2024 Ford Ranger vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 RAM 1500 was available in both quad cab and larger crew cab configurations, with bed lengths of 6-foot, 4-inch or 5-foot, 7-inch. The Limited trim, nearly at the top of the eight available trims, offered a sleek appearance with the $4,145 Night Edition package, which included a blacked-out grille, black badging, and 22-inch black aluminum wheels. Inside, the Limited trim featured luxurious leather with contrasting stitching and open-pore wood on the dash, complemented by a 12-inch portrait-oriented screen that added a unique touch to the interior.

The 2024 Ford Ranger adopted a design reminiscent of a smaller F-150, featuring C-shaped daytime running lights and chrome bars intersecting the headlights and grille. The XLT trim with the Chrome Appearance Package added a touch of elegance with Azure Gray Metallic paint and chrome accents. The Ranger's interior, while improved, still had areas of brittle plastic and uneven gaps, though it offered a metal ignition key and a more spacious rear seat. The Ranger's exterior included practical features like side bumper cutouts for easier bed access and a damped tailgate.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, including a 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque, a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque, and a 3.0-liter diesel engine. The TRX trim boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The eTorque system provided additional torque and improved fuel economy, with the V8 achieving 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The RAM 1500 excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 12,750 pounds, and offered a smooth ride with its coilover suspension and optional air suspension.

The 2024 Ford Ranger came with three engine choices: a standard 2.3-liter turbo inline-four with 270 horsepower, an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 with 315 horsepower, and the Raptor's 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 405 horsepower. The Ranger's towing capacity reached 7,500 pounds, while the Raptor variant offered 5,510 pounds. The Ranger's FX4 package added off-road capabilities, and the Raptor's race-ready suspension and locking differentials made it ideal for off-road adventures. Fuel economy varied, with the base engine achieving 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

The 2023 RAM 1500 featured a spacious interior with numerous storage options, including a two-tiered center console and a multifunction tailgate. The crew cab provided ample rear legroom at 45.2 inches, and the rear seats could recline and flip up for additional cargo space. The RamBox storage system offered secure, lockable compartments integrated into the rear quarter panel.

The 2024 Ford Ranger's longer wheelbase and wider body provided more rear seat space, with seatbacks that folded flat for increased cargo capacity. The Ranger's interior included physical climate controls and a PRNDL gear selector, while the exterior featured side bumper cutouts and a damped tailgate. The bed offered 43.5 cubic feet of space and an optional 400-watt AC outlet.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered a 12-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen on upper trims, allowing for dual-function display and Bluetooth connectivity for two phones. The Uconnect system, while initially confusing, was well-organized, and the truck included multiple USB outlets, a wireless charging pad, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Ford Ranger's Lariat trim featured a 12.4-inch instrument panel with animations and unique gauges. The 10-inch portrait touchscreen was standard on the XL trim, with a 12-inch screen on higher trims. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though menu loading was slow. The Lariat and Raptor trims included a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo and 360-degree cameras.

The 2023 RAM 1500 lacked standard advanced driver-assist systems, with features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring available as options. Despite this, the NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating, and the IIHS gave it Good marks in most categories.

The 2024 Ford Ranger had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. The base XL trim lacked driver assists, but the XLT and higher trims included features like forward and reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.