2021 Ford F-150 vs 2021 Ram 1500

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  • 2021 Ford F-150

    A silver 2021 Ford F-150 Platinum is angled left.

    Starting at

    $28,940

    2021 Ram 1500

    A white 2021 Ram 1500 Tradesman is angled right.

    Starting at

    $32,245

    14,000Max Towing (lbs)12,750
    3,325Max Payload (lbs)2,300
    240Power Generation (volts)115

    Start your engines; it's time for a little healthy competition! Ford made big promises about the all-new 2021 F-150, guaranteeing it would be the most productive and powerful truck in the lineup yet. But the big question is - did Ford deliver? In this face-off between the 2021 Ford F-150 vs 2021 Ram 1500, you will see there's no question that Ford kept its promise to design the most powerful and toughest workhorse ever built.

    The 2021 Ford F-150 has it all, from power and capability to innovative technology and advanced safety features. Designed to tackle any job with ease, the F-150 offers best-in-class towing of up to 14,000 lbs, and its turbocharged EcoBoost engine delivers an outstanding 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. This easily overwhelms the Ram 1500's naturally aspirated V8 engine, which produces 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque.

    What's even more impressive is that the 2021 F-150 delivers the power and capability as well as its many features without an astronomical price tag. With a starting MSRP of $28,940, the F-150 is one of the most affordable light-duty trucks on the market. This is especially true when compared to the 2021 Ram 1500, which starts at $32,245 and offers less power and fewer features. But how else do the models compare? Here's how the 2021 Ford F-150 outperforms its biggest competitor, the 2021 Ram 1500.

  • Performance

    A red 2021 Ford F-150 is speeding down a hill after winning the 2021 Ford F-150 vs 2021 Ram 1500 face-off.The Ford F-150 engine lineup is far more diverse than that of the Ram 1500, with Ford even offering an incredible all-new 3.5-liter Powerboost Full Hybrid V6 engine that delivers an impressive 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. This power results in a maximum towing capability of 12,700 lbs and a maximum payload rating of 2,120 lbs, which was previously unheard of for a hybrid.

    For drivers looking for something more traditional, Ford offers a 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine that has a maximum towing capability of 12,100 lbs. Designed for the long haul, this diesel engine is easy to maintain and incredibly powerful, delivering 440 lb-ft of torque and 250 hp. Next in the powertrain lineup is the non-hybrid 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque for a best-in-class tow rating of 14,000 lbs.

    Ford offers another turbocharged V6 option with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that's engineered with Ford's port-fuel and direct-injection system to make it powerful and efficient, producing 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Next up is the base 3.3-liter naturally-aspirated V6 that offers less power but steady performance, delivering 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. Fortunately, Ford doesn't stop with the V6 for naturally-aspirated offerings and also gives drivers a beefy 5.0-liter V8 engine paired with a 10-speed transmission. The V8 delivers 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque with a best-in-class maximum payload of 3,325 lbs.

    Ram Engine Options

    Ram's engine lineup isn't nearly as diverse and starts with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 that delivers 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque with a maximum towing capacity of 12,560 lbs. The Ram's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with eTorque features advanced technology but doesn't match the F-150's powertrain options. The eTorque engine delivers 305 hp, 269 lb-ft of torque, and a maximum towing capacity of just 7,730 lbs.

    Like Ford, Ram doesn't stop at the V6 engine and offers drivers a 5.7-liter V8. This engine offers a maximum towing capacity of 11,610 lbs, which pales in comparison to the F-150, as does its 395 horsepower and torque rating of 410 lb-ft. Last in the powertrain lineup is the 5.7-liter V8 engine with eTorque, which delivers the same torque and horsepower as its sibling. However, the addition of the eTorque's simple mild-hybrid technology boosts the engine's maximum towing capability to 12,750 lbs.

  • Technology

    A close up shows a man looking at blueprints on a tablet while sitting in a 2021 Ford F-150.The 2021 Ford F-150 and the 2021 Ram 1500 are both packed with innovative technology like the available 12-in touchscreen display that serves as the hub of connectivity in each model. However, Ford takes the technology a step further by transforming the F-150 into a mobile office. This means that drivers not only rely on the F-150 as a powerful workhorse, but they also reap the benefits of its comfortable and intuitive interior that helps them be more productive and get the job done.

    Ford F-150 Features

    While both trucks offer a 12-inch touch screen, the new 2021 F-150 comes with Ford's latest generation of its SYNC infotainment technology. SYNC 4 includes enhanced voice recognition, cloud-based connectivity, seamless smartphone integration, and air updates for future improvements. The FordPass app puts drivers in control of the truck by giving them access to remote features like stopping and starting, locking and unlocking the doors, locating the truck, and checking diagnostics. But that's only the beginning!

    The F-150 offers selectable zone lighting that enables drivers to illuminate the area around the F-150 to make working in dark conditions easier. The lights can be controlled through the FordPass app making this an even more convenient feature to use. The interior of the F-150 also features a flat surface that transforms the center console into a table ideal for setting up a mobile workstation. Speaking of a workstation, the F-150 truly raises the bar by enabling the hybrid version to work as a 7.2 kW 240-volt mobile generator that can power everything from tools to televisions. Now that's innovative!

    Ram 1500 Features

    When comparing the F-150's tech and comfort features to the Ram 1500, there's no question that the older Ram 1500 falls behind despite its many features. The 2021 Ram 1500 includes an optional head-up display to give drivers an immediate view of stats like speed, incoming calls, and navigation. The model also features a digital rearview mirror that displays a clear image of the rear of the truck rather than using the 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen. Because of this, the Uconnect touchscreen can be solely dedicated to connectivity, with drivers able to customize the home screen, sync their smartphones, and plan their routes.

    But while the Ram offers plenty of tech and comfort, it pales in comparison to the Ford F-150, especially since the F-150 offers a number of unique features not found in any other truck. Advantages such as the F-150's exterior lighting that enables drivers to work around the clock as needed are huge for a truck designed to serve as a capable workhorse.

  • Safety

    A close up shows the blind spot monitoring icon illuminated on a 2021 Ford F-150.Both Ford and Ram provide the most advanced safety and security on their vehicles, which is exactly what we find on the 2021 F-150 and the 2021 Ram 1500. The XL or base-model F-150 comes standard with a Rear View Camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist as well as security features like the SOS Post-Crash Alert System, a spare tire and wheel lock, and a passive anti-theft system that works behind the scenes.

    The truck also includes Roll Stability Control, which corrects the vehicle in the event the driver takes a corner too quickly or is forced to swerve to avoid a collision.

    Optional upgrades include Ford's exclusive Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Tow Coverage, which gives drivers greater peace of mind when hauling heavy loads by monitoring the blind spots around the truck and trailer. The F-150 Limited, which is the highest-level trim package, offers these features as well as Intersection Assist and the Active Drive Assist Prep Kit. The Limited is also equipped with an extensive security system, including remote keyless entry and remote start.

    Safety Comparison

    The Ram 1500 includes similar but more limited safety and security features depending on the trim and options. Available features include Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Pedestrian Emergency Braking, and LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist. Like the F-150, the Ram also offers advanced trailering features like Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path and Trailer Detection as well as Electronic Stability Control and Electronic Roll Mitigation.

    When comparing the safety features on the Ford and the Ram, both models are head-to-head in what they offer. This is largely due to the laws requiring certain standard safety features on every car, truck, or SUV. However, there are a few key differences between the two leading models. The most notable is that Ford's suite of standard safety options is far more equipped than what you'll find on the Ram 1500. To get the same features requires several upgrades, which puts the Ram 1500's price tag even higher.

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