2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 RAM 1500 provided an impressive visual and tactile experience. Offered in quad cab and crew cab configurations, the vehicle was designed with a 5-foot, 7-inch or 6-foot, 4-inch bed. Our reviewed model was the Limited trim, positioned near the top of the lineup that included eight trims: Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX.

Our specific model boasted the $4,145 Night Edition package, which transformed the truck with a blacked-out grille, black badging, and black headlamp bezels, enhancing its stealthy appearance. These were complemented by 22-inch black aluminum wheels and black mirror caps, making it a compelling option for those who disliked shiny chrome.

Stepping inside, the Limited trim offered nearly full leather seating with unique styling details like contrasting stitching and embossed Limited logos. The dashboard was adorned with open-pore wood and metallic trim, giving the interior an upscale feel. The integration of wood and leather trim on the steering wheel added a touch of luxury. A 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen dominated the center console, providing a modern, tech-centric look, complemented by chunky volume controls, a Ram logo, and handy storage areas.

In comparison, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty was redesigned but maintained a visual evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It could be had in trims ranging from XL to Limited, including the work-oriented XL and the plush King Ranch that we tested. The King Ranch trim featured 20-inch alloy wheels, two-tone paint, and reduced chrome accents replaced by darker tones, giving it a darker, more elegant presence. A front aero dam enhanced its lower visual stance compared to other models.

Signature King Ranch details like the Flying W logo on the wheels and “King Ranch” branding on the tailgate distinguished it further. Inside, the trim came with perforated two-tone brown leather seats, saddle leather stitching, and the Flying W emblem on the center console bin's lid. An 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium stereo, auxiliary switches for electronic add-ons, and features like spray-in bed liner, LED in-bed lighting, and fifth-wheel towing prep added to its functionality and appeal.

The 2023 RAM 1500 provided drivers a choice between rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Its engine options included a 3.6-liter V6 with Ram’s eTorque mild hybrid system as standard on lower trims and an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque for the same trims. The V8 was standard on upper trims, while a 3.0-liter diesel option was available on all but the TRX, which sensationally sported a 6.2-liter supercharged V8. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The eTorque system offered up to 130 pound-feet of extra torque at takeoff, enhancing the V8’s already powerful stats of 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. It made passing on highways seamless and refined the stop/start system for smoother city driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission enhanced the smooth ride, and the air suspension available on the Limited trim further improved ride quality, adeptly handling road imperfections. The steering was quick and accurate, and the 14.9-inch brake rotors ensured reliable stopping power. Towing capacity peaked at 12,750 pounds and payload at 2,300 pounds, dependent on the configuration. Our test model with the 4WD and a 3.92 rear axle ratio was set up more towards handling but had lower ratings for towing and payload.

Conversely, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered raw power with a standard 6.8-liter gas V8 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. Drivers could opt for a 7.3-liter V8 producing 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque, or the more robust 6.7-liter PowerStroke turbodiesel V8 for 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Our test model had the high-output version of this diesel engine, cranking out 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque.

The F-250's 10-speed automatic transmission efficiently managed power delivery, seamlessly shifting to keep the diesel engine in its optimal powerband. Acceleration and highway speeds felt surprisingly agile for a truck of its size. Its size, however, made maneuvering in tight spaces challenging. When configured appropriately, the F-250 could tow up to a staggering 22,000 pounds, and numerous technological aids like Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and onboard scales greatly facilitated towing and load management.

The 2023 RAM 1500’s interior was designed for ultimate storage and comfort. The cabin featured numerous cubbies, including a two-tiered center console with sliding upper-level cupholders and storage bins that revealed a deep lower cubby, large enough to store a laptop, purse, or snacks. The front seats, both heated and cooled, were adjustable eight ways, with standard power-adjustable pedals in the Limited trim for added comfort. Rear seat passengers benefited from 45.2 inches of plentiful legroom in the crew cab configuration and eight-degree reclining seats, enhancing long-trip comfort. The multifunctional tailgate opened both traditionally and in a 60/40 split manner, and with air suspension, the tailgate height could be adjusted. The RamBox storage added practical, lockable compartments within the bed for tools and other items.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered varied cab and bed options, such as regular cab, SuperCab, and Super Crew, with bed lengths of either 6.75-foot or 8-foot. Extended SuperCab models had rear-hinged clamshell doors for wide openings, though reliant on the front doors being open. Our test model featured helpful integration elements like a Warn winch on the front bumper and bed-steps alongside the rear wheels for easy access. The truck offered a spacious interior with multiple cupholders and power outlets, a massive center storage bin, and convenient grip handles for easier access.

The 2023 RAM 1500 featured an available 12-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster with various customizable menus and information tiles. While the base infotainment included a 5-inch screen, most trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with upper trims featuring a 12-inch portrait-oriented screen allowing two concurrent functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, although some lag was noticeable with Apple CarPlay. The system could connect two phones simultaneously, which was convenient for shared use. Additional tech in the optional Equipment Group 1 included a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror with a wide-angle lens, and a surround-view camera system. Multiple USB-A and USB-C outlets, a wireless charging pad, 115-volt and 12-volt outlets were available to keep devices charged.

In the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty, the base infotainment was an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our test model came with a larger 12-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen facilitated multiple displays, showing connectivity apps alongside other data like fuel economy. The system’s control layout was logical, complemented by redundant dials for radio and climate controls. Additional technology included multiple USB ports, a wall-style power outlet, wireless device charging, and the Trailer Navigation system to assist with mapped routes appropriate for towing.

The 2023 RAM 1500 fell short in standardizing advanced safety features. Features such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control were optional or part of packages. However, the blind-spot monitoring system could extend to cover a trailer's length, enhancing towing safety. Despite the lack of standard aids, the Ram 1500 earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS for most categories, though it scored lower for seatbelt reminders and LATCH ease of use.

In terms of safety, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty came proactively equipped starting from the XLT trim with the Ford CoPilot 360 suite. This suite included features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and traffic sign recognition. The truck had dual-tier power-adjustable trailer mirrors with wide-angle functionality, aiding in navigating its large blind spots. The trailer blind-spot system required additional cameras but significantly improved towing safety. Ford also offered an innovative backup camera for use when the tailgate was down, an industry-first, enhancing safety during varied load transport conditions. Neither the NHTSA nor IIHS had crash-tested the Super Duty at publication time.