The 2021 Ford F-150 has met its match in the 2021 Ram 1500, as they’re both large trucks that have been made more efficient over time. They also provide high-performance models and continue to maintain their towing and payload capacities. So, let’s compare the 2021 Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150.
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2021 Ram 1500 vs. Ford F-150 Comparison
Engine and Performance
We start by comparing the engines of the Ram 1500 and the F-150. There is only one gearbox, and it is an 8-speed that can be paired with a choice of V8s and V6s, that can be hybridized. There is also a 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel making 260hp and 480lb-ft of torque.
The 2021 F-150 also has one transmission, a 10-speed automatic. But it also gives you a choice of many engines. It starts with a 3.3-liter V6, producing 290hp and a 5.0-liter V8, making 400hp.
Then there are three turbocharged ones – a 2.7-liter V-6 giving out 325hp and a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 400hp. The 3.0-liter diesel V-6 is also a twin-turbo.
The Ford’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 is also mated to a 35kW electric motor and the same transmission to offer a hybrid powertrain for the first time in the lineup’s history.
Interior Quality and Technology
The Ram 1500 gets more luxurious as you move up the trims. You can have options such as heated and ventilated seats, plus a panoramic sunroof. The top variants even show off premium leather surfaces and genuine wood accents.
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The F-150 has been fitted with more premium materials and storage areas to compare better to the Ram 1500.
Functionality has been added with the gear lever’s folding ability to create a more extensive and flatter work area and the optional front seats that fold flat to allow you to sleep.
Space and Towing
The Ram 1500 crew cab is large and roomy, with loads of interior storage and a one-of-a-kind split-folding tailgate. You get a choice of 5’7 or a 6’4 cargo bed for the crew cab and just the latter for the quad-cab.
The Ram 1500’s maximum towing capacity is 12,750lbs, and its maximum payload capacity up to 2320lbs.
The maximum towing capacity on the F-150 is achieved with the 400hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, and the maximum payload capacity is up to 3250lbs.
The passenger space is the most in the four-door crew-cab, and there are 5’5, 6’5, and 8’0 long cargo beds available.
Safety and Fuel Economy
The NTHSA has given the Ram 1500 5-stars. Adaptive cruise control is optional on both trucks, as is a lane-departure warning with a lane-keeping assist on the F-150 and blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on the Ram 1500. The F-150 gets standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection as well.
The most efficient V6 Ram 1500 can do up to 20mpg city and 26mpg highway; 17mpg city and 23mpg highway are the most you can get out of the V8 Ram 1500. The data for the diesel-powered version is 22mpg city and 32mpg highway for the RWD version.
The EPA rating for the 2021 Ford F-150 running with the turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 goes up to 20mpg city and 26mpg highway. The hybrid F-150 can do 700miles in range, according to Ford.
Price and Warranty
The Ram and the F-150 are similarly priced if we compare their starting trims, but then the F-150 gets super-pricey. The Ram Tradesman costs $30,395, and the top-of-the-line Ram 1500 Limited begins at $58,095.
Prices for the F-150 start at $30,635 for the XL and go up to a whopping starting price of $72,530 for the F-150 Limited.
The Ram and the F-150 have similar warranties, with the Limited warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles and the Powertrain warranty covering five years or 60,000 miles.
2021 Ram 1500 vs. Ford F-150 : Our Verdict
The Ram 1500 wins. After comparing them, the F-150 has more standard safety equipment, larger towing and payload capacities, and a better hybrid. Still, Ram’s low price, higher luxury, and performance get it the edge here.
Max Anthony
Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.
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