Starting at
Starting at
| 325-430 | Horsepower (hp) | 305-395 |
| 2,445 | Payload (lbs) | 2,300 |
| 13,500 | Towing (lbs) | 12,750 |
It’s no secret that competition brings out the very best in everyone. The desire to be the best is something that we can all relate to in some capacity. And when it comes to the pickup truck market, there are always new offerings to be found and new ground to break in terms of design, performance, and raw capability. While there’s been much to discuss regarding the classic rivalry between Ford and Chevy, there’s another contest that’s just as intriguing and exciting, even if it’s still relatively new when compared to some of the other battles in existence.
In one corner, there’s the Ford F-150. This veteran has attained a legacy and pedigree that many other vehicles wish they had. As the best-selling pickup truck in America, its reputation certainly precedes it. Then, there’s the Ram 1500. Debuting in 1981 as part of the Dodge family, Ram has since gone off on its own to establish itself as an independent entity and redoubled its efforts to craft the finest pickup trucks. With the 2024 model year now upon us, it’s time to examine both of these offerings and determine which one is superior. It’s the 2024 Ford F-150 vs 2024 Ram 1500. Only one champion can leave the winner in this contest, so let us begin.
There’s no denying that a considerable number of changes in the vehicle buying experience have taken place over the years. But the more things change, the more they stay the same. One thing has remained consistent since the first truck rolled off the assembly line: the need for a formidable powertrain and performance that allows for the most arduous tasks to be accomplished with minimal difficulty. Both Ford and Ram are noted for being excellent in these fields, and there’s no better place to begin our examination of both vehicles.
With its highly coveted and renowned HEMI engines, Ram has made a name for itself as one of the standard-bearers of high performance, and the engines that it chooses to equip its flagship truck with are certainly no exception to this. Ram offers up two distinctive engines, both of which are capable of tackling whatever life decides to throw your way. Both engines that Ram offers are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for ideal performance. The first of these is a 3.6L Pentastar V6, which boasts 305 hp and the capacity to generate an impressive 269 lb-ft of torque.
For those who want to experience the raw power that’s commonly associated with a HEMI, permission is granted with the 5.7L HEMI V8. Its 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque are both impressive numbers that can’t be praised enough. Both engines also have the benefit of the eTorque mild hybrid system, which increases torque and improves fuel economy. At its best, the 2024 Ram 1500 can easily pull 12,750 lbs, which is great news for drivers who need a workhorse for trailering and hauling.
Both of the engines offered on the 2024 Ram 1500 are certainly admirable in their specifications and attributes related to performance. However, if there’s one thing that can be said about Ford and what it is known for bringing to the table, it’s variety. Just as we’ve seen in previous years, the 2024 F-150 can be outfitted with a host of different engines that can agree with the needs and sensibilities of any driver who gets behind the wheel. The base offering for the F-150 is now a twin-turbocharged 2.7L EcoBoost V6 that offers 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.
Aside from the base offering, there are three other engines that provide even more power. These include a 5.0L V8 that’s affectionately referred to as the “Coyote,” a twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6, and a highly effective PowerBoost hybrid setup that consists of a 3.5L V6 and an electric motor. Outperforming the eTorque system offered by Ram, it produces an impressive 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. All four engines come equipped with a ten-speed automatic transmission, and the 2024 F-150 can pull up to 13,500 lbs, surpassing the best efforts from Ram. With more options in the performance department and more capability, it’s easy to see why the F-150 remains the favorite among the truck-buying public.
Now that we’ve taken a moment to examine the performance of both vehicles, it’s only fitting that we move from under the hood to behind the wheel to take a closer look at the interior of both. After all, this is where you’ll be spending the majority of your time. When it comes to comparing the 2024 F-150 and 2024 Ram 1500, it quickly becomes a matter of which you prefer—practicality or polish. The differences in the designs offered by the two manufacturers are more than evident by looking at the presentation.
As is the case for many vehicle designs throughout the entire industry, the interior of the 2024 Ram 1500 is anchored by its infotainment screen. However, Ram's once-impressive infotainment options are now falling a bit behind the times. The base trims have a standard five-inch display with an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims have a screen that sits vertically and measures a full 12 inches. While Ram's Uconnect software has been widely praised by industry insiders, testing the larger interface showed a propensity for glitches and spotty connection issues. The eye for design from Ram is admirable, but the lack of practical items, such as not offering a long bed or regular cab, makes the vehicle less appealing to all drivers.
As has been the case for several years, Ford proves that it continues to have its finger on the pulse of practical consumer needs. The interior of the 2024 F-150 can be outfitted for those with a taste for the finer things in life, but it never loses sight of the working world from which it came. Aside from offering a standard 12-inch infotainment screen for the new model year, the 2024 F-150 also comes with many conveniences that greatly enhance the driving experience overall. Among the most notable features is the latest edition of the SYNC 4 software system, which features over-the-air updates to ensure you always have the latest version. The gear shifter can also be folded down to turn the center console into a mobile workstation. With an eye for tech-savviness and the practicality that many truck drivers look for, it’s no wonder why Ford continues to be the brand that drives the working world forward.
While many truck owners spend a considerable amount of time looking over the performance and technology that their potential purchases have to offer, nothing comes close to the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re safe behind the wheel. Because it’s the most important aspect of anything you drive, we’ve saved it for the final stretch of our examination. Ford and Ram both have a propensity for offering safe vehicles that drivers can rely on, and the offerings from the upcoming model year are another continuation of this practice.
When you take a look at the entire scope of the automotive industry, it quickly becomes apparent that many features are similar to one another. This is not by accident, as the market is driven by trends and common practices. It then becomes a matter of what comes standard across all trim levels and what’s locked by a heavy price tag. It’s this fundamental difference that separates the 2024 Ford F-150 and the 2024 Ram 1500.
While there are a number of notable features that the Ram 1500 has to offer, almost none of them come standard. With the exception of a rear-view backup camera, driver-assist features such as Full-Speed Forward-Collision Warning Plus, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go are all restricted to higher trims and optional packages. The F-150 has several available features as well but comes standard with the full Co-Pilot360 2.0 suite, including Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, which are both essential in maximizing reaction time and ideal for the modern truck driver.
This comparison has been an intriguing one that featured two competitors who certainly have a lot to offer. However, it’s once again the Ford F-150 that proves to be the better offering for the current model year. With more towing power and a wider array of powertrains that can adapt to any driving need or circumstance, it’s no wonder why more Americans trust Ford. Here at Newton Ford South, we hope you’ll trust us to help you get behind the wheel of the F-150 and enjoy the many advantages it offers. For over a century, Ford trucks have helped build and maintain the highways and byways that stretch from coast to coast. With a detailed knowledge of what Ford has to offer, we’ll help you choose the best option and give you the confidence and reassurance that you’ve bought the very best.
*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.
