inch display screen is very easy to use, while the 10-speaker sound system will satisfy any music fan in your passenger’s seat. The GPS navigation system is also top-notch, making this higher trim levels pack worth the extra dollars.

The Ram 1500: Excels in Comfort and Easy Driving Categories
The Ram 1500 has a lot to offer. It is applauded for providing the smoothest ride in its category, in particular the Limited model with its self-leveling air suspension. The Ram 1500 also has top quality seating options, making this the ultimate ride in comfort.

However, the Ram 1500 does have a few downsides. For starters, it doesn’t rank as high as the Ford F-150 in terms of safety, having earned only a four-star rating in its crash test run by the federal government. In a series of other tests, the Ram 1500 ranked poorly in features such as forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, meaning that anyone driving this model must drive with extreme caution and be aware at all times.

Which Truck Is Best For You?
Depending on how you plan on using your truck, many drivers will face a tough decision when it comes time to choose between the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500.

Both trucks display excellent qualities in different categories and tick different boxes. In terms of towing power, the Ford F-150 takes home the prize, but when it comes to comfort and entertainment quality, the Ram 1500 cannot be beat. However, you can’t really put a price on safety, which is where the F-150 truly excels.

The best way to determine which model suits you best is to take these babies out for a test drive. If interested, you can call or visit your local dealerships to set up appointments. And remember, you can always customize your ride to add the tech or design features that you prefer and really make your ride yours.