Compare The 2021 Ford F-150 And RAM 1500: Which Is Better?

If you’re shopping for a new truck, you’re probably debating between the 2021 Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500 and want to know more about how these new trucks for sale compare. In our F-150 vs. RAM 1500 review, we’ll compare starting price, engine size, horsepower, towing capacity, and more. After you learn about the 2021 Ford F-150 compared to RAM 1500, you’ll want to talk to our finance team about lease offers on the new RAM 1500 for sale.

RAM 1500 vs. Ford F-150 Starting Price

In our 2021 Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500 comparison, let’s start where most people start: the price. The 2021 RAM 1500 Tradesman has a starting MSRP of $32,795.¹ Drivers who want to pay more are invited to explore the 2021 Ford F-150 XL that starts at $33,375 MSRP.

Now that you know the RAM has a lower starting price than the Ford, let’s compare Ford F-150 to RAM 1500 and see what you get for your money.

2021 Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500 Performance Comparison

When you need a truck that does more than keep up, but never lets you down, you need a new truck with a powerful 3.6L V-6 engine. An engine that mates to an automatic transmission with overdrive and sends 305 horsepower and 269 pound-foot of torque to the rear wheels. The engine you need is, of course, under the hood of the new 2021 RAM 1500 Tradesman.

The new Ford F-150 for sale also boasts a V-6, but it’s slightly smaller, coming in at 3.3L instead of 3.6L, and can only generate 290 horsepower and 265 pound-foot of torque.

So far, the Ford costs more and does less.

Compare F-150 vs. RAM Fuel Economy

Maybe the bigger engine is less fuel-efficient? A reasonable assumption, but you’d be mistaken. The new RAM 1500 for sale produces an EPA-estimated 20/25/22 mpg² (City/Highway/Combined), which is more than what the new Ford can do. The F-150 also hits an estimated 20 mpg in the city, but only 24 on the highway.

F-150 vs. RAM 1500 Towing

We love trucks because they allow us to work hard during the week then play hard when the week is done. If you have dirt bikes, ATVs, speed boats, or other toys to haul to the lake or dunes, then you care about which new truck for sale has the best towing capacity. Between the 2021 Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500, the RAM wins.

The 2021 RAM 1500 Tradesman can tow up to 6,150 pounds,³ while the Ford F-150 can only tow up to 5,000 pounds. If you’re trying to decide between these popular truck models and you’re thinking about that boat in your driveway, you might want to lease a RAM 1500.

F-150 vs. RAM 1500 Dimensions

Both the 2021 RAM 1500 and 2021 Ford F-150 offer various trim models as well as bed and cabin configurations that impact the overall footprint of the vehicle. When deciding between the 2021 Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500 and looking at how your next new truck will fit your lifestyle, here’s an overall breakdown of the dimensions of each vehicle.

Used Trucks for Sale

Now that you know more about the areas in which the RAM 1500 outperforms the Ford F-150, you’ll want to talk to our finance team about lease deals on new trucks. We should also point out that we carry a wide selection of used trucks for sale in our used-vehicle inventory.

If a higher trim model on the new RAM 1500 feels out of range at the moment, perhaps you’ll find something comparable in our used trucks for sale. Talk to our finance team about finance offers on used pickup trucks. Let us know if a $0 down finance offer can help you get into a shiny red pickup truck today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more reliable? The 2021 Ford F-150 or RAM 1500?

When it comes to reliability and quality, the J.D. Power 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study examined large light-duty pickups and their warranty benefits. The Ford F-150 did not land in the top three, while the RAM 1500 did. When comparing 2021 Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500 reliability, the RAM is more reliable according to this study.

Which can tow more? Ford F-150 or RAM 1500?

In a 2021 Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500 towing comparison, the RAM 1500 Tradesman tows more than the Ford F-150 XL. The 2021 RAM 1500 Tradesman can tow up to 6,150 pounds,³ while the Ford F-150 can only tow up to 5,000 pounds. If you have boats and equipment over 5,000 pounds to tow, then you need the RAM 1500.

Is the 2021 RAM 1500 bigger than the 2021 Ford F-150?

Depending on the trim model, bed length, and cabin configuration you choose for your next new truck, the overall size can change dramatically. When comparing the new Ram 1500 to the Ford F-150, either model can be larger than the other. The current overall dimensions for the RAM 1500 are 229-242 inches long x 82-88 inches wide x 77-81 inches high.

Your New RAM truck Awaits at DESOTO CDJR

Thank you for taking the time to read our 2021 Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500 comparison and review. Now that you’re more familiar with each of these models and how to get lease specials and finance offers on new trucks at our dealership, we invite you to enjoy a test drive today. Because while reading truck reviews and comparison charts is helpful, the best comparison test is how the car feels to you. So, come take a drive.

¹MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.

²EPA estimated 20 city mpg with 3.6L V6 and Automatic w/ OD. Actual mileage may vary. EPA estimated 25 hwy mpg with 3.6L V6 and Automatic w/ OD. Actual mileage may vary.

³When properly equipped. See dealer for details.