America is home to some of the best pickup trucks, with brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Ram, and GMC leading the way. Ford and Ram are among the few automakers with a great selection of pickup trucks. In the full-size pickup truck segment, Ford offers the F-150, and Ram offers the 1500.
Both pickup trucks boast a great selection of powertrains, configurations, and capabilities. For the 2024 model year, the 2024 Ford F-150 is all new, introducing a new design, interior, and a revised powertrain selection. It outcompetes the 2024 Ram 1500 by offering a more powerful base engine.
NOTE: To bring you the most up-to-date and accurate comparison possible, we’ve relied on information sourced from Ford, Ram, Fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, IIHS, and hands-on experience.
Performance And Capability
Ford
Ford refreshed the F-150 for the 2024 model year, giving it better exterior, interior, and engine enhancements. Ford no longer offers the base 3.3-liter V6 engine. instead, the F-150 gets a powerful twin turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine as standard. Additional engine options include a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, and a V6 hybrid.
Ram
The 2024 Ram 1500 lineup has three engine options. Gone is the V6 diesel engine from its predecessors. The remaining options include a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. These engines mate to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.
Base Powertrain Comparison
The base engine for the 2024 Ford F-150 is a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine. It produces an impressive 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The next step up is the 5.0-liter V8 engine with 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Ford’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 produces the same horsepower as the V8 but delivers more torque at 500 lb-ft.
The hybrid delivers the best performance across the lineup thanks to a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 and an electric motor. It produces 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque while promising the best all-around fuel efficiency. The F-150 Raptor uses a high-output version of the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, producing 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Ford also offers a higher-performance F-150, the Raptor R, with a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 producing approximately 700 hp.
Ram offers the 1500 pickup truck with a 3.6-liter V6 as standard. The engine produces 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, which is enough for everyday driving and light-duty tasks. The next option is a 5.7-liter V8 with 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers better performance than the base variant and helps make the Ram 1500 impressively responsive and capable in most situations.
At the top of the Ram 1500 lineup sits the TRX with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. It churns out 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, giving the truck exhilarating performance, be it on highways or off-road adventures. The TRX’s engine compares favorably to the F-150 Raptor R’s engine.
Full Performance Specifications
| Vehicle | 2024 Ford F-150 | 2024 Ram 1500 |
| Engine | Twin-turbo 2.7 L V6; Twin-turbo 3.5 L V6; 5.0 L V8; Twin-turbo 3.5 L V6 Hybrid | 3.6 L V6; 5.7 L V8; Supercharged 6.2 L V8 |
| Displacement | 2.7 L; 3.5 L; 5.0 L | 3.6 L; 5.7 L; 6.2 L |
| Fuel | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Power | 325 – 450 hp | 305 – 702 hp |
| Torque | 400 – 570 hp | 269 – 650 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear/4WD | Rear/4WD |
Ford’s base engine outperforms Ram’s 3.6-liter V6 engine thanks to more horsepower and torque. The engine promises enough performance for most buyers. Fortunately, the V8 engines offer almost the same performance, making the trucks responsive and capable in most situations. While Ram doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain, Ford delivers the best balance of power and efficiency with its hybrid powertrain.
Fuel Economy
Ford’s engine lineup offers impressive fuel economy, especially the hybrid powertrain. The hybrid F-150 manages a fuel economy rating of 25 mpg in the city, on the highway, and combined. Opting for the twin-turbocharged V6 lowers the rating slightly to 18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined for the base variant.
Ram’s base engine delivers the best performance across the 1500 lineup, and it’s surprisingly better than Ford’s base engine. It has a fuel economy rating of 20 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. The V8 achieves 18 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined. Unfortunately, the TRX has the worst rating, with 10 mpg in the city, 14 mpg on the highway, and 12 mpg combined.
| Model | 2024 Ford F-150 | 2024 Ram 1500 |
| Engine | Twin-turbo 2.7 L V6 | 3.6 L V6 |
| City | 18 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Highway | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Combined | 21 mpg | 22 mpg |
Gas Mileage Figures Sourced From The EPA
Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500 Towing And Off-Road Capability
According to Ford, the 2024 Ford F-150 has a maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds. While that’s 500 pounds less than the 2023 model, it’s still better than most full-size pickup trucks, including the 2024 Ram 1500. The F-150 also has an impressive maximum payload rating of 2,455 lbs.
The 2024 Ram 1500, on the other hand, boasts an impressive maximum tow rating of 12,750 pounds and a maximum payload rating of 2,320 pounds. The 5.7-liter V8 engine helps achieve these maximums in the rear-wheel-drive quad cab long bed Ram 1500 model. Most of the other models with the naturally aspirated V8 engine have towing capacities of between 7,800 and 11,500 pounds.
Towing And Payload Capacities
| 2024 Ford F-150 | 2024 Ram 1500 | |
| Payload | 2,455 lbs. | 2,320 lbs. |
| Towing Capacity | 13,500 lbs. | 12,750 lbs. |
Off-Road Capability
Ford offers two F-150 trims for buyers seeking a purpose-built off-roading pickup truck. The Tremor and Raptor trims are purpose-built trucks with all the functionality of the F-150. For the 2024 model year, Ford introduces an optional modular front bumper finished in either carbon black or tarnished dark anodized colors.
Ford offers multiple customization options for both the Tremor and Raptor models, including a dealer-installed Ford Performance winch kit and a light bar in the F-150 Tremor. The Raptor has more offerings, boasting new Fox dual live valve shocks, offering a more confident and controlled driving experience. While both trucks have 4WD as standard, the Raptor gets 37-inch tires for better off-road performance.
On the other hand, Ram offers two off-road capable 1500 trims: Rebel and TRX. The Rebel boasts plenty of modern equipment, including a 1-inch lift, all-terrain tires with a full-size spare, underbody skid plates, an electronic locking rear axle, etc. Ram’s 1500 TRX unleashes more performance with the beastly supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine.
The TRX also gets additional equipment like 35-inch all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, a high-performance exhaust, flared box sides, a wider grille, flared fenders, etc.
Off-Road Specifications
| Vehicle | 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R | 2024 Ram 1500 TRX |
| Approach Angle | 33.1 Degrees | 30.2 Degrees |
| Breakover Angle | 24.4 Degrees | 21.9 Degrees |
| Departure Angle | 24.9 Degrees | 23.5 Degrees |
| Ground Clearance | 13.1 Inches | 11.8 Inches |
Interior Design And Technology
For the 2024 model year, the Ford and Ram interiors are both deluxe, especially compared to the higher trims. The 2024 Ford F-150 boasts plenty of additional convenience features and storage cubbies, making it easier to use. The F-150 also has unique features like a folding shift lever, which turns the center console into a large flat workspace.
In addition, Ford F-150 buyers can order the truck with fold-flat front seats, providing ample space for sleeping. Ford offers generous passenger space, especially in the four-door crew cab F-150 trucks. The F-150 also has large windows that help offer ample visibility, including the scalloped section in the front door, which offers a better view around the side mirrors.
Ram offers a supremely functional cabin boasting cavernous passenger space and plenty of storage cubbies. Higher Ram 1500 trims boast more creature comforts and upscale materials, making the truck feel more like a luxury vehicle. Most Ram 1500 models feature upscale features like a panoramic sunroof and heated and ventilated seats.
On the higher trims, buyers can enjoy genuine wood accents and premium leather surfaces. When getting in, the Ram 1500’s doors open wide, making the process easy. Ram also boasts better rear legroom than most competing trucks, including the F-150.
Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500 Technology Comparison
The 2024 Ford F-150 comes standard with a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen running the brand’s improved Sync 4 software. The infotainment system boasts Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Ford also offers plenty of additional options, including a Bang & Olufsen stereo system, SiriusXM radio, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. One of the most impressive options is the Pro Power Onboard, which turns the truck into a generator.
Ram has had one of the best infotainment systems in its trucks for years. The 2024 Ram 1500 is available with a responsive 8.4-inch infotainment system as standard. Ram also offers an optional 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen on all but the base Ram 1500 model. Both infotainment systems have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Ram also tries to make the larger touchscreen fun to use by including a handful of knobs and buttons.
Interior Room And Cargo Capacity
The 2024 Ford F-150 is available with three cabs and three beds: regular cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew. These variants have beds measuring 21.4 inches deep and 51.1 inches across at the narrowest point. The largest bed option is 96 inches long and can hold 77.4 cu.ft of cargo. The standard option is 78 inches long and holds 62.3 cu.ft of stuff. Ford’s smallest bed is 66 inches long and carries 52.8 cu.ft inch of cargo.
Ram offers the 1500 in three configurations: Quad Cab and two Crew Cab options. As standard, the Crew Cab has a 53.9 cu.ft of cargo space and a 67.4 inch long bed. The other two configurations have similar proportions, offering 61.5 cu.ft of cargo space and a 76.3-inch long bed.
Cargo Space Comparison
| Vehicle | Ford F-150 | Ram 1500 |
| Short Bed | 66 inches | 67.4 inches |
| Standard Bed | 78 inches | 67.4 inches |
| Long Bed | 96 inches | 76.3 inches |
| Bed Height | 21.4 inches | 21.5 inches |
| Bed Width | 51.1 inches | 51.0 inches |
Safety And Reliability
Both Ford and Ram offer a great selection of safety features in their full-size trucks. The F-150 is available with 10 standard driver assist features, including the latest variants of pre-collision assist. Ram also outfits the 1500 with a great selection of active safety and security features like blind spot monitoring, ready alert braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop & go.
Ford F-150 Safety
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (2024)
| Overall Rating | 5 out of 5 |
| Overall Front Crash Rating | 5 out of 5 |
| Overall Side Crash Rating | 5 out of 5 |
| Rollover Rating | 4 out of 5 |
- Recalls (NHTSA): 0
- NHTSA Investigations: 0
- NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0
- Awards: Top Safety Pick (2009, 2011 – 2013, 2015 – 2018, 2021 – 2023)
Ram 1500 Safety
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (2024)
| Overall Rating | 4 out of 5 |
| Overall Front Crash Rating | 4 out of 5 |
| Overall Side Crash Rating | 5 out of 5 |
| Rollover Rating | 4 out of 5 |
- Recalls (NHTSA): 0
- NHTSA Investigations: 0
- NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 1 complaint related to the electrical system
- Awards: Top Safety Pick + (2019, 2020); Top Safety Pick (2021 – 2023)
Reliability Comparison
While J.D. Power is yet to rate the 2024 Ford F-150, its predecessors boast an overall rating of 78/100. Hopefully, the 2024 model will be able to compete with the Ram’s impressive rating of 83/100 for the 2024 1500 truck. The 2023 Ford F-150 also has a lower quality and reliability rating of 78/100 compared to the 2024 Ram 1500’s rating of 88/100.
Warranty
| Vehicle | 2024 Ford F-150 | 2024 Ram 1500 |
| Basic Warranty | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
Pricing And Availability
Both the 2024 Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 trucks are available in eight trim levels. The F-150 trims include XL, STX, XLT, Tremor, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Raptor. Ram’s offerings include Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX. Ford boasts a lower starting price of $36,570 compared to Ram’s $38,570.
Trim Pricing Comparison
| 2024 Ford F-150 | 2024 Ram 1500 | ||
| Trim | Price | Trim | Price |
| XL | $36,570 | Tradesman | $38,570 |
| STX | $43,895 | Tradesman HFE | $40,210 |
| XLT | $47,620 | Big Horn | $44,030 |
| Tremor | $63,970 | Laramie | $54,030 |
| Lariat | $64,995 | Rebel | $58,745 |
| King Ranch | $73,425 | Limited Longhorn | $61,340 |
| Platinum | $73,425 | Limited | $65,205 |
| Raptor | $77,980 | TRX | $95,735 |
Sources: Ford, Ram, NHTSA, IIHS, J.D. Power, fueleconomy.gov