2021 Ford Ranger vs 2022 RAM 1500

Ford offered the 2021 Ranger in SuperCab and SuperCrew styles, with different bed lengths for each. Trim options included XL, XLT, and Lariat, all powered by the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, with a choice between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Our test model was a SuperCrew Lariat equipped with the Tremor Off-Road Package, aiding in its rugged appearance and functionality. The Tremor package included unique 17-inch dark gray wheels, 32-inch all-terrain tires, red grille accents, tow hooks, hoop-style side steps, and Tremor graphics, providing a higher and wider stance. Inside, the Ranger Tremor stood out with simulated suede seat inserts, all-weather floor mats, and six upfitter switches on the dashboard. The cabin used hard plastics but maintained a clean, modern look with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and partial digital instrumentation.

In contrast, the 2022 Ram 1500 excelled in offering a broader range of customization with seven trim levels from Tradesman to the high-performance TRX. Like the Ranger, it came in both extended and crew cab styles but offered slightly different bed lengths. Our test model, a Limited trim with a turbodiesel engine and four-wheel drive, also sported several option packages. The Limited trim brought unique details and premium materials like Indigo and Sea Salt quilted leather upholstery, a suede headliner, and ventilated rear seats. The exterior retained the "big rig" design but appeared cleaner and more contemporary, with subtle chrome accents. Overall, the Ram 1500's design focused on understated luxury rather than flamboyant features.

The 2021 Ford Ranger featured a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided brisk acceleration and a unique engine note. Equipped with 4WD, the Ranger used a rotary dial to switch between 2-Hi, 4-Hi, and 4-Lo settings. The Tremor Off-Road Package added a Terrain Management System with settings for different terrains and a Trail Control system for low-speed off-road cruising. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by revised springs, Fox shocks, a front bash plate, and underbody skid plates, resulting in 9.7 inches of ground clearance. The Ranger could tow up to 7,500 pounds and haul a payload of up to 1,860 pounds, though the Tremor package lowered the payload to 1,430 pounds. Fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg combined, and our test recorded 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Ram 1500 offered multiple engine choices, including a standard 3.6-liter V6 with a mild hybrid system, a 5.7-liter V8, and the TRX-exclusive 6.2-liter supercharged V8. Our test truck featured the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, delivering 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. This engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and enabled a towing capacity of up to 12,560 pounds, though our specific model could tow 9,600 pounds and carry a payload of 1,780 pounds. The EcoDiesel engine was more expensive but delivered better fuel economy, achieving 24.8 mpg in our testing. The Ram’s coil-spring rear suspension and optional air suspension provided a smoother and quieter ride compared to the Ranger. The truck excelled in handling and comfort, though the brake pedal required some fineshipping in traffic.

The Ford Ranger Tremor featured high-mounted hoop-style step bars that were less useful for taller individuals and could scrape legs when wearing shorts. The SecuriCode keyless entry pad allowed for keyless operation, adding some convenience. The interior provided comfortable, heated front seats with limited seat track travel, which benefited rear-seat legroom. However, it lacked rear air conditioning vents and power operations for the sliding rear window. Storage was adequate but not outstanding, with inconveniently designed under-seat storage bins and a tailgate that lacked damping but was easy to operate.

In comparison, the Ram 1500 Limited included power-deploying running boards, essential when using the truck's air suspension at its middle setting. The interior was luxurious, with heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a reclining rear seat, and ample space and storage options including RamBins and various cubbies and trays. The multi-function tailgate offered versatility, supporting up to 2,000 pounds when powered down or allowing closer access through its side-swinging functionality. Despite these advantages, the Ram was not equipped with the RamBox storage bins in our test model.

The Ford Ranger Tremor came with the Sync 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, FordPass Connect, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. Sync 3 was being phased out for the newer Sync 4 system but remained competitive with other midsize trucks. Voice recognition was inconsistent and created some frustrations during testing. The climate control through Sync 3 was a convenient feature.

The 2022 Ram 1500, in contrast, benefited from the new Uconnect 5 system, which was standard on Big Horn trims and above. This system loaded faster and offered quicker responses. The 12-inch touchscreen in our test model featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa, and connected services. Options included a Harman Kardon sound system, head-up display, and various trailering aids. Despite its advanced features, Uconnect 5 had some reliability and usability issues, including specific language requirements for the voice recognition system and complexity in navigation.

The Ford Ranger included the Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot warning with trailer coverage. Lane warnings were subtle, and adaptive cruise control lacked full-stop functionality. The Ranger had a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and mixed results from IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for front-passenger protection and a "Marginal" headlight rating.

The Ram 1500 offered several driver-assist features depending on the trim and package, from basic options in lower trims to comprehensive aids in higher trims like the Advanced Safety Group. This included features like automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and more. The LaneSense system proved too insistent for continuous use. The Ram received a five-star NHTSA overall rating and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS when fully equipped.