Modern pickup trucks continue to be the best-selling automobiles in America, growing in popularity as new car-buyers turn to trucks for their family or luxury vehicles. With capable performance, hard-working reliability, advanced technology, luxury trim options, seating for up to six, and comfortable interiors, it is no wonder why so many people across the country (including consumers who have never owned a truck before) are turning to a pickup truck.
If you're comparing the top pickup trucks available, the two most popular trucks in the U.S. are the Ford F-150 and the RAM 1500. The new Ford F-150 is still the best-seller, but is it the best option? The RAM 1500 is newly re-designed with a standard V8 HEMI and is Motor Trend's Truck of the Year*, but is it a superior pickup truck than the ever-popular F-150? Let's take a closer look...Â
RAM 1500 Pickup Truck Quick Look
RAM 1500 Pros- Motor Trend's Truck of the Year!*
- Base Model has HEMI V8 Engine
- Smooth, Quiet Ride
- Upscale, Spacious, & Modern Interior
- Common Driver Assist Features are Limited to Higher Trims
- Base Model is a Little Pricier than Competition
 
Ford F-150 Pickup Truck Quick Look
Ford F-150 Pros- Great Towing and Payload Capacities
- Classic F-150 Look
- Generous Array of Technology and Safety Features
Ford F-150 Cons
- Re-Designed Back in 2014
- Rough Ride with Unladen Bed
- Base Engine Can't Compete with a HEMI
RAM 1500 Tradesman | VS | Ford F-150 XL |
| 410 lb-ft | Torque | 265 lb-ft |
| 5.7L V8 HEMI | Engine | 3.3L Ti-VCT V6Â |
| 395HP | Horsepower | 290HP |
| 5 yr/60,000 mi | Power-train Warranty | 5 yr/60,000 mi |
| 11,610 lbs | Max Towing Capacity | 7,700 lbs |
| 2,100 lbs | Payload Capacity | 1,990 lbs |
Design
RAM 1500 is fully re-designed to be 225 pounds lighter without sacrificing towing and payload capacity. Additionally, the new 1500 includes more legroom in the rear seats and the cabin is more insulated to maintain a quiet, comfortable ride. While Ford F-150 sticks to its classic look that is highlighted by its wide stance, imposing grill, and large side mirrors, it lacks anything new from its predecessors.ÂThis isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially because consumers
are expecting a certain look and feel for the F-150. The only downside by
sticking to this traditional formula is that the possibility of introducing new
design elements like what we see in the new 1500 isn't even an option.
Ultimately, the newly designed RAM 1500 does a perfect job of building on
an already strong truck while giving customers more than enough reason
to justify upgrading to the new model.
Performance
When it comes to the performance capabilities of the RAM 1500 and Ford F-150, you can't go wrong. Both trucks are offer powerful capability and are competent enough to handle the tough jobs or rural terrain with ease. Standard in the 1500 is a Hemi V8 engine with an accompanying 8-speed automatic transmission to provide a smooth drive. The Ford F-150 has a weaker 3.3-liter V6 engine standard, but there are plenty of trims available that pack a more powerful punch. The options to customize the powertrain of the F-150 are really nice but it does come at an additional cost. Regardless of which truck you pick, the 1500 and F-150 are both more than capable of getting the job done.RAM 1500 Vs Ford F-150 Interior
Technology
Some of the key technology features that come standard in the RAM 1500 include a large infotainment screen, push-to-start button, and auxiliary input. From there, you can elect to include handy features like the available 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless device charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and a choice between an 8.4-inch touch-screen display or a vertical 12-inch display. The Ford F-150 comes with significantly less standard features so you have to look at the higher-level trims if you want to enjoy accommodations like automatic climate control and USB imports. Ultimately, you can outfit each truck with a suite of helpful tech; the RAM 1500 simply offers more at the base level.
Safety
RAM and Ford both take safety seriously and that is apparent in the 1500 and F-150. Both full-sized trucks offer a suite of available safety features like lane departure warning, smart cruise control, and a 360-degree surround view camera. Both vehicles received high ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in crash prevention and collision tests. Since these trucks are each built with a high-strength steel chassis, you can't go wrong with either one. Regardless if you plan to drive on the highway or to a construction site, you can feel safe behind the wheel of the RAM 1500 and Ford F-150. Select driver assist features are optional on both vehicles as well.ÂWhich Truck Are You Going With?
While both pickups are great, only one was named the 2019 Motor Trend Truck of the Year - the RAM 1500. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a new pickup but the awards don't stop there. Consumer Guide Automotive appointed the RAM 1500 as a "Best Buy" for the eighth consecutive year, continuing a tradition of sustained excellence. And the Detroit Auto Show named the RAM 1500 "Best In Show" considering the new design has "made a great truck even better." Get started right now by shopping the selection of new RAM1500 models available at River Oaks CDJR. You are welcome to visit any time during normal business hours to take one for a test drive.Get a Quote or Test-Drive the New RAM 1500
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*The 2019 RAM 1500 Pickup Truck was awarded Motor Trend's Truck of the Year award. For additional details visit https://www.motortrend.com/awards/best-truck-of-the-year/
**Estimated HWY MPG Rating is provided by the official U.S. government source for fuel economy information. For more information about the RAM 1500's Fuel-Efficiency please visit https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=40397. For more information about the 2019 Ford F-150's fuel-efficiency please visit https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=41017
Dealer not responsible for typographical errors. Pictures are for illustration purposes only. All vehicles subject to prior sales. See dealer for details. MSRP may not be price at which vehicle is sold in trade area. New car prices include applicable manufacturer incentives in lieu of special financing. Plus tax, title, license & $347.26 doc fee. New vehicle MPGs are EPA’s estimated highway MPG’s. See dealer for copy of limited warranty. Used car prices plus tax, title, license & $347.26 doc fee. Used car MPG claims are based on EPA estimated city and highway ratings when vehicle was new. Consumers actual mileage will vary. The value of used vehicles varies with mileage, usage and condition. Book values should be considered estimates only.
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