Like many shoppers of half-ton pickup trucks, you may find yourself facing the Ram vs. Ford dilemma. For the 2024 model year, the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 are once again expected to be among the best-selling models in the full-size truck segment, and for good reason. These two pickups are excellent all-rounders that impress in almost every department, from work capability to cabin comfort. This can make it difficult to choose between them. Check out this detailed Ram 1500 vs. F-150 comparison to find out which of the two trucks is a better match for you.
Performance
If you decide to buy the 2024 Ram 1500, you have three engines to choose from. Most models are equipped with a standard 3.6-liter V-6 with 305 horsepower or an optional 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 rated at 395 horsepower. These two engines have a 48-volt hybrid system, but the V-8 is available without the electric support.
If you enjoy spirited driving or need a lot of power to tackle extreme terrain, opt for the Ram 1500 TRX. This model comes with a beastly supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 that cranks out a whopping 702 horsepower. That’s enough for a blistering sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. All three engines work with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2024 Ford F-150 offers four gasoline engine options, ranging from the base 325-horsepower 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 to a supercharged 700-horsepower 5.2-liter V-8 that powers the Raptor R. There’s also a 400-horsepower hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 with an electric motor. According to Ford, the Raptor R can reach 60 mph from a standstill in a mind-blowing 3.6 seconds. A 10-speed automatic is the only transmission available across the board.
Although it isn’t as quick as its Ford rival, the Ram 1500 is the clear winner when it comes to handling. With its well-tuned suspension, this truck delivers a super-smooth ride even when moving over uneven surfaces. Despite its size and weight, it’s a breeze to drive and demonstrates great composure around turns. The F-150 is also easy to maneuver and feels well planted, but its ride quality isn’t as refined as the Ram’s.
Towing and Hauling Capacity
Whether you need to transport construction materials or outdoor recreational equipment, you won’t go wrong with either the Ram 1500 or Ford F-150. As the most capable workhorses in the full-size truck segment, these two pickups can handle just about any job you throw at them. The F-150 can pull up to 13,500 pounds and haul up to 2,455 pounds, which are both class-leading figures. The Ram isn’t far behind with its towing capacity of 13,000 pounds and a payload rating of 2,320 pounds.
Interior
The interior is an area where the 2024 Ram 1500 sets itself apart from its competitors. This pickup features a handsome and refined cabin that’s remarkably well built and uses an abundance of premium materials. Even the lower trims have a lot of nice touches, while the higher-end models boast upscale appointments and excellent sound insulation that give the vehicles a luxury feel. Additionally, the Ram offers spacious and well-cushioned seats to keep you and your passengers comfortable on long trips. Both the front and rear seats have ample legroom and headroom for adults to stretch out.
The cabin of the 2024 Ford F-150 isn’t as impressive as the Ram’s, but it nonetheless feels well put together. The entry-level model seems a little spartan, but you’ll find higher-quality materials as you move up the trim ladder. Similar to its rival, the F-150 provides generous legroom in both rows of seats.
Technology
New vehicles are equipped with advanced infotainment and driver-assistance features for a safe and enjoyable ride, and the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 are no different. However, the Ford comes out on top in this department. Every F-150 model features a large 12-inch infotainment touch-screen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Furthermore, the truck has a solid list of standard driver aids, including automated emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, and forward collision alert.
The base trim of the Ram 1500 offers a 5-inch touch-screen display, whereas the other models can be fitted with either an 8.4-inch or 12-inch display. The two larger screens come with multiple USB ports, smartphone connectivity, and navigation. Unfortunately, this Ram truck doesn’t offer any active safety systems as standard, but you can step up to a higher trim to gain access to available features such as forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Trim Levels and Prices
The 2024 Ram 1500 comes in eight trim levels to suit the needs of different truck buyers: the base Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Big Horn, Laramie, the off-road-oriented Rebel, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and the high-performance TRX. The Tradesman has a starting MSRP of $39,420, while the TRX costs at least $96,585. If you want to get a good deal on a 2024 Ram 1500, check out the financial incentives we offer at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (CJDR) Lewisville for new vehicle purchases.
Buyers of the 2024 Ford F-150 also have a wide range of variants to choose from. The Ford’s nine-trim lineup comprises the XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and the adventure-ready Tremor, Raptor, and Raptor R. With a base MSRP of $36,570, the XL is more affordable than the Ram’s entry-level model. However, the top-spec Raptor R is significantly more expensive than the TRX, costing a staggering $111,550 after including the destination charge.
Test-Drive the 2024 Ram 1500 Today
Although the Ford F-150 seems to be a stronger workhorse, the Ram 1500 has the upper hand in other areas that may make it a more practical truck, such as ride comfort and interior quality. To make the right choice, you’ll need to consider your transportation needs and lifestyle. If you live in Lewisville, Texas, and want to check out the 2024 Ram 1500 in person, come on down to Huffines CJDR Lewisville. We can give you a tour of our Ram inventory and set you up for a test drive. Contact us today to make an appointment.