The 2021 Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 are two of America’s best-loved full-size trucks. Choosing between them isn’t easy, but we’re here to give it our best try. Check out our comparison guide for a closer look at each light-duty truck.
Interior Refinement: 2021 Ram 1500
The Ram has long been known for its best-in-class refinement, and this new model is no exception. Whether you stick with the Ram’s coil-spring rear suspension or opt for the even more luxurious four-corner air suspension, you can count on a very comfortable ride. And the Ram’s cabin options also treat you to on-road luxury. All provide high-end materials and handsome design. As you move up the Ram’s trim levels, you’ll enjoy increasing luxury, with options like leather-trimmed seats and a panoramic sunroof.
The F-150 can’t quite match the Ram’s on-road smoothness. But Ford’s full-size truck can also be pretty luxurious. It also offers a wide range of trim models. On the higher end of the trim spectrum, the F-150 also provides leather-appointed seating, seat heaters, and ambient interior lighting.
Killer Off-Road Capabilities: 2021 Ram 1500
Both light-duty trucks will impress you with their boulder-climbing capabilities. But it’s the Ram, with its special Rebel trim model, that takes the lead in this department. The Rebel’s upgraded shocks, suspension, and all-terrain tires will take you just about anywhere you care to venture.
You can equip your F-150 with lots of off-road-friendly gear, including four-wheel drive and all-terrain tires. However, the F-150 doesn’t offer an off-road-specific trim model. Instead, you should check out the Ford F-150 Raptor, an off-road truck that’s considered a separate model.
Maximum Horsepower: 2021 Ram 1500
This year, the Ram 1500 has a brand new trim model. The TRX is the Ram’s new top-trim truck, and its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine (702 horsepower, 650 pound-feet of torque) supplies stunning speed.
Of course, the 2021 Ford F-150 is also on the up-and-up. Its brand new hybrid powertrain is its most powerful offering yet. It combines a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with a battery-powered motor for a total of 430 hp and 570 lb-ft. It’s not a supercharged Ram, but it’s still pretty quick.
Modern Tech Features: 2021 Ford F-150
The newly redesigned F-150 has some cool new tech features up its sleeve. Its new Pro Power Onboard generator gives you the means to use power tools anywhere, no matter how remote the job site. And Ford’s new Active Drive Assist technology offers hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways.
Like the F-150, the Ram 1500 offers a 12-inch infotainment touch screen, a huge interface that makes the system more user-friendly than ever. And the Ram also supplies a well-rounded list of infotainment features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Optional safety features include all the usual suspects, from blind-spot monitoring to adaptive cruise control. However, you’ll have to wait a little longer for Ram’s version of semi-autonomous driving.
Final Tally
The 2021 Ford F-150 hits a lot of sweet spots, but the 2021 Ram 1500 delivers the most well-rounded trucking experience. You’ll love its best-in-class ride and cabin refinement. And, if you choose the Ram’s new supercharged engine, you’ll also enjoy astonishing speed.