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Which light-duty truck is more your speed, the 2023 Ford F-150 or Ram 1500? Although both models have their perks, it’s very likely that you’ll prefer one over the other. Let’s take a look at how these trucks stack up in a side-by-side comparison.
Key Takeaways
- Compared to the Ram 1500 (starting at $37,410), the F-150 (starting at $33,695) can potentially offer you the better deal on a work truck.
- As usual, the F-150 delivers best-in-class towing and hauling capabilities, making it the right choice if you have heavy gear to transport.
- The F-150 also offers the widest range of engine options, leaving it up to you and how you want to configure your ride.
- Inside, the Ram 1500 treats you to high-quality materials and a more refined list of options, making it the more luxurious choice.
Lowest MSRP: 2023 Ford F-150
If you’re looking for the best deal on a modern work truck — or you simply want to build your fleet – the F-150 can help you out. Ford’s light-duty truck starts at $33,695. The Ram 1500, on the other hand, starts out with a higher MSRP of $37,410.
Strongest Capabilities: 2023 Ford F-150
As usual, the F-150 dominates this category, delivering best-in-class towing and hauling capabilities. Its towing capabilities vary according to which body style, powertrain, and equipment you select, but the F-150 can tow max loads of up to 14,000 pounds, a truly incredible feat. And these trucks are just as impressive when it comes to hauling capabilities. Once again, payloads vary according to equipment and body style, but the 2023 F-150 can haul 3,325 pounds!
Although the Ram 1500 is more capable than it’s ever been, it still can’t keep up with the F-150. Properly equipped, one of these light-duty Ram trucks can tow up to 12,750 pounds. Payloads reach 2,300 pounds.
Best Engine Options: 2023 Ford F-150
The F-150 offers the most engine options, serving up everything from a classic V8 to a turbocharged hybrid engine. The F-150 even offers a high-performance off-roading model, the Raptor R, that churns out an incredible 700 horsepower. If you’re looking for something a little bit thriftier, you’ll be pleased to know that the PowerBoost hybrid engine helps the F-150 earn up to 25 mpg combined (25 city/25 highway).
The 2023 Ford F-150 engine options include:
- 3.3L V6 (290 horsepower, 265 lb-ft of torque)
- Turbocharged 2.7L V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- 5.0L V8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft)
- Turbo 3.5L V6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft)
- Raptor turbo 3.5L V6 (450 hp, 510 lb-ft)
- Raptor R supercharged 5.2L V8 (700 hp, 640 lb-ft)
- PowerBoost turbo 3.5L hybrid V6 (430 hp, 570 lb-ft)
Although the 2023 Ram 1500 doesn’t offer quite as many options, it does cover most of its bases. For instance, the turbodiesel V6 offers the thriftiest ride, helping the Ram earn up to 24 mpg combined (21 city/29 highway).And the Ram also offers its own high-performance off-road model, the TRX, which comes with a supercharged V8 that makes 702 horsepower. If you’re like many truck drivers, and you want a tried-and-true V8, the Ram has one of those, too.
- 3.6L V6 (305 hp, 269 lb-ft)
- 5.7L V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft)
- 3.0L turbodiesel V6 (260 hp, 480 lb-ft)
- TRX supercharged 6.2L V8 (702 hp, 650 lb-ft)
Refined Cabin: 2023 Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is known for its interior refinement, and for good reason. As you cruise, you’ll enjoy a roomy, quiet cabin built from high-end materials. There are seven Ram 1500 trim models (Tradesman, Big Horn, Rebel, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX), and each builds on the last with more luxury features. Throughout the lineup, you’ll find available creature comforts, such as leather upholstery and heated seats.
Like the Ram, the F-150 offers both a crew cab and an extended cab, offering plenty of space for you and your loved ones. But the F-150 also offers a regular cabin, which is still one of the best ways to configure a capable work truck. Although the F-150 isn’t known for its high-end cabin materials, its eight trim models (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, Raptor, and Raptor R) also offer increasing levels of luxury. Climb the F-150 trim levels for upgrades like the twin-panel moonroof or 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Make Your Choice
The 2023 Ram 1500 is a stylish option, but the 2023 Ford F-150 is ultimately the best-in-class truck. Whether you want to create the perfect performance for your needs, tow or haul best-in-class loads, or get a great deal on a work truck, the F-150 is the right choice.