2024 Ford F-150 vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 RAM 1500, available in both quad cab and crew cab configurations, offered a versatile choice for buyers. The crew cab, which could be paired with either a 5-foot, 7-inch or a 6-foot, 4-inch bed, was particularly spacious. Our test model, the Ram 1500 Limited, featured the $4,145 Night Edition option, which replaced the usual chrome accents with a stealthy blacked-out grille, badging, headlamp bezels, and mirror caps, complemented by 22-inch black aluminum wheels. Inside, the Limited trim was luxurious, with leather seats, contrasting stitching, and open-pore wood on the dash. The 12-inch portrait-oriented screen added a unique touch, and the interior was filled with thoughtful details like a Ram logo on the dash and a Limited logo on the center console.

The 2024 Ford F-150, known for its endless configurations, continued to impress with its variety of trims and cab options, including the regular two-door cab, SuperCrew four-door cab, and smaller four-door Super Cab. The King Ranch trim stood out for its luxury, featuring heated and ventilated front leather seats, heated rear seats, wood trim, and ambient lighting. However, mid trims had some cheap-looking surfaces and hard plastic touchpoints. The chunky buttons and knobs remained user-friendly, even with gloves on, and the shifter that folded down for a flat workspace was a thoughtful touch. The exterior saw minor tweaks, with new wheel options and noticeable changes in the Tremor trim, which featured orange accents and unique running boards. The new "Truffle" earth tones for the interior added a fresh look to certain models.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 with Ram’s eTorque 48-volt mild hybrid system, standard on lower trims. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque was optional on lower trims and standard on upper trims, while a 3.0-liter diesel engine was available on all but the top TRX trim. The TRX boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V8 with eTorque produced 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, providing strong performance and smooth shifting. The EPA rated the V8 4WD eTorque models at 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. The Ram 1500 excelled in ride quality, thanks to its coilover rear suspension and available air suspension. It had a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 2,300 pounds, depending on the configuration. The TRX, with its 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, was the ultimate off-road beast.

The 2024 Ford F-150 offered a standard 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, but the standout was the PowerBoost Hybrid, a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 hybrid with 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth and responsive shifts. The Tremor variant featured a 5.0-liter V8 with 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, along with off-road enhancements like 33-inch tires, a 1-inch lift, and off-road-tuned shocks and springs. The Raptor R, with its 5.2-liter supercharged V8, delivered 720 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque, making it a high-performance off-road machine. The F-150's suspension and off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like Trail Turn Assist and Trail Control. The maximum towing capacity was 13,500 pounds with the EcoBoost V6, while the PowerBoost Hybrid could tow up to 11,200 pounds.

The 2023 RAM 1500 excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies and a two-tiered center console. The front seats were heated and cooled, with eight-way power adjustments for both the driver and front passenger. The crew cab provided ample rear legroom at 45.2 inches, and the rear seats could recline up to eight degrees. The multifunction tailgate could open like a 60/40 split door or a traditional tailgate, and the optional air suspension lowered the tailgate height to 32.8 inches. The RamBox storage system integrated into the rear quarter panel was a practical addition for secure tool storage.

The 2024 Ford F-150 introduced the Pro Access tailgate, which could flip down like a traditional gate or swing open with a 20/60/20 split for easier bed access. The tailgate could stop at various angles to avoid hitting the trailer jack. The F-150 also featured a rear bumper step and new lockable bed storage boxes. The Pro Power Assist system allowed gas-powered trucks to generate 2.0 kW of power, while the PowerBoost hybrid could produce 2.4 kW or 7.2 kW for high-draw tools. The maximum towing capacity was 13,500 pounds with the EcoBoost V6, and the maximum payload was 2,445 pounds. The hybrid engine could tow up to 11,200 pounds and haul 1,755 pounds.

The 2023 RAM 1500 received a tech upgrade with a new 12-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster, though it wasn't available on our tester. The 12-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen allowed for dual-function display, and the Uconnect system, while initially confusing, was well-organized. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though there was some lag with Apple CarPlay. The optional Equipment Group 1 added a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and surround-view camera system. The truck had multiple USB-A and -C outlets, a wireless charging pad, two 115-volt outlets, and a 12-volt outlet.

The 2024 Ford F-150 came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen running SYNC 4, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, satellite radio, a 5G LTE wireless hotspot, and wireless charging. A 12-inch reconfigurable digital gauge cluster was also standard. The new head-up display could show information related to towing, off-roading, or driving assistance. Ford Stolen Vehicle Services was available, allowing owners to track and recover their truck if stolen. The F-150 could back itself up to a trailer coupler and featured Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Smart Hitch tech, and an Onboard Scale for payload weight.

The 2023 RAM 1500 lacked standard advanced driver-assist systems, with features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning being optional or part of a package. The NHTSA gave the Ram 1500 crew cab an overall safety rating of five stars, while the IIHS rated it Good in most categories, with Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.

The 2024 Ford F-150 came standard with the Ford CoPilot 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and cross traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and Blue Cruise driving-assist system were available on higher trims. The NHTSA awarded the F-150 an overall safety rating of five stars, with four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS rated the F-150 SuperCrew Good in most crashworthiness tests but Poor for front crashes involving rear-seat passengers and seatbelt reminders.