Starting at
Starting at
| 290 - 450 HP | Horsepower | 260 - 395 HP |
| 265 - 510 lb-ft | Torque | 269 - 480 lb-ft |
| 13,200 LBS | Maximum Fuel Efficiency | 12,750 LBS |
The Ford F-150 is not just the best selling pickup in the United States, but the best selling vehicle of any kind. Up until last year, the Chevy Silverado held the second-place position for most sold vehicles, but the 2019 Ram 1500 superseded the Silverado to take up the second spot. So if you're considering a new pickup, you're likely going to pit the all-new 2020 Ram 1500 up against the 2020 Ford F-150. Here is everything you need to know when comparing the 2020 Ford F-150 vs 2020 Ram 1500 model pickups.
The starting price point for both the 2020 Ford F-150 and 2020 Ram 1500 is similar to each other. The base Ford F-150 has an entry MSRP of $28,495, while the 2020 Ram 1500 comes with a starting MSRP of $31,895. This would put the Ford at about $3,000 less if you were to go with the base model.
As for the top-tier trim, you will find the Limited, which has a starting MSRP of $67,845. Ford does have more trims than Ram, so it is easier to find the exact make and trim type that fits your needs. This also means there are more ways for Ford to add upgraded features on the Limited, which is why it has an elevated price point. The top trim Ram 1500 also is called the Limited, with a starting MSRP of $53,665 (it is important to point out this price point comes with the base V6, so if you want to add in the V8 or the diesel you will see a significant increase in the price point).
There are a number of engine options for both pickups. The Ford F-150 has a wider range with six engines. The list starts with a 2.7L Turbo engine and a 3.3L V6 up through a 3.0L Turbo Diesel and a 5.0L V8. So if you have a specific need you'll find it covered by Ford. With Ram, it is a bit different. The Ram features a base 3.6L V6, a 3.0L EcoDiesel, and a 5.7L HEMI V8. You can customize these engines with what Ram calls eTorque. This takes the traditional alternator, which usually pulls energy off of the engine, and instead stores energy created by braking in a separate battery. This helps add some torque performance on the engines that incorporate eTorque. It is not specifically unique to Ram, though. You will find something similar to eTorque on a number of hybrid and electric vehicles. So if you see a Ram 1500 referred to as a "gas/electric" pickup, this is why.
The base Ford F-150 (XL) comes with a 3.3L V6 that produces 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. You do have the option of upgrading to a V8 if you like the XL body style (you can also opt for a turbocharged V6 as well). As for the Ram 1500, the base trim is the Tradesman. It uses a slightly larger 3.6L V6 that produces 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. You also have the option to upgrade to either a turbocharged V6 or a HEMI V8 if you want.
Unlike the Ram, Ford does offer different base engines on select trims. For example, the Platinum trim does come standard with the 5.0L V8 engine that produces 395 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. However, the top-trims, including the Limited and the Raptor, feature a High-Output V6 engine. This 3.5L V6 might be smaller than the Ram's HEMI V8, but it outperforms it with 510 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.
None of the Ram 1500 trims come standard with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 or the 5.7L HEMI V8. So, if you want these options, you will need to pay for them. The eTorque feature is also something you will need to pay more for. The 5.7L HEMI V8, with or without eTorque, offers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The main difference in the engine performance is with its towing potential. The standard V8 can tow 11,610 lbs while the eTorque feature boosts this to 12,750 lbs. The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 features 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Despite having more torque than the HEMI, it does not feature eTorque, and as such, the towing does drop to 12,560.
One of the main benefits of driving a pickup is the safety of driving higher up than others on the road. This helps put you out of harm's way in the event of an accident. With that said, both the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500 have a number of safety features to consider.
On the Ford F-150, the base model features a driver, front head, passenger, and front side airbags. If you opt for a larger cab, it will also come with rear head airbags as well. It also offers 4-wheel ABS and disc brakes, plus brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, and daytime running lights. On the Ram 1500, it comes with the same airbags and brakes, plus brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, child safety locks, and daytime running locks. You also have the option of adding on blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, and integrated turn signal mirrors.
If you were to go for the Ford F-150 Limited trim, you get all kinds of safety features. It comes with the same airbags and brakes, plus cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, traction control, adjustable pedals, electronic stability control, child safety locks, front tow hooks, brake assist, daytime running lights, and integrated turn signal mirrors. A Ford F-150 Limited is truly full-loaded and gives you all of the available safety options you would want. As for the Ram 1500 Limited trim edition, it also features the same airbags and brakes, plus many of the same safety features. However, lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning are two optional features you would need to pay additional for.
On the base Ford F-150, the pickup comes with an AM/FM stereo and WiFi hotspot. It also features optional SYNC 3 with AppleLink and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. On the base Ram 1500 Tradesman, it comes with the Chrysler Uconnect 3 system, featuring a 5-inch display, AM/FM stereo, an AUX input, and optional satellite radio. It does not have WiFi in the base package.
Now, if you went with the top of the line, Ford F-150 Limited, the pickup comes with standard AM/FM stereo, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, an upgraded B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen, SYNC 3 with AppleLink and a WiFi hotspot, plus voice-activated navigation. On the Ram 1500 Limited package, it does offer the largest touchscreen in any pickup currently at a full 12-inches with built-in navigation. It also has a 900-watt Harman Kardon Premium Audio System with 19-speakers, which again is the most in its class. It also has AM/FM stereo, HD radio, MP3 player, and WiFi hotspot.
Both the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500 deliver solid numbers and are two of the best trucks on the market. However, in nearly every category, the Ford F-150 comes out on top. While the Ram bare-bones base trim does come with a few added features over the F-150, you'll find the Ford is able to tow more (and using a smaller twin-turbo V6), it has more safety features without paying more, and while the price point may look initially higher on the top trims, once you start to really add everything up you might find Ram actually costs more. This is because to come close to what the Ford Limited F-150 provides; you would need to upgrade the engine, the safety features, and a number of other specs on the Ram 1500 Limited. Ultimately, when it all comes down to it, you'll see there is a reason why the Ford F-150 is the best-selling vehicle in the United States.
When you're looking for a new pickup, you don't want just any truck. You want something that's built to last, can tow your gear, and yet still has comfort and luxury features on the interior of the vehicle. There are a number of solid trucks out there, but nothing can touch the Ford F-150. It is the best-selling vehicle in America for nearly four decades for a reason. So if you're reading to make a move on your next truck, are interested in taking a test drive, or just want to see what all is on the lot, there's never been a better time than right now to head on out to Kings Ford in Cincinnati, Ohio.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
