Which is the ultimate light-duty truck, the 2023 Ford F-150 or Ram 1500? Our comparison guide is here to help you figure out which pickup will best serve your needs.
Key Takeaways
- The 2023 F-150 (starting at $33,695) is a much better deal than the 2023 Ram 1500 (starting at $37,410).
- With its supercharged V8, the Ram 1500 TRX delivers the most impressive power output between the two trucks.
- Properly equipped, the 2023 F-150 tows and hauls best-in-class loads, making it the right choice if you’re looking for a capable workhorse.
- The F-150 has the edge when it comes to body style configurations, but both trucks will impress you with their modern tech and luxury options.
Best Price: 2023 Ford F-150
With a price that starts at $33,695, the 2023 F-150 definitely gives you the best deal. The 2023 Ram 1500 will force you to spend more on a new truck; its MSRP is $37,410.
Max Horsepower: 2023 Ram 1500
When Ram put a supercharged V8 under the hood of its Ram 1500 TRX, it created a whole new breed of desert racer. This engine churns out 702 horsepower, making it the most powerful option between the pair! Other Ram 1500 trim models are available with some powerful options, too, including a hardworking V8 and thrifty turbodiesel V6. The latter gives you the Ram’s best EPA ratings, providing up to 24 mpg combined (21 city/29 highway).
- 3.6L V6 (305 hp, 269 lb-ft)
- 5.7L V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft)
- 3.0L turbodiesel V6 (260 hp, 480 lb-ft)
- TRX supercharged 6.2L V8 (702 hp, 650 lb-ft)
The F-150’s own desert-racing trim model, the Raptor R, also features a supercharged V8. It makes 700 horsepower, so it’s pretty impressive in its own right. And the F-150 also offers a wider range of engine options, such as a thrifty hybrid and a tow-friendly turbo V6. With the optional hybrid PowerBoost engine, the F-150 earns up to 25 mpg combined (25 city/25 highway).
- 3.3L V6 (290 horsepower, 265 lb-ft of torque)
- Turbocharged 2.7L V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- 5.0L V8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft)
- Turbo 3.5L V6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft)
- Raptor turbo 3.5L V6 (450 hp, 510 lb-ft)
- Raptor R supercharged 5.2L V8 (700 hp, 640 lb-ft)
- PowerBoost turbo 3.5L hybrid V6 (430 hp, 570 lb-ft)
Workhorse Capabilities: 2023 Ford F-150
Whether you want to tow or haul heavy loads, the F-150 delivers best-in-class capabilities. With the right body style configuration and equipment, Ford’s light-duty truck can tow up to 14,000 pounds. Gone are the days when you could refer to the F-150 as a half-ton truck, because its payloads now max out at 3,325 pounds. It’s more like a ton-and-a-half truck!
The Ram 1500 is more capable than it’s ever been, though it still doesn’t quite measure up to the F-150. However, a properly equipped Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds, which is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Payloads reach 2,300 pounds, so if you haul a lot of gear, the Ram 1500 could have you making extra trips compared to the F-150.
Cushy Comforts and Configurations: 2023 Ford F-150
Both full-size trucks offer a range of configurations and upscale options. However, the F-150 is a little more flexible. Ford’s light-duty truck offers three cabin options: regular, extended, and crew. The regular cab option is great for those who want to maximize towing and hauling capabilities, keep costs down, or both. The Ram 1500 is only available with two options, the extended or crew cabin.
On the other hand, both models offer a range of creature comforts and tech gear, allowing you to create a pickup that’s pretty luxurious. If you decide you want to pay a little extra, you can outfit either truck with stylish leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, or a dual-pane panoramic moonroof.
The Best Truck for the Job
The 2023 Ram 1500 might be a stylish option, but it’s the 2023 Ford F-150 that tackles all the big jobs. The F-150 is also the best option if you want an affordable work truck, thanks to its impressively low MSRP! And it also offers the widest range of configurations and every imaginable luxury, allowing you to build the perfect truck for your needs.