2021 Ford F-150 vs. 2021 RAM 1500
Overview
The Ford F-150 and the RAM 1500 are well known for their reliability, toughness, and hauling power. Both offer upscale models with a more luxurious touch and modern tech and safety features. Their infotainment systems and starting prices are similar, while their engines vary widely. Read on as we discuss how these two towing machines stack up against each other.
Engine
The 2021 F-150 has several engines to choose from, including a 3.3-liter 290-horsepower V-6, a 5.0-liter 400-horsepower V-8, a 2.7-liter 325-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-6, a 3.5-liter 400-horsepower V-6, and a 3.0-liter diesel-powered 250-horsepower V-6. All of the F-150's standard engines come mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The RAM 1500 punches back with its own engines, including a 395-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8, a 3.6-liter V-6 that makes 305 horsepower, a 702-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8, and a 3.0-liter diesel V-6 engine that makes 260 horsepower. The RAM's 6.2-liter HEMI boasts a powerful engine. Bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RAM's powertrain beats out the more V-6 centric powertrain of the F-150.
Fuel Economy
The 2021 F-150 with the standard 2.7-liter V-6 gets a reasonable 20 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. The twin-turbo drops fuel efficiency by 2 mpg for both city and highway ratings. The RAM's V-6 earns a similar EPA estimate at 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the V-8 has a rating of 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The diesel engine is the RAM's most fuel-efficient model with a fuel economy of 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Ford F-150's base V-6 engine pulls a maximum of 8,200 pounds. Not bad for a 3.3-liter six-cylinder. However, its 400-horsepower twin-turbo tops out at 14,000 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the 5.0-liter V-8. The RAM 1500 tows up to 12,750 pounds and carries a payload of 2,320 pounds. Crew cab models tow slightly less than their extended quad cab siblings, at just 11,500 pounds.
Both vehicles have a wide array of top-of-the-line engines with comparable fuel efficiencies. The RAM 1500 offers a number of powerful engines, but the Ford F-150 blasts the 1500 out of the water in terms of towing capacity. Overall the 2021 Ford F-150 outperforms the 2021 RAM 1500 for those looking for a workhorse of a pickup.