Compare the2023 Ford F-150VS 2023 Ram 1500 Classic

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Payload and Towing
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The F-150 has standard Pre-Collision Assist, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The F-150 has standard Post Collision Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The F-150 offers optional Reverse Brake Assist that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the F-150 4x4’s optional Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The Ford F-150 has Daytime Running Lights to help keep it more visible under all conditions. Canadian government studies show that driving with lights during the day reduces accidents by 11% by making vehicles more conspicuous. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer Daytime Running Lights.

The F-150’s optional lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The F-150 (except XL) offers an optional 360-Degree Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Ram 1500 Classic only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the F-150’s optional Cross Traffic Alert uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side and Cross Traffic Braking automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

The F-150’s optional driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the F-150 and the Ram 1500 Classic have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, rearview cameras, available four-wheel drive and blind spot warning systems.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Ford F-150 is safer than the Ram 1500 Classic:

	F-150	Ram 1500 Classic
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Stress	300 lbs.	353 lbs.
Neck Compression	27 lbs.	33 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	25/46 lbs.	751/404 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.4 inches
Neck Injury Risk	28%	44%
Neck Stress	152 lbs.	224 lbs.
Neck Compression	65 lbs.	93 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	104/35 lbs.	597/346 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Ford F-150 SuperCrew is safer than the Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab:

	F-150	1500 Classic
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Restraints	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Head Neck Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Head injury index	116	139
Peak Head Forces	0 G’s	0 G’s
Steering Column Movement Rearward	3 cm	27 cm
Chest Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Max Chest Compression	22 cm	26 cm
Hip & Thigh Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Hip & Thigh Injury Risk R/L	0%/0%	2%/0%
Lower Leg Evaluation	ACCEPTABLE	POOR
Tibia index R/L	.75/.64	1.33/.59

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Ford F-150 is safer than the Ram 1500 Classic:

	F-150	Ram 1500 Classic
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.8 inches	1 inches
Hip Force	142 lbs.	192 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	24 inches
HIC	257	483
Spine Acceleration	39 G’s	48 G’s
Hip Force	432 lbs.	681 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) performs roof strength tests. In that test the F-150 earned the top rating of “Good” because its roof supported over four times the F-150’s weight before being crushed five inches. The Ram 1500 Classic was rated two rankings lower at “Marginal.”

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the F-150 the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2022, a rating granted to only 174 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Ram 1500 Classic is not a “Top Safety Pick.”

Warranty

There are over 24 percent more Ford dealers than there are Ram dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the F-150’s warranty.

Reliability

For smoother operation, better efficiency and fewer moving parts, the engines in the F-150 have an overhead cam design, rather than the old pushrod design of the 5.7 V8 in the Ram 1500 Classic.

The F-150 has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the F-150 third among large light duty pickups in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Ram 1500 Classic isn’t in the top three.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Ram vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ford above average in initial quality. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ram is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Ford vehicles are more reliable than Ram vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ford above average in long-term dependability. With 4 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Ram is rated below average.

Engine

The F-150 has more powerful engines than the Ram 1500 Classic:

	Horsepower	Torque
F-150 2.7 turbo V6	325 HP	400 lbs.-ft.
F-150 5.0 DOHC V8	400 HP	410 lbs.-ft.
F-150 3.5 turbo V6	400 HP	500 lbs.-ft.
F-150 3.5 turbo V6 hybrid	430 HP	570 lbs.-ft.
Ram 1500 Classic 3.6 DOHC V6	305 HP	269 lbs.-ft.
Ram 1500 Classic 5.7 V8	395 HP	410 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Ford F-150 turbo V6 is faster than the Ram 1500 Classic V8:

	F-150	1500 Classic
Zero to 60 MPH	6.7 sec	7.1 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	4.2 sec	4.7 sec
Quarter Mile	15.2 sec	15.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	96 MPH	93.8 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the F-150 gets better mileage than the Ram 1500 Classic:

			MPG
F-150
	RWD	3.5 turbo V6 Hybrid	25 city/25 hwy
		2.7 turbo V6	20 city/26 hwy
		3.3 DOHC V6	19 city/24 hwy
		3.5 turbo V6	18 city/24 hwy
		5.0 V8	17 city/24 hwy
	AWD	3.5 turbo V6 Hybrid	23 city/23 hwy
		2.7 turbo V6	18 city/25 hwy
		3.3 DOHC V6	19 city/22 hwy
		3.5 turbo V6	18 city/23 hwy
		5.0 V8	17 city/22 hwy
		Tremor 3.5 turbo V6	16 city/20 hwy
Ram 1500 Classic
	RWD	3.6 DOHC V6	17 city/25 hwy
		5.7 OHV V8	15 city/21 hwy
	AWD	3.6 DOHC V6	16 city/23 hwy
		5.7 OHV V8	15 city/20 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the F-150 PowerBoost’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the F-150’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip (not available PowerBoost). The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The F-150’s optional fuel tank has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Ram 1500 Classic’s optional fuel tank (36 vs. 32 gallons).

The F-150 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Transmission

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Ford F-150, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Ram 1500 Classic.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the F-150’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Ram 1500 Classic:

	F-150	1500 Classic
Front Rotors	13.8 inches	13.2 inches

The F-150 stops much shorter than the Ram 1500 Classic:

	F-150	Ram 1500 Classic
70 to 0 MPH	191 feet	199 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	126 feet	138 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	143 feet	154 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

The F-150 Limited’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Ram 1500 Classic’s optional 60 series tires.

For better load carrying, ride, handling and brake cooling the F-150 Limited has standard 22-inch wheels. The Ram 1500 Classic’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The Ford F-150’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Ram 1500 Classic only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

The F-150 has a standard full size spare so a flat doesn’t interrupt your work or a trip. A full size spare costs extra on the Ram 1500 Classic. Without the option you must depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

Suspension and Handling

The F-150 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Ram 1500 Classic’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the F-150’s wheelbase is longer than on the Ram 1500 Classic:

	F-150	Ram 1500 Classic
Regular Cab Standard Bed	122.8 inches	120.5 inches
Extended Cab Standard Bed	145.4 inches	140.5 inches
Extended Cab Long Bed	164.1 inches	n/a
Crew Cab Short Bed	145.4 inches	140.5 inches
Crew Cab Standard Bed	157.2 inches	149.4 inches

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the F-150 is .1 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Ram 1500 Classic.

The F-150 5.5-foot XLT SuperCrew 4x4 handles at .76 G’s, while the Ram 1500 Classic short bed Crew Cab 4x4 pulls only .69 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The F-150 5.5-foot XLT SuperCrew 4x4 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.1 seconds quicker than the Ram 1500 Classic short bed Crew Cab 4x4 (28 seconds @ .62 average G’s vs. 29.1 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the F-150 8-foot SuperCab has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Ram 1500 Classic standard bed Regular Cab (8.7 vs. 8.6 inches), allowing the F-150 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The Ford F-150 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 500 pounds less than the Ram 1500 Classic.

The F-150 8-foot Regular Cab is 3.3 inches shorter than the Ram 1500 Classic long bed Regular Cab, making the F-150 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the F-150 5.5-foot Lariat SuperCrew 4x4 is quieter than the Ram 1500 Classic short bed Crew Cab 4x4:

	F-150	1500 Classic
At idle	40 dB	41 dB
Full-Throttle	72 dB	73 dB
70 MPH Cruising	64 dB	68 dB

Passenger Space

The F-150 Regular Cab has .9 inches more front headroom, 2.9 inches more front legroom and .7 inches more front shoulder room than the Ram 1500 Classic Regular Cab.

The F-150 SuperCab has 2.9 inches more front legroom, .7 inches more front shoulder room, .6 inches more rear headroom and .4 inches more rear shoulder room than the Ram 1500 Classic Quad Cab.

The F-150 SuperCrew has 2.9 inches more front legroom, .7 inches more front shoulder room, .5 inches more rear headroom, 3.3 inches more rear legroom and .3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab.

Cargo Capacity

The F-150 shortbed has a much larger cargo box than the Ram 1500 Classic Regular Cab shortbed (62.3 vs. 57.5 cubic feet). The F-150 Regular Cab longbed has a much larger cargo box than the Ram 1500 Classic Regular Cab longbed (77.4 vs. 74.7 cubic feet).

The F-150 SuperCrew shortbed has a much larger cargo box than the Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab shortbed (52.8 vs. 50.3 cubic feet). The F-150 SuperCrew longbed has a much larger cargo box than the Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab longbed (62.3 vs. 57.5 cubic feet).

A low lift-over bed design makes loading and unloading the F-150 easier. The F-150 Regular Cab’s bed lift-over height is 34.7 inches, while the Ram 1500 Classic Regular Cab’s liftover is 34.8 inches. The F-150 SuperCab’s bed lift-over height is 34.1 inches, while the Ram 1500 Classic Quad Cab’s liftover is 34.6 inches. The F-150 SuperCrew’s bed lift-over height is 34 inches, while the Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab’s liftover is 34.6 inches.

A standard locking glovebox and optional locking center console keeps your small valuables safer in the F-150. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the F-150 (except XL/XLT) offers an optional power cargo door, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a power cargo door.

Payload and Towing

The F-150’s minimum standard towing capacity is much higher than the Ram 1500 Classic’s (5000 vs. 4350 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Ram 1500 Classic Regular Cab is only 10620 pounds. The F-150 SuperCab offers up to a 14,000 lbs. towing capacity.

The F-150 has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Ram 1500 Classic:

	F-150	Ram 1500 Classic
Crew Cab 150	1785 lbs.	1610 lbs.
Regular Cab 150 4x4	1775 lbs.	1580 lbs.
Extended Cab 150 4x4	1880 lbs.	1740 lbs.
Crew Cab 150 4x4	1765 lbs.	1430 lbs.

The F-150 has much higher optional payload capacities than the Ram 1500 Classic:

	F-150	Ram 1500 Classic
Regular Cab 150	3325 lbs.	1910 lbs.
Extended Cab 150	3010 lbs.	1930 lbs.
Crew Cab 150	2900 lbs.	1870 lbs.
Regular Cab 150 4x4	3050 lbs.	1710 lbs.
Extended Cab 150 4x4	2765 lbs.	1740 lbs.
Crew Cab 150 4x4	2650 lbs.	1560 lbs.

Ergonomics

To help each driver find a more comfortable driving position, the F-150 offers a telescoping steering wheel. Much better than just a tilt steering wheel or adjustable seat, this allows a short driver to sit further from the steering wheel while maintaining contact with the pedals. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a telescoping steering wheel.

When three different drivers share the F-150 Lariat/King Ranch/Platinum/Limited, the memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position (with optional power wheel adjuster), foot pedal distance and outside mirror angle. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a memory system.

The F-150 Lariat/King Ranch/Platinum/Limited’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The F-150’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Ram 1500 Classic’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The F-150’s standard power locks allow the driver or passenger to lock or unlock all the doors at a touch without leaning over. Power locks cost extra on the Ram 1500 Classic.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the F-150’s available exterior PIN entry system. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its extra cost 9-1-1 Call can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

Intelligent Access optional on the F-150 (except XL) allows you to unlock the driver’s door, tailgate and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before loading cargo, getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The Ram 1500 Classic’s available Keyless Enter ‘n Go doesn’t unlock the tailgate.

The F-150’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Ram 1500 Classic’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The F-150’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Ram 1500 Classic’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted. The F-150’s optional wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield.

The F-150’s optional LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Ram 1500 Classic’s halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

Consumer Reports rated the F-150’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Ram 1500 Classic’s headlights, which were rated “Good.”

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The F-150’s available headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Ram 1500 Classic’s headlights are rated “Marginal.”

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the F-150 detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the F-150 offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer cornering lights. The F-150 (except XL) also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

Both the F-150 and the Ram 1500 Classic offer available heated front seats. The F-150 SuperCrew also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Ram 1500 Classic.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the F-150 (except XL/XLT) keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The F-150 (except XL/XLT/Lariat) offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Ram 1500 Classic.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the F-150 (except XL) offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Ford F-150 (except XL/XLT) offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The F-150 offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The F-150 (except XL/XLT)’s optional Park Assist can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the F-150 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the F-150 will cost $775 less than the Ram 1500 Classic over a five-year period.

Recommendations

J.D. Power and Associates rated the F-150 second among large light duty pickups in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Ram 1500 Classic isn’t in the top three.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the F-150 as the 2021 North American Truck of the Year. The 1500 was last chosen in 2019.

The Ford F-Series outsold the Ram Pickup by 40% during 2022.