There are two trucks that are as part of the American workforce as any blue- or white-collar worker. The Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 combine form and function into strong trucks that still look great if you simply want to show off at that next tailgate party before the game. But if you had to choose just one, it's important to know the features that set them apart. For Ford, it's pure power and workmanship while Ram takes on technology.
Trims
Both brands start off strong as each provides a wide range of trims, eight to be exact. Ford impresses with its range of trims which include XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, Tremor, and Raptor. The XL is the base trim and has an MSRP of $33,695, while the top trim Limited has a starting MSRP of $84,910.
Ram has an exciting range that features the Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Limited, Limited Longhorn, and TRX. The Tradesman is the base trim with an MSRP of $37,410 with the TRX taking the top trim position with a starting MSRP of $84,555.
Ford takes the win here as it provides a base model at almost $4,000 less than RAM, which leaves a lot of wiggle room for someone just looking for an everyday work truck.
Cargo Space
Cargo space is important to those who depend on load capacity to get the job done or go on that epic road trip.
The Ford F-150 offers box-style pickup bed options that include 5.5 feet, 6.6 feet, and 8 feet. This allows a bit of extra breathing room especially if your payload includes beams or poles and makes it ideal for job sites and working farms.
The Ram 1500 might be slightly on the back foot here as it only offers bed options that include 5.7 feet and 6.4 feet. That's more than a foot less than Ford.
Engines and Drive Trains
It's all about the power and drive train options for many, as that extra bit of traction can make a marked difference if you find yourself in wet weather or tough terrain.
Ford offers six engine options that include the 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V-6, 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V-8, 3.5-liter PowerBoost Full Hybrid V-6, and the High Output 5.2-liter Supercharged V-8. The horsepower ranges from 290 to 760 and the torque from 265 lb-ft to 625 lb-ft. Drive train options include both 4x2 and 4x4 options and some trims also offer an electronic-locking rear differential for tricky terrain. All the trims also feature a 10-speed automatic transmission.
On the Ram side, there are three engine options. These include the 3.6-liter V-6 VVT eTorque with 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft torque, the 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI that pushes 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, and the 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V-8 SRT with 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. Drive train options here are also 4x2 and 4x4 across some of the trims. All the trims here feature an eight-speed automatic transmission.
While Ram might take it based on torque, Ford still steals the show with the horsepower.
Technology Options
Although the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150 are America's top choices in terms of work trucks, that doesn't mean that the trucks are purely utilitarian. They feature some great technological additions.
The Ford F-150 range offers 4-, 8-, and 12-inch productivity screens that provide important driver information on the dash such as fuel, speed, weather conditions, and special features such as mud, ruts, snow, and rock conditions on the FX4 off-road package. The trucks also include an 8- or 12-inch capacitive touch screen to control the infotainment system. The trims include the FordPass Connect 4G LTE Wifi hot spot and connected built-in navigation with a three-year trial.
According to Ram, the 2023 Ram 1500 is their most technologically charged production yet. It features a 12-inch digital cluster, heads-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. There's also the option between the Uconnect 3 with a 5-inch touchscreen display, the Uconnect 5 with an 8-inch display, and the Uconnect 5 with a 12-inch touchscreen display. Some trims feature wireless connectivity to your devices such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ram App allows you to connect your navigation controls to the Uconnect for an easy transition from the phone to the car. 4G Wi-Fi hotspot is available and all trims feature charging stations that range from wireless pads to auxiliary and USB ports.
Ram might have a slight on this one if technology is a deciding factor.
Interior Comfort
Even a workhorse can be a comfortable ride, and both Ford and Ram prove it with their 2023 range.
Ford offers leather interiors on the top four ranges and with the Raptor, the front seats are leather-trimmed bucket seats. It also offers a workspace setup for those that need to do some admin on the job site with an interior work surface that's large enough to accommodate a laptop.
Ram pits the 2023 1500 range as their most luxurious yet. The Limited Elite Package offers 45.2 inches of legroom and the rear seats have eight varying degrees of recline options. Three of the trims offer leather interiors, and one trim has the option between leather or a cloth and vinyl combo.
It's hard to choose the winner here as it would largely depend on what your needs are. If it's a comfortable ride for your rear passengers on that cross-country trip then Ram takes it. However, if you need a comfortable space to catch up on the day's admin, Ford's the clear winner.
Choosing Between Ford's F-150 and Ram's 1500
2023 is the year for the pickup with American sweethearts like the F-150 and 1500. Each of these cars offers a substantial number of benefits that easily convert these trucks from famed work partners to travel companions. If you're in the market for a new set of wheels, let All American Ford give you an assessment of your current car and how much you can get for a trade-in. Give us a call to schedule a test drive of the new 2023 Ford F-150.