The demand for full-sized trucks is greater than ever in 2025. Whether you need a work truck, are looking to haul campers or trailers, plan to drive in extreme weather conditions, or simply want an easy way to move large household items, there’ll always be a strong market for full-sized pickups. Two of the biggest competitors in this segment are the Ford F-150 and the Dodge Ram 1500. While these two powerhouse trucks might look similar from the outside, we’ll look closer to see who comes out ahead in this duel of the pickup truck titans.
The F-150 and the Ram 1500 offer various trim level options, allowing you to customize your truck to your needs and preferences. With multiple trim options available, you can select features that suit you while avoiding unnecessary costs associated with unwanted features. There are lots of tools that will allow you to compare cars and trucks online, but we’ve tried to save you some of the trouble by breaking down the various trim levels and prices for the F-150 and the Ram 1500.
| XL | $38,810 |
| STX | $42,015 |
| XLT | $45,695 |
| LARIAT | $63,360 |
| TREMOR | $64,915 |
| King Ranch | $74,905 |
| Platinum | $74,905 |
| Raptor | $79,005 |
| Tradesman | $40,275 |
| Tradesman HFE | $41,060 |
| Big Horn | $45,230 |
| Warlock | $54,505 |
| Laramie | $60,030 |
| Rebel | $64,440 |
| RHO | $69,995 |
| Limited | $75,450 |
| Limited Longhorn | $76,445 |
| Tungsten | $87,320 |
When considering price alone, Ford provides a more affordable base truck model and a cheaper high-end trim. If you’re seeking a more budget-friendly option, the F-150 would be the better choice.
Pickup trucks are known for being powerhouses in the automotive world. They’re the go-to vehicle for hauling big loads and tackling extreme driving conditions. Let’s examine how these two trucks’ performance and engine options compare.
The F-150 offers six different engine options. The base engine is a 325-horsepower turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 engine, capable of towing up to 8,700 pounds. The next option is a 450-horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, which can tow up to 8,200 pounds. Following that, there’s a 3.5-liter power boost full-hybrid V-6 engine that produces 430 horsepower and can tow up to 11,200 pounds. Finally, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine produces 400 horsepower and can tow up to 13,500 pounds.
The F-150 offers two V-8 engine options. The first is a 5.0-liter V-8 that cranks out 400 horsepower and can tow up to 12,900 pounds. The last engine option is the 5.2-liter supercharged V-8, which produces a whopping 720 horsepower and can tow up to 8,700 pounds.
The Ram 1500 offers three engine options. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V-6 that delivers 305 horsepower and can tow up to 8,110 pounds. The next option is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6, generating 420 horsepower and can tow up to 11,550 pounds. The last option is a high-output version of the V-6 that delivers 540 horsepower and can tow up to 9,920 pounds.
The F-150 stands out when it comes to engine options. It boasts the highest towing capacity at 13,500 pounds and offers a powerful V-8 engine option.
While trucks aren’t usually known for fuel efficiency, it’s still important to consider when deciding which truck to buy. Let’s take a closer look at how these two compare.
Gas mileage varies according to engine option and whether the truck is front- or four-wheel drive. The combination with the lowest gas mileage would be the 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine paired with four-wheel drive, where you can expect 10 mpg in the city and 15 mpg on the highway. The best gas mileage is achieved with the hybrid engine, which reaches 22 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
The base engine option with the Ram produces the best gas mileage, delivering 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6 reaches up to 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The poorest fuel efficiency is found in the high-output V-6, where you can expect 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
When examining the numbers closely, the Ram outperforms the F-150 regarding fuel efficiency. However, it’s crucial to note that the F-150 offers significantly greater power than the 1500, impacting its gas mileage estimates. If you prioritize improved gas mileage over power, the 1500 is the better choice.
If you’re in the market for a full-sized pickup truck, the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500 are excellent options. Both vehicles provide a comfortable ride and come equipped with a range of technology and driver-assistance features to keep you safe and connected while driving. However, when comparing performance and pricing — two of the most important factors for truck drivers — the F-150 stands out as the better choice. Not only does the F-150 offer more options and power, but it’s cheaper than its competitors.
If you’re in the Dallas area, we have plenty of F-150s on our lot at Planet Ford, and they’re ready for you to test-drive at your convenience. Test-driving an F-150 is the best way to experience its power and comfort firsthand. If you’re ready to take the next steps toward purchasing a truck, our sales and finance team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us today with any questions.
