Ford F-150 vs. Dodge Ram 1500 Review

Utility
Both F-150 and Ram 1500 full-size pickups are loaded with different cab/bed configurations; the F-150 alone has 10 trim levels and three cab styles. Both F-150 and Ram 1500 two-door base models have seating for three occupants. Interior dimensions are very similar, but on the outside, the F-150 is longer and taller and has a longer wheelbase (126 inches) than the Ram 1500 (120.5); The F-150 also features best-in-class towing capability with a maximum of 11,300 pounds compared to the Ram 1500's 10,200 pounds. The F-150 also offers best-in-class payload capacity at 3,030 pounds compared to the Ram 1500's 1,780 pounds. The F-150 also features more total passenger volume at 131 cubic feet compared to 116 cubic feet in the Ram 1500. In the F-150, the backseat flips up to offer 57.6 cubic feet of cargo volume and a hinging rear step pulls out of the tailgate to allow easier entry into the truck bed. The Ram 1500's RamBox, available only on the crew cab, features integrated, lockable storage boxes on each side of the bed that can hold up to 240 12-ounce beverage cans.

Performance
Both trucks are available in two- and four-wheel-drive configurations. The F-150 is equipped with three V-8 engine options: a 248-horsepower, 4.6-liter; a 292-horsepower, 4.6-liter; and a 310-horsepower, 5.4-liter flex-fuel, each coupled to either a four-speed automatic or six-speed automatic. The Ram 1500 also offers three engine choices, but only two V-8 options. They include a 215-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-; a 310-horsepower, 4.7-liter flex-fuel V-8; and a 390-horsepower, 5.7-liter V-8, each mated to either a four-speed automatic with auto-manual shift, five-speed multi-speed automatic, or five-speed multi-speed automatic with auto-manual shift.

Fuel Economy
Full-size trucks aren't exactly known for their fuel efficiency, but the F-150 and Ram 1500 are dead even with EPA estimated fuel economy ratings at 14-15 mpg in the city and 18-20 mpg on the highway. If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, both trucks emit 11.4 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.

Technology
Both the F-150 and Ram 1500 are loaded with standard and available technology. The F-150 features a reverse-sensing and backup camera, a capless fuel-filler system, premium leather seating, a telescoping tow mirror, running boards, an integrated trailer brake controller, Ford's Sync voice-activated multimedia system is available with 911 Assist, navigation system uses an 8-inch touch-screen that can show real-time traffic and gas prices and Sirius Satellite Radio. The Ram adds power-adjustable pedals, heated rear seats and a power-sliding rear window.

Safety
Both trucks are loaded with standard safety features. The F-150 includes front airbags, side curtain airbags to protect front and backseat occupants, antilock brakes, and an electronic stability system with traction control and roll stability control, which uses a sensor to detect the start of a rollover and attempts to counter it, new head restraints and new seats designed to help keep passengers properly positioned. The Ram 1500 adds trailer-sway control, hill start assist and brake assist. The F-150 earns five stars from the NTSA in all crash tests but rollover resistance, while the Ram 1500 also gets five stars except for rollover resistance; however, it has not yet been tested in side rear seat and front seat impacts.

Other
For 2010, the F-150 sees the return of the FX2 and Harley-Davidson edition pickups and the introduction of the all-new SVT Raptor model. Since the redesigned F-150 went on sale, the half-ton pickup has earned numerous awards and recognition, including PickupTrucks.com's Best Overall Light-Duty Pickup. The 2010 Ram 1500 receives a boost in towing and can now pull up to 10,450 pounds. Along with the trailer-towing increase, the Ram also adds optional folding trailer-towing mirrors and an optional integrated trailer-brake controller. Other notable changes included improved iPod connectivity and a new tire pressure monitoring system.