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2021 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Ford F-150

2021 RAM 1500
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Ford F-150
2021 Ford F-150
$29,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford F-150
$29,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for both the 2021 RAM 1500 and the 2021 Ford F-150 is 7.8 out of 10. Given the tie in overall scores, the choice between these two trucks comes down to specific priorities. Both the RAM 1500 and Ford F-150 offer compelling reasons to be the truck of choice, depending on what you value most in a vehicle. Whether it's the RAM 1500's dominance in performance and luxury or the Ford F-150's innovation and practicality, both trucks stand ready to meet the needs of a wide range of consumers.

Choose the 2021 RAM 1500 if:

Shop Now
7.8of 10overall
  • You value unparalleled off-road performance and power.
  • Luxury and technology in a rugged package are priorities.
  • High-performance driving experiences are more important than fuel economy.

Choose the 2021 Ford F-150 if:

Shop Now
7.8of 10overall
  • Fuel efficiency and innovative hybrid technology are important.
  • You need a versatile truck that balances work and play.
  • Advanced safety and technology features in a user-friendly package are desired.
Overview

MSRP

$29,490

MSRP

$29,290

Average price

$37,601

Average price

$40,898

Listings

7802

Listings

8251
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Stylish design
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Multiple body styles
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Advanced safety features are not standard

2021 RAM 1500 Reviews Summary

Always the bridesmaid but never the bride, the Ram 1500 enters the fray of high-performance off-road vehicles with cocksure confidence. Second place in truck sales last year, Ram earns the first-place podium in superpowers with its new SRT Hellcat-powered TRX trim level as it looks to make moves to climb the sales charts. Or, maybe, just literally drive over its competition.

2021 Ford F-150 Reviews Summary

The Ford F-Series pickup truck has been the bestselling vehicle in the United States for decades, so a lot is at stake with any redesign. The 2021 Ford F-150 plays it safe, with changes that are smaller in scope than the truck’s previous redesign (for the 2015 model year), but nonetheless significant.

This latest redesign brought an updated version of the previous-generation truck’s bold styling, a revamped interior with more convenience features, and the new Sync 4 infotainment system, as well as an available PowerBoost hybrid powertrain. This is the first time Ford has offered an F-150 hybrid, and the PowerBoost is currently the only full-hybrid powertrain available in a full-size pickup truck.

The F-150’s traditional rivals are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 twins and Ram 1500, along with the slower-selling Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra.

Ford offers a staggering array of options, including six trim levels (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited), three cab configurations, three bed sizes, six powertrains, and the choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Our test vehicle was an F-150 King Ranch with the SuperCrew cab, 4WD, and the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.6L 305 hp V6

Engine

3.3L 290 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

3

Horsepower

305 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

17

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

25

MPG Highway

24
2021 RAM 1500
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford F-150
2021 Ford F-150
$29,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford F-150
$29,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for both the 2021 RAM 1500 and the 2021 Ford F-150 is 7.8 out of 10. Given the tie in overall scores, the choice between these two trucks comes down to specific priorities. Both the RAM 1500 and Ford F-150 offer compelling reasons to be the truck of choice, depending on what you value most in a vehicle. Whether it's the RAM 1500's dominance in performance and luxury or the Ford F-150's innovation and practicality, both trucks stand ready to meet the needs of a wide range of consumers.

Choose the 2021 RAM 1500 if:

Shop Now
7.8of 10overall
  • You value unparalleled off-road performance and power.
  • Luxury and technology in a rugged package are priorities.
  • High-performance driving experiences are more important than fuel economy.

Choose the 2021 Ford F-150 if:

Shop Now
7.8of 10overall
  • Fuel efficiency and innovative hybrid technology are important.
  • You need a versatile truck that balances work and play.
  • Advanced safety and technology features in a user-friendly package are desired.
Overview
MSRP
$29,490
$29,290
Average price
$37,601
$40,898
Listings
7802
Shop all listings
8251
Shop all listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.7
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Stylish design
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Multiple body styles
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Summary
Always the bridesmaid but never the bride, the Ram 1500 enters the fray of high-performance off-road vehicles with cocksure confidence. Second place in truck sales last year, Ram earns the first-place podium in superpowers with its new SRT Hellcat-powered TRX trim level as it looks to make moves to climb the sales charts. Or, maybe, just literally drive over its competition.

The Ford F-Series pickup truck has been the bestselling vehicle in the United States for decades, so a lot is at stake with any redesign. The 2021 Ford F-150 plays it safe, with changes that are smaller in scope than the truck’s previous redesign (for the 2015 model year), but nonetheless significant.

This latest redesign brought an updated version of the previous-generation truck’s bold styling, a revamped interior with more convenience features, and the new Sync 4 infotainment system, as well as an available PowerBoost hybrid powertrain. This is the first time Ford has offered an F-150 hybrid, and the PowerBoost is currently the only full-hybrid powertrain available in a full-size pickup truck.

The F-150’s traditional rivals are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 twins and Ram 1500, along with the slower-selling Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra.

Ford offers a staggering array of options, including six trim levels (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited), three cab configurations, three bed sizes, six powertrains, and the choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Our test vehicle was an F-150 King Ranch with the SuperCrew cab, 4WD, and the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain.

Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.6L 305 hp V6
3.3L 290 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle
Drive Train
4X2
4X2
Seating Capacity
3
3
Horsepower
305 hp @ 6400 rpm
MPG City
17
20
MPG Highway
25
24
Look and feel
2021 RAM 1500
7/10
2021 Ford F-150
7/10
The 2021 RAM 1500, often playing second fiddle in sales, introduced the SRT Hellcat-powered TRX, aiming to dominate both the off-road segment and sales charts with unparalleled performance capabilities. Its entry represented a direct challenge to traditional market leaders, signaling RAM's ambition to redefine the high-performance truck category with significant updates and a robust presence. Conversely, the 2021 Ford F-150 continued its legacy as America's top-selling vehicle, unveiling a thoughtful redesign that prioritizes subtlety over sweeping changes. This 2021 iteration enhances its iconic design with modern conveniences and introduces the groundbreaking PowerBoost hybrid powertrain, marking Ford's foray into hybridized full-size pickups and underscoring its commitment to innovation and fuel efficiency.
Performance
2021 RAM 1500
9/10
2021 Ford F-150
8/10
In terms of performance, CarGurus experts give the 2021 RAM 1500 a 9 out of 10, outperforming the Ford F-150, which receives an 8 out of 10. The RAM 1500 TRX sets a new standard for truck performance with its 702 horsepower Hellcat engine, offering exhilarating acceleration and robust off-road capabilities straight from the factory. Its specialized drive modes and suspension design allow it to excel in a variety of challenging environments, from high-speed desert runs to technical off-road trails. The Ford F-150's powertrain lineup is diverse, offering everything from a base V6 to the innovative PowerBoost hybrid, which combines power and efficiency in a way previously unseen in the full-size truck segment. While the F-150's performance is commendable across its range, the RAM 1500 TRX's sheer power and off-road prowess set a high bar that the F-150's more balanced approach can't quite match.
Form and function
2021 RAM 1500
8/10
2021 Ford F-150
8/10
Both the 2021 RAM 1500 and the 2021 Ford F-150 score an 8 out of 10 for form and function from CarGurus experts. The RAM 1500 TRX not only excels in performance but also in practicality, offering features like full-length rock rails and a spacious, well-appointed interior that maintains comfort over long distances. Its thoughtful design touches underscore RAM's focus on creating a truck that's as usable as it is capable. The Ford F-150's functional design is evident in its versatile interior, which includes innovative solutions like the fold-flat shifter and Max Recline Seats, catering to the needs of users who might find themselves working or resting in their vehicle. Ford's understanding of utility extends to the bed, with the available Pro Power Onboard system providing unmatched electrical power access on the go.
Technology
2021 RAM 1500
8/10
2021 Ford F-150
9/10
Technology ratings diverge slightly, with the 2021 RAM 1500 receiving an 8 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford F-150 edges ahead with a 9 out of 10. RAM's Uconnect system offers a large, customizable interface that's rich in features but falls slightly short in user-centric design compared to Ford's Sync 4. The F-150's technology suite is not only comprehensive but also more intuitively integrated into the driving experience, offering seamless connectivity and assistance features that enhance both convenience and safety.
Safety
2021 RAM 1500
9/10
2021 Ford F-150
7/10
Safety is a strong suit for both trucks, but the 2021 RAM 1500 leads with a 9 out of 10 rating, surpassing the Ford F-150, which scores a 7 out of 10. The RAM 1500's array of over 100 safety and security features, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), sets a new standard for the segment. While both trucks offer comprehensive safety packages, RAM's inclusion of more advanced features as standard gives it an edge in this category.
Cost Effectiveness
2021 RAM 1500
6/10
2021 Ford F-150
7/10
The 2021 Ford F-150 scores a 7 out of 10 for cost effectiveness, slightly outpacing the RAM 1500, which receives a 6 out of 10. The F-150's range of powertrains offers a blend of performance and efficiency that can lead to real-world savings, especially with the PowerBoost hybrid's impressive fuel economy. The RAM 1500, particularly in its TRX guise, commands a premium price for its unmatched performance and luxury, making it less accessible for those prioritizing value over sheer capability.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.

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