2021 Ford F-150 vs. 2021 Ram 1500

There are three things you can count on in this world: death, taxes, and the popularity of full-size American pickups. We love big trucks and we cannot lie. This year, Americans are expected to buy more big trucks than ever before, and this shootout is between two of the country’s most popular pickups: the Ford F-150 and the RAM 1500.

Two years ago Ram completely redesigned its big pickup, not only improving its capability but also its comfort and refinement. This year, Ford has made a long list of improvements to its F-150, part of the best-selling F-Series pickup line. Both the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150 are available in a wide range of body styles and configurations, and they’re offered with an expansive variety of engines, including turbodiesels and the first hybrid powertrain in this class. But which is best? Let’s examine the 2021 Ford F-150 and 2021 Ram 1500 in key areas and decide.

Both of these trucks are assembled in the United States, and for our money, they’re the two best looking full-size American pickups on the road. However, they look nothing alike.

Constructed in steel, the Ram’s shapely bod and bed are visually strong and determined with an understated elegance we appreciate. Though we don’t find it as attractive as its predecessor, which is still available as the 2020 RAM 1500 Classic, its clean simple lines and sophisticated detailing will look fresh for decades. By now, the Ford’s boxier styling is familiar, and it has grown on us over the years. Its body and bed are still made from aluminum, but this year every panel is new and the F-150 looks tougher and more imposing than before. We particularly like its new power dome hood and wrap-around bumpers, plus there’s more attitude in its stance thanks to larger diameter tires and wider tracks.

Winner: Tie

Both the Ram and Ford are extremely comfortable, especially on long hauls, and each offers as many luxury features as your neighbors big-buck BMW. As expected in this class, both trucks are also offered in a wide range of body styles and bed sizes, and both have spacious interiors. However, the Ram’s crew cab has about 2 inches more rear legroom than the Ford. But while we still prefer the interior design of the Ram, which is extremely well-detailed in the higher trim levels, Ford has closed the gap with the F-150’s Ford’s all-new cabin, which is more attractive, more ergonomic, and packed with new features.

The Ford has the edge when it comes to maximum payload and tow ratings. Its 3,000-lb max payload rating is quite a bit higher than the Ram’s 2,300-lb capability, though in some configurations, the Ram can haul more than comparably equipped versions of its rival. It’s the same story when it comes to towing: In some configurations, the Ram has the advantage, but the Ford has the higher ultimate rating of 13,000 lbs — just ahead of the Ram’s 12,750-lb maximum rating.

Winner: Tie

Over the last few years, Ram has had the advantage in this category, but once again Ford has closed the gap. Every 2021 F-150 gets the brand's best SYNC 4 system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ford has also significantly increased the size of its touchscreens. An 8-inch screen is now standard on the base XL model and a 12-inch screen is standard on other trim levels.

Ram’s lineup starts with a basic system and a 5-inch screen, while the other trim levels get an 8.4-inch unit standard. Upper trim levels get navigation, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. A 12-inch screen is also available. Both trucks offer wireless phone charging and both systems are easy to use with similar graphics quality, but Ford puts its largest screen and best system in more models.

Winner: Ford F-150

Both of these trucks have received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and last year the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the RAM 1500 a Top Safety Pick. The IIHS hasn’t tested the redesigned 2021 F-150 yet, though even the 2020 model performed well in all of its crash tests, and the new truck should perform the same or better with its updates.

Both pickups offer a long list of high-tech accident-avoidance technology, but the new Ford comes with more standard systems and offers more systems overall. Even the base XL now gets automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and the F-150 is the first half-ton pickup to offer semiautonomous capability. Its available Active Drive Assist system allows for hands-free driving, and another optional system will park the truck for you. The Ram’s list of available systems is extensive, but not as comprehensive. It includes blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a cross-traffic alert, and a lane-keeping alert.

Winner: Ford F-150

Both trucks offer a wide range of engines. Ford offers the new F-150 with a naturally aspirated V6, a V8, two turbocharged V6s, a turbodiesel V6, and a hybrid powertrain. Its most powerful configuration is the new hybrid, which combines a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor and battery pack. It’s the first full hybrid in this class and produces a whopping 430 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and an incredible 570 lb-ft of torque at just 3,000 rpm. With this engine and the standard 10-speed automatic transmission, the Ford hits 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds.

The Ram’s engine lineup includes a V6, a V8, a turbodiesel V6, and a supercharged V8. With 305 horsepower, its standard V6 is stronger than the Fords. With ratings of 260 hp at 3,600 rpm and 480 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm, it is also the most powerful turbodiesel in the class. Then there’s the brand’s venerable 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which produces 395 hp at 5,600 rpm and 410 lb-ft at 3,950 rpm. With this engine, the truck sprints to 60 mph in a little over 6 seconds. But the quickest and most powerful truck in this class is the new RAM 1500 TRX, which is a rival for Ford’s popular Raptor. It’s packing a supercharged V8 with over 700 hp.

Winner: RAM 1500

With its standard V6 and two-wheel drive, the Ram’s EPA fuel economy estimates are 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The V8 version is rated for up to 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, and its diesel is rated 22 mpg city and 32 highway. These are strong numbers for this class. 

With its standard V6, the Ford’s EPA fuel economy estimates are 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The V8 version is rated for up to 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, and its popular twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 is rated at 20 mpg city and 26 highway. Again, all of those numbers are slightly lower with four-wheel drive. Unfortunately, EPA estimates are not yet available for the Ford’s diesel engine or its new PowerBoost hybrid powertrain, though the company says the hybrid will give the truck a range of about 700 miles per tank.

Winner: Tie

Ford has improved the F-150’s suspension, giving the truck a smoother ride. It’s quite comfortable and more carlike than before. However, we still prefer the ride quality of the RAM 1500, which remains the only truck in this class with a coil spring rear suspension. It soaks up more road surfaces a bit better than the Ford, especially with an empty bed, and its suspension tuning offers more control over large road irregularities.

That said, it’s the Ford that’s more fun to drive, with quicker steering and a light, athletic feel missing from the Ram. From behind the wheel, the Ford feels smaller and more maneuverable. It turns more quickly and is more responsive.

Winner: Ford F-150

Ram prices range from about $33,000 all the way up to over $70,000 for the 700-hp TRX model. The heart of the lineup, a well-equipped Hemi V8 powered Laramie Crew Cab 4x4 with its best infotainment system and 12-inch touchscreen, costs about $55,000.

At the Ford dealer, prices range from about $30,000 up to over $75,000 for the top Limited model with the hybrid powertrain. The same $55,000 will get you a Lariat Crew Cab 4x4 with Ford’s best infotainment system, a 12-inch touchscreen, and a considerably more powerful twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 500 lb-ft of torque. Since Ford includes its best infotainment system, 12-inch touchscreen, and more safety systems in more models at lower price points, it wins this one.

Winner: Ford F-150

Overall, these two trucks are very evenly matched. The Ram remains a favorite for its sharp design, upscale interior, smooth ride, and excellent safety. Its infotainment system is still one of the best, and its powertrains offer an excellent mix of power, refinement, and fuel economy. This is one of the best full-size pickups ever.

But the significant improvements Ford has made to the F-150 have given it a narrow victory. It’s a much better truck than before, now offering more payload and towing capacity, a smoother ride, superior driving dynamics, a much improved interior, a longer list of standard and optional features, increased safety, and the first hybrid powertrain in this class. The Ford F-150 isn’t going to give up its sales crown anytime soon.

Winner: Ford F-150