2023 RAM 2500 vs 2024 Ford F-150

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel presented a familiar yet distinct appearance, closely resembling the Power Wagon but with notable differences. It featured an aluminum sport hood, 20-inch wheels, and a sleek, blacked-out look, omitting the Power Wagon's graphics, 17-inch wheels, and integrated winch. The Rebel's aggressive stance was complemented by a Rebel-specific grille and a crew-cab configuration with a 6-foot, 4-inch cargo bed. The standard 6.4-liter V8 engine was shared with the Power Wagon, but the Rebel offered an exclusive 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six, unavailable in the Power Wagon due to cooling requirements. The base price was set at $67,045, with additional options pushing the MSRP to $91,630.

The 2024 Ford F-150 offered a vast array of configurations and trim levels, catering to diverse preferences. With eight trims and options for different cab and bed sizes, the F-150 provided flexibility in design. The King Ranch trim stood out for its luxurious features, while mid trims had some less appealing materials. The F-150 retained its user-friendly chunky buttons and knobs, ensuring ease of use even with gloves. Exterior updates were subtle, with new wheel options and distinct accents on the Tremor model. Inside, new earth tones, dubbed "Truffle," added a fresh touch to certain trims, enhancing the interior's appeal.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel was equipped with a standard 6.4-liter V8 engine, delivering 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. It featured a part-time transfer case with 4-Hi and 4-Lo settings and a front-axle disconnect system for improved fuel efficiency. The optional Cummins 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine produced 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the diesel option was more efficient, the V8 offered a higher towing capacity of 16,870 pounds and a payload capacity of 3,140 pounds. The Rebel's off-road capabilities were enhanced by 20-inch wheels, 33-inch off-road tires, and a sophisticated suspension system, making it nearly as capable as the Power Wagon.

The 2024 Ford F-150 offered a range of engine options, with the PowerBoost Hybrid standing out for its 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth gear changes. 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 and a 1-inch lift. The Raptor R variant boasted a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 with 720 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque, designed for high-speed desert running. The F-150's off-road capabilities were supported by advanced suspension systems and features like Trail Turn Assist and Trail Control, ensuring a confident performance in challenging terrains.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel required some physical effort to enter and exit, with large handles aiding the process. The interior featured a column shifter for the Cummins engine, which lacked refinement. Depending on the configuration, the truck offered cloth or leather upholstery, with our test vehicle featuring premium leather and comfortable bucket seats. The rear seat was spacious, with amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The truck provided ample storage options, including hidden dashboard storage and available Ram Box locking bedside storage bins. Cargo box options included a spray-in bedliner and LED lighting.

The 2024 Ford F-150 excelled in practicality, with the new Pro Access tailgate offering versatile access to the bed. The tailgate featured a 20/60/20 split with a swing gate, allowing for easy loading and unloading. The truck offered lockable bed storage boxes and Pro Power Assist for powering accessories. Towing and hauling capabilities were impressive, with a maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 2,445 pounds, depending on the configuration. The PowerBoost hybrid engine offered a towing capacity of 11,200 pounds and a payload of 1,755 pounds, while the Raptor R prioritized off-road performance over towing capacity.

The 2023 RAM 2500 featured a new 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, offering customizable display configurations. The system was controlled via steering wheel buttons, requiring some familiarization. The truck's camera systems and trailering technologies were enhanced, with blind-spot cameras and a digital rearview mirror providing improved visibility. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with a 12-inch touchscreen, offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system. While glare was an issue for some displays, the infotainment screen remained visible in bright conditions.

The 2024 Ford F-150 came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen running SYNC 4, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with effective voice recognition and standard features like satellite radio and a wireless hotspot. A new head-up display provided information on towing, off-roading, and driving assistance. The F-150 offered Ford Stolen Vehicle Services for enhanced security. While it lacked some camera views for towing, features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Smart Hitch technology simplified towing tasks.

The 2023 RAM 2500 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. These systems proved effective on open highways, though their performance in denser traffic was untested. The truck's size and weight provided a sense of security, though crash-test ratings were unavailable.

The 2024 Ford F-150 came equipped with the Ford CoPilot 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features like a 360-degree camera and Blue Cruise driving-assist system. The F-150 received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though some areas, like seatbelt reminders, received lower scores.