Comparing the Two Most Popular Full-Size Trucks

The 2021 RAM 1500 and 2021 Ford F-150 are two of the most popular full-size pickup trucks in the market today. Both have respectable towing and payload, but they also come with numerous high-tech and luxurious comfort features. While both are good buys, comparing the 2021 RAM 1500 vs. 2021 Ford F-150 reveals significant differences.

Capability and Performance

Looking under the hoods of the Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500, it’s easy to see why both vehicles are top sellers. The 2021 RAM 1500 comes standard with a 3.6L V6 that delivers 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, while the 2021 Ford F-150 comes standard with a 3.3L V6 with 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.

Both vehicles come with several engine options, including turbocharged engines and eco-friend hybrid choices. The RAM 1500 has the optional, powerful V8 Hemi with 395 horsepower, and the F-150 has a hybrid powertrain that delivers up to 400 horsepower. Both trucks come standard with rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. Some of the trims have standard all-wheel drive.

Drivers who want either model have several trims and powertrains. Ford and RAM offer rugged, luxurious, and sporty models all with the ability to tow up to 14,000 pounds. Depending on the trim, the RAM can tow between 6,150 and 12,750 pounds. The F-150 can tow between 8,200 and 13,000 pounds.

Rugged, Sporty, and Luxurious Trims

Drivers who want a spacious vehicle with power and technology are turning to pickup trucks like the 2021 RAM 1500 and 2021 Ford F-150. Both trucks have several trim levels, with prices that start around $30,000. The entry-level trims are designed for people who need a sturdy vehicle with easy-to-clean upholstery, safety features, and minimal technology.

Popular trims on the RAM 1500 include the rugged Big Horn with comfortable seating for six and the necessary interior tech features. Drivers who want leather seating, front bucket seats, and a 10-speaker premium sound system can choose the luxurious Laramie trim. The Rebel and TRX trims are built for drivers who want the most horsepower and sporty styling, while the Limited Longhorn and Limited are loaded with luxurious features and rugged styling.

The F-150 comes in more trim levels. The base XL has two doors and minimal features, while the XLT has upgrades like a stylish grille and comfortable cloth seats.

The Lariat trim is the first with leather, heated seats. The King Ranch has rugged styling, while the Platinum and Limited add more luxury features. Drivers who want power should look to the Tremor and Raptor trims, which both come with sporty styling and outstanding powertrain upgrades.

Safety Features Vary Based on the Trim

Depending on the trim, the driver-assistive features on the 2021 RAM 1500 vs. 2021 Ford F-150 vary dramatically. All trims come with safety features like airbags, traction control, and stability control. The entry models have very few standard driver-assistive features, and the popular choices start showing up as standard features on the Ford F-150 Lariat and the RAM 1500 Laramie. Both trucks were named Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Standard safety features on the mid to upper-level RAM 1500 trims include Forward Collision Mitigation, Predictive Brake Assist, and LED headlights. On the F-150, the safety features start with a Rearview Camera with Dynamic Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision Assist, and LED headlights. The Limited trims on both the RAM 1500 and Ford F-150 come with features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Front and Rear Parking Sensors.

Information and Entertainment Choices

Both models come with popular infotainment technology. Both come with Bluetooth and voice recognition systems and six-speaker sound systems with USB ports.

RAM 1500 comes with a 12-inch touchscreen with the UConnect system that includes Apple CarPlay^® and Android™ Auto. It has available 4C Navigation with pinch-and-zoom technology. The latest RAM 1500 also has over-the-air updates for navigation and other tech features.

The F-150 has an 8-inch infotainment screen with the Ford SYNC^® 4 with Apple CarPlay^® and Android™ Auto. It also comes with the FordPass Connect WiFi Hotspot. Buyers can upgrade to a 12-inch touchscreen and premium B&O^® Sound System.

The RAM has an available head-up display, while the F-150 has available Pro Power Onboard for drivers who need to use their trucks as portable generators. Both have noteworthy center consoles with room for all types of gear and goodies.

See the Award-Winning Ram 1500 at Crown CDJR of Cleveland

The verdict is in: the 2021 RAM 1500 is the top full-size truck. With the most luxurious interior in its class and plenty of power from the various engines and drivetrains, it’s easy to see why drivers who looked closely at the 2021 RAM 1500 vs. 2021 Ford F-150 chose the RAM. While both offer attractive styling and plenty of features, the RAM offers more and at a better price point.

We invite you to visit our showroom and sales team at Crown CDJR of Cleveland to see the RAM 1500 and take your choice of trims for a test drive. We’re confident you’ll appreciate the power, sporty luxury, and durability of the award-winning 2021 RAM 1500.