Performance

More Engines, More Power

The engines in the F-150 and Ram 1500 help define their roles in the full-size pickup truck space. For the 2023 Ram 1500, there are three available powertrains. A 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque comes standard, while a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 and 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 are optional. The Pentastar delivers 305 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the HEMI makes 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, and the Ecodiesel makes 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. However, when it comes to performance, the F-150 manages to outdo the Ram 1500 in every way.

The 2023 F-150 has five powertrains available, which include a 3.3-liter V6, a 2.7-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6, a 5.0-liter Coyote V8, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6, and a 3.5-liter PowerBoost turbocharged V6 hybrid. When comparing the stats of the F-150 to the Ram 1500, you'll note that from the 2.7-liter EcoBoost on up, the Ford offers more horsepower and torque across the lineup. The 2.7-liter V6 delivers 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, which is a lot more than the Pentastar V6. The Coyote V8 generates 400 hp and 410 lb-ft, which just beats the HEMI V8. Finally, the 3.5-liter Ecoboost and 3.5-liter PowerBoost both offer more horsepower and torque than the EcoDiesel V6.

Even though both trucks come with multiple powertrain options, the differences in performance are rather obvious. This means better off-the-line performance, more towing capacity, and better stability while trailering. Ford even includes a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment, compared to the 8-speed automatic transmission in the Ram. If you are keen on finding a full-size pickup that has all of the horsepower and torque, you will get more for your money out of the 2023 F-150.

Capabilities

The Ability to Do More

The capabilities of the 2023 Ford F-150 and 2023 Ram 1500 sit at the top of the market, but the F-150 manages to secure a clear lead when looking at its overall cargo space, towing capacity, and payload ratings. In each of these categories, Ford takes the lead for the 2023 model year. The Ram still has some good stats but is just not quite up to the standards set by Ford’s F-150.

When it comes to maximum payload capacity, the Ram 1500 tops out at just 2,300 lbs. It also only has two bed lengths: a short bed with 53.9 cu.ft. of cargo volume and a standard bed with 61.5 cu.ft. of cargo volume. The Ford F-150, by comparison, offers up a maximum payload capacity of 3,315 lbs, which is over half a ton more than what you can carry in the Ram 1500. You also have three different bed options, including short, standard, and long beds for the F-150, providing up to 77.4 cu.ft. of cargo volume. The additional long bed option gives the F-150 a very significant advantage over the Ram 1500 when it comes to pickup truck utility, and you can store more cargo and heavier cargo in Ford’s full-size truck.

When it comes to towing capacity, the 2023 Ram 1500 has a max trailering rating of 12,750 lbs. For the 2023 F-150, you get a lot more capability, topping out at 14,000 lbs worth of towing capacity. That is well over half a ton of additional towing capacity with the F-150. If you really want to push your full-size truck to its limits when trailering, you simply have more options and higher ratings with the F-150.

Technology

Drive Hands-Free

In the comparison between pickup trucks like the 2023 F-150 and 2023 Ram 1500, you wouldn't normally expect technology to play such a large role, but it is indeed an important aspect to consider. Both trucks are filled with tech features. The difference, however, is how they utilize that technology. A big leg-up in favor of the F-150 comes in the form of the BlueCruise, which is available for select trims.

While the 2023 Ram 1500 has turn-by-turn navigation provided by TomTom available for its 12-inch HD digital touchscreen, it lacks a semi-autonomous hands-free driving system such as the F-150 offers. By utilizing the active driver-assist technology and awareness functionality built into the Ford truck, BlueCruise offers true hands-free driving on more than 130,000 miles worth of compatible highways across North America. This semi-autonomous driving mechanism will take care of all the basics for you on its large number of Lidar-mapped roadways.

Comparing Features

The BlueCruise feature is complemented by the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, featuring everything from a Lane-Keeping System to Pre Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. Combine that with the FordPass App and 4G LTE hotspot connectivity for up to 10 devices, and you can see how much the F-150 provides in terms of value when it comes to technology. Both trucks have great features for sure, with cameras and trailering technologies, but with the 2023 F-150, you have access to features like Pro Trailer Hitch Asst, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and an available 360-degree camera package for improved trailering and parking support.

The 2023 Ram 1500 is still a great full-size truck, with state-of-the-art aerodynamics, an air suspension system, and Selec-Speed Control, but it doesn't quite measure up to the features available for the F-150. The F-150 even has options like adaptive steering, which electronically controls the steering ratio based on the current speed. This gives you more responsive steering at lower speeds and helps keep things steady at higher speeds. It's the combination of all these small but significant features that help separate and elevate the F-150 over the competition.