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2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

Avoid the Ford F-150, Buy the RAM 1500 Instead

The Ford F-150 has been the top-selling truck in the country forever and there’s no way it’s sales figures will be slowing down any time soon. After all, 2019 was its best sales year ever as over 890,000 F-150s were sold that year, according to Motor1. That should be no surprise as its popularity is …

The Ford F-150 has been the top-selling truck in the country forever and there’s no way it’s sales figures will be slowing down any time soon. After all, 2019 was its best sales year ever as over 890,000 F-150s were sold that year, according to Motor1. That should be no surprise as its popularity is constantly growing and its build quality and overall capability has proven to superior for many years and it gets better with every generation.

However, “more” doesn’t always mean “better,” especially considering other trucks like the RAM 1500 have been hot on the F-150’s trail. The RAM 1500 was redesigned in 2019 and with its new look and tech-savvy features, we think it can prove to be a better buy than the aging Ford F-150.

Ford F-150

A Ford F-150 on display
Ford F-150 | Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Taking a closer look at the Ford F-150 in its current form, it’s easy to see why it’s a national favorite. It offers six different engine choices, has a large bed for hauling, and can tow up to 13,200 pounds (when equipped to do so).

On top of all of those features, there is a choice of axle ratios (3.15, 3.31, 3.55) to suit your needs as well as a choice between a six- or ten-speed automatic transmission.

Mechanical parts aside, the interior of the Ford F-150 is a nice place to be. With 131.8 cubic-feet of total passenger volume, you can fit up to five occupants easily and comfortably and the available Ford Co-pilot360 safety suite of features will keep everyone safe.

And if serious off-roading is what you like to do on the weekends, then the venerable Ford-150 Raptor is a great choice to have on hand. It’s 450-horsepower turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, Fox shocks, and Terrain management system can get over almost anything off the beaten path.

RAM 1500

While there’s much to like about the Ford F-150, the newly revised RAM 1500 has some technological and mechanical charm of its own.

There are four different engines to choose from, including a V6 and a HEMI V8 that both come with the brand’s new eTorque mild-hybrid system that utilizes a 48-volt battery for additional torque when needed and enable the start/stop feature.

Those looking for different engine alternatives might find what they need in either the diesel V6 engine or the multi-displacement V8, which uses variable-valve timing for smoother and responsive power delivery.

Each of these engines can be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with a choice of axle ratios (3.21, 3.55, or 3.92) to aid in towing up to 12,750 pounds. The cargo bed is large and the RAM is able to haul up to 2,300 pounds.

RAM 1500 Rebel on display at the Annual Chicago Auto Show
RAM 1500 Rebel | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

Speaking of the cargo bed, the RAM features a multi-function tailgate and the RAM box cargo management system for added storage.

On the inside, there is 132 cubic feet of passenger volume, and the truck can fit up to five people comfortably. The lower trim levels have vinyl and cloth seating surfaces, but if luxury is what you seek out your truck, then opting for the higher trim levels will give you premium leather with handsome contrast stitching.

Another main highlight of the interior is the available 12-inch touchscreen that sits front and center along with over 100 different safety features including driver-assists like adaptive cruise control and guided parking.

2020 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn interior
2020 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn interior | FCA

RAM 1500 vs Ford F-150

In comparing both trucks, the Ford F-150 has more trim levels to choose from, however, the base XL trim level is more reserved for work trucks and fleet sales.

So, trim-for-trim and value-per-dollar, it looks like the RAM’s lower starting price of around $32,000 compared to the F-150’s starting price around $34,000 shows that the RAM can be a better value depending on how it’s equipped.

Also, the RAM’s new mild-hybrid engines have proven to be more efficient as the eTorque V8 engine achieves one mpg better on highway driving than the comparable Ford V8.

This, coupled with tech-savvy features like the large touchscreen, handy cargo solutions like the RAM box, and versatile hauling capabilities with its multi-function tailgate, make the RAM 1500 a better and more all-inclusive choice.

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The 2020 Ram 1500 Is the Best Truck ‘in the History of Ever,’ According to MotorTrend