Ford F150 vs Ram 1500: All the Differences Compared
Pickup trucks are extremely popular right now. Some people simply love the look of a truck and the way it feels to drive one. For many people, though, it runs much deeper than that. Trucks certainly offer plenty of hauling capacity, and you can fit more large, bulky items into the bed of a pickup truck than in the trunk of a car or the back of an SUV. Trucks give you ample towing capacity as well. For people who routinely pull boats, campers, or utility trailers, that’s definitely a must.
Whether you need cargo space and towing power or you’re looking for a comfortable vehicle that stands out on the road and offers the latest tech features, owning a truck just makes sense. Several automotive brands excel in the pickup truck market, including Chevrolet, GMC, and Toyota. Of course, Ford and Ram are among the most popular. If you’re trying to decide between a Ram 1500 and a ford f150 for sale, understanding their similarities, differences, and what makes each one stand out can help you choose.
Powertrains
First, let’s take a closer look at the powertrains available in each of these trucks. Both give you multiple options to choose from. In the F-150 lineup, you have the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, the 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8, the 5.2-liter Supercharged V8, and the 3.0 Power Stroke Turbo Diesel. For the latest Ram 1500s, you have the 3.0-liter Hurricane Twin Turbo I6, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, and the High-Output 3.0-liter Hurricane I6.
Keep in mind that not all of those engines are available with all trim levels from either brand. It’s also fair to mention that the I6 Hurricane replaced the famous V8 Hemi in the 2025 Ram 1500s. If you want a Hemi, you’ll need to look to the 2024 models or earlier.
Those are all conventional internal combustion engines. If you’re looking for a hybrid, though, those are available too. The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger is a plug-in hybrid with a 3.6-liter V6 and about 145 miles of electric range. Ford’s PowerBoost V6 hybrid is available in the F-150. Though it’s not exactly designed for purely electric range, it does greatly increase the truck’s fuel efficiency.
Ford’s EcoBoost engines get rave reviews for their torque and fuel efficiency while Ram’s engines are popular for their power. Ram’s basic engine is generally considered more powerful than F-150’s, but that levels off as you rise through the ranks. At the same time, Ford clearly has more engine options to choose from.
In terms of transmissions, the entire F-150 lineup comes with a 10-speed automatic whereas the Ram 1500s have an 8-speed automatic. While Rams are known for their fast, efficient shifting, the general consensus is that F-150s have smoother shifting and are geared better. Per the new norm for full-size pickups, neither comes in a manual version.
Towing Capacity
Now, let’s dive into the towing capacity of each truck. F-150s have a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine and when equipped with the Max Trailer Tow Package. Otherwise, they range from 8,200 to 13,500 pounds or so. The latest Ram 1500s have a towing capacity of up to 11,580 pounds when properly equipped. Ford wins in this category.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is also an important factor to consider, and both trucks are fairly similar in this department. In general, the F-150 gets about 23 to 26 highway miles per gallon and 17 to 25 miles per gallon in the city. The Ram 1500 gets between 23 and 25 miles per gallon on the highway and 15 to 20 in the city. This varies depending on the engine, trim level, and other factors. How much weight you’re hauling and towing will make a difference as well. Still, the F-150 has a slight edge where fuel efficiency is concerned, and its hybrid powertrain offers the best fuel economy among full-size trucks.
Interior and Technology
If you’re like most people, what’s inside the truck is just as important as what’s under the hood. Both the F-150 and the Ram 1500 offer numerous standard infotainment and driver-assist features and optional add-ons. Ram 1500s come with the Uconnect 5 system, Alexa capability, and head-up displays. F-150s have Ford’s SYNC 4 system and built-in 4G LTE hotspots.
Each lineup has a few unique features as well. F-150s have Pro Power Onboard built-in power generators, fold-flat work surfaces, and onboard scales to measure your payload weight. Ram 1500s have multi-function split-door tailgates, customizable digital cluster displays, and 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio systems. Though each truck has its strengths and weaknesses, many critics consider the F-150 to be the leader in advanced tech features.
That said, many people feel that Ram has the upper hand in terms of interior quality, especially when you get into the higher trim levels. Its premium finishes and upholstery have a more comfortable and luxurious look and feel than those in the F-150. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the F-150 isn’t nice and comfortable on the inside; it just seems to be geared more toward functionality than luxury.
Ride Quality
That brings us to ride quality. Both trucks handle well, but the Ram 1500 stands out in this category. Its coil spring rear suspension and Active-Level Four Corner Air Suspension system make for a smoother ride than F-150’s conventional leaf springs. That makes the Ram 1500 more pleasant for daily commutes and long trips.
Choosing Your Perfect Pickup Truck
Both the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500 are popular pickup trucks. They’re perfectly capable of hauling and towing heavy loads, and they come with a variety of engine options, trim levels, and infotainment features. Ford’s F-Series has been the nation’s most popular truck for 47 years running, but Ram isn’t far behind at this point.
Although the Ram 1500 has a more comfortable interior and gives you a smoother ride, the F-150 has the leading edge where technology, fuel efficiency, and towing capacity are concerned. That varies from one powertrain and trim level to the next, though. Think about all these points to help you decide which truck most appeals to you.
These are some big trucks. It is good to have a way to compare the two so you can make an educated purchase.
This is super helpful for anyone considering a truck! The breakdown of powertrains and the shift from the Hemi in the Ram 1500 is great info!!
My husband is considering the purchase of a truck. These two are on his list, so this helps.
Good to know. My husband has a Ram and loves it. He’s always had Ram trucks.