A duel of the best trucks in 2021: 2021 Ford F-150 vs. 2021 RAM 1500

Some of you know that the very first generation of the Ford F-150 pickup truck won over the hearts of truck enthusiasts from 1948 to 1952. In its early days, this truck was equipped with a manual transmission and windshield wipers for the driver and passenger, as well as a pedal-activated piston that controlled the windshield washer, which was quite a revolution at the time. Meanwhile, the RAM name was first used in 1981, replacing the Dodge D Series which first appeared in 1960.

Since then, these two pickups have been part of the everyday life of workers, horse breeders, snow birds who travel south to escape the winter, camping enthusiasts in the Varennes region as well as boaters who tow their boats to the Boucherville marina. But whatever the reason for buying a pickup truck, and there are many of them, the fact remains that it can be difficult to find the right truck: the truck that will meet your needs and expectations, that offers the power and towing capabilities you need, especially with the huge selection offered by manufacturers nowadays.

In this head-to-head matchup, we'll compare two trucks that have always been very popular. So let’s compare the F-150 vs. the RAM.

^{2021 Ford F-150}

^{2021 Ram 1500}

2021 Ford F-150

For the newest chapter in its history, the 2021 Ford F-150 has been updated with several changes, especially in the front end, which now features significantly more angular lines. Every version uses a different grille, making their looks very distinctive. What’s more, when you step inside the new 2021 F-150, you'll notice the new dashboard, new steering wheel, new instrument panel, a new 12.1-inch touchscreen as well as redesigned seats. However, despite these changes inside the F-150, the interior of the RAM 1500 is still one step ahead.

In fact, when you see the interior of the Rebel trim and its contrasting colours, you can't help but admire the automaker's audacity: its interior is as stylish as it is luxurious, with its black and dark ruby red accents on the doors, seats, steering wheel, rear seat, dashboard and center armrest. Also, depending on your model, a dozen different upholstery options are available, such as Diesel Grey and Black Vinyl with contrasting stitching; Light Mountain Brown and Black fabric; Black leather with perforated inserts and Light Diesel Grey stitching; or Premium leather with perforated inserts in Light Frost Beige with black contrasting stitching and Mountain Brown piping, truly beautiful.

^{Cockpit - 2021 Ford F-150}

^{Cockpit - 2021 Ram 1500}

The different trims available for each truck

The F-150 is available in 6 trims, namely the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited, starting at just over $31,000 and climbing to just under $87,000. As for the RAM truck, it is available in 8 trims, namely the Tradesman, Big Horn, Sport, Rebel, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, Limited and the all-new TRX. Prices range from just over $44,000 to just under $94,000. It's true that the 2021 RAM 1500 sells for a little more than the F-150, however, you can expect to get your money's worth. Comparing their respective entry-level versions, it’s easy to see where the RAM 1500 gets the edge;

• A more powerful engine - 305 horsepower vs. 290 horsepower;
• Larger displacement - 3.6 L vs. 3.3 L;
• Lower fuel consumption in the city - 11.9 L/100 km versus 12.1 L/100 km;
• An 8-speed automatic transmission compared to only 6 speeds;
• A payload of 1052 kg compared to 835 kg;
• 18-inch wheels versus 17 inches;
• Tinted windows;
• Power-adjustable heated mirrors;
• Welcome lighting;
• Automatic headlight with auto on/off;
• Electric door locking;
• Fully automatic headlights;
• Push-button ignition;
• Cruise control with steering wheel switches;
• An overhead console;
• Vehicle System Interface Module;
• Sound-system with Voice-Commands;
• And the most important of all, its towing capacity...

The RAM 1500 for those who want performance

With the RAM 1500 you will be able to tow up to 3,497 kg, or 7,710 lb. The Ford truck will allow you to tow 2,313 kg, or 5,099 lb. In short, you may pay a little more for the RAM truck, but that extra gets you a lot more equipment and features, a more powerful and yet more fuel-efficient engine, a more efficient transmission, a more luxurious and comfortable interior, and the power to tow heavier loads. So, if you need to tow your fifth-wheel, horsepower trailer or a caravan, your RAM truck makes it easy to get to your destination without having to worry about blowing up your engine.

Trucks with plenty of features

Among the numerous standard features on the RAM truck, we like the Parkview rear-view camera, the 40/20/40 split bench seat, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, UConnect 3 multimedia center with a 5-inch touchscreen, and many more. Of course, you can add several optional features including a Class IV hitch or the Maximum Tow Package, a Bed Utility Package or the super-practical RamBox cargo storage system, and many more.

Moving into the premium category, featuring the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX and the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor, there's a rumour going around that Ford may be adding the Mustang Shelby GT500 engine to the TRX. It's the supercharged 5.2 L V8 engine with 760 horsepower. Since the RAM TRX relies on a supercharged 6.2 L HEMI V8 engine, good for 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, you could say that the war will officially be on. However, that remains to be confirmed.

Either way, if you're looking for a rugged and capable truck that's super comfortable and sophisticated, the 2021 RAM 1500 is definitely the best option when it comes to full-size pickup trucks. It's no coincidence that the RAM 1500 is the favourite of the pros, winning awards and accolades year after year for its interior space and amenities. Don't wait any longer and come and choose yours at your Chaput Automobiles RAM dealer, located in Varennes, near Boucherville. See you soon!