Here's how the new F-150 compares to its long-time rival on paper.
Paper Comparison
Now that the brand new, 14th generation 2021 Ford F-150 is beginning to hit dealer lots, comparison tests between the pickup and its rivals - the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra and Ram 1500 - are bound to start flowing in. While we wait on those, we thought it would be prudent to take a look at how the Ram, which brought a highly-regarded new interior to the segment, compares to the truck it's been chasing on the sales charts for decades now.
Photos: Ford
Powertrains
When it comes to powertrain choices, the F-150 certainly has the Ram covered. It's available with an N/A V6, as well as the 2.7 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost powerplants, the venerable 5.0-liter V8, a 3.0-liter diesel, and the new 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid that is the most powerful in this class. Ram, meanwhile, offers a diesel V6, gas V6, and two V8s for buyers. In terms of outright power and the number of choices, the F-150 wins this battle on paper.
Photos: FCA
>>Join the conversation about the new F-150 vs the Ram 1500 right here in the forum.
Towing and Payload
With each passing generation, truck makers seem to trump each other in terms of towing and payload capacity ratings. And that's happened once again with the 2021 F-150, which can haul up to 3,325 pounds of payload and tow up to 14,000 pounds. Meanwhile, the Ram's best payload rating is 2,300 pounds, and the pickup will tow up to 12,750 pounds at most.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the new F-150 vs the Ram 1500 right here in the forum.
Interior
The Ram raised the bar for truck interiors when it debuted a couple of years ago with cabins that present excellent build quality and premium materials, along with a giant infotainment screen. But it's clear that Ford wanted to one-up that effort with the new F-150, which takes things even further with similarly beautiful and comfortable cabins along with a new digital instrument cluster, 12-inch screen, and nifty features like the Interior Work Surface and Max Recline Seats.
Photos: FCA
>>Join the conversation about the new F-150 vs the Ram 1500 right here in the forum.
Features
Ram offers some cool features including its innovative RamBox storage bins and optional adaptive air suspension, but the new F-150 boasts a mile-long list of them. They include things like the Pro Power Onboard generator, interior and tailgate work surfaces, Max Recline Seats, and various other new features that one-up the competition - for now.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the new F-150 vs the Ram 1500 right here in the forum.
Pricing
Both of these trucks feature some of the widest pricing ranges of any vehicle, thanks to the fact that they're available in so many trim levels and configurations. The 2021 F-150 features a base MSRP of $28,940, but can be optioned up well into the $70k range. Meanwhile, the Ram starts out at $32,245 and can also be equipped to the max for a $70k+ sticker price.
Photos: FCA
>>Join the conversation about the new F-150 vs the Ram 1500 right here in the forum.
More of Everything
At the end of the day, the 2021 Ford F-150 wins this paper comparison thanks to the fact that it's priced similarly to the Ram but offers superior drivetrain choices, more towing and payload capacity, more trim levels, more configurations, more features, more power, and better fuel economy than the Ram. But if there's one thing we know about this highly competitive truck market, it's that these advantages won't last forever.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the new F-150 vs the Ram 1500 right here in the forum.
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