F150 vs Ram 1500… which is the better choice?

Hey everyone! Thinking of trading in my Rubicon for a truck, and I’m torn between the F150 and Ram 1500. Any advice? Ford’s trim levels are a bit confusing, and I’m also unsure about which engine to go with.

Thanks in advance for the help!

New or used?

F150 engines generally hold up better over time than the 5.7 HEMI. However, the Ram’s 8-speed transmission is known for being more reliable than Ford’s 10-speed, so it could be a better long-term choice if you’re prioritizing that. Fords usually have better fuel economy, though.

For interiors, I personally prefer Ford’s design over Ram’s. The Ram’s big touchscreen can feel a bit over-the-top. And while the Ram may have a slightly smoother ride due to the rear coil springs, Ford’s leaf springs are better suited for towing and payload capacity. So if you’re planning on doing a lot of hauling, the F150 might be the better option.

@Bailey
Thanks for the detailed response! I’m likely going used, unless I can find a good lease deal. I’ve seen some low-mileage 2022 models for around $25k less than new ones, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the extra cost per month.

@Hadley
Just a heads-up—Ford improved the transmission in the 2023+ models, so they’re now more reliable than the Ram’s.

@Hadley
I went used for the same reason, saved about $15k and mine had only 20k miles. If you go with an F150 in the U.S. and it’s under 36k miles/39 months, you can still get the factory extended warranty from Zeigler or Granger Ford for a lot less. I got an 8-year premium plan for around $1700.

@Bailey
This is spot-on and very helpful!

If you’re used to a Jeep, the Ram might feel familiar in terms of quality and dependability.

Jory said:
If you’re used to a Jeep, the Ram might feel familiar in terms of quality and dependability.

Jeeps are known for having reliability issues, though.

Layne said:

Jory said:
If you’re used to a Jeep, the Ram might feel familiar in terms of quality and dependability.

Jeeps are known for having reliability issues, though.

Pretty sure that was the joke :wink:

I used to be a Mopar fan but decided against them once Stellantis took over. I got a 2024 F150 STX with the 5.0, and it’s honestly the best truck I’ve ever owned—beats the 5.7 HEMI, a Cummins, and even a Chevy HD gas truck.

Ever notice the Ram logo kind of looks like the female reproductive system? Just something to think about.

Weston said:
Ever notice the Ram logo kind of looks like the female reproductive system? Just something to think about.

Haha, that’s funny!

Weston said:
Ever notice the Ram logo kind of looks like the female reproductive system? Just something to think about.

What are you trying to say here? :laughing:

True said:

Weston said:
Ever notice the Ram logo kind of looks like the female reproductive system? Just something to think about.

What are you trying to say here? :laughing:

Just joking around! :sweat_smile:

Whatever you do, avoid the eTorque engine.

Darcy said:
Whatever you do, avoid the eTorque engine.

No way I’d go for that.

Hadley said:

Darcy said:
Whatever you do, avoid the eTorque engine.

No way I’d go for that.

Good call. The HEMI is also pretty dated—it hasn’t had a redesign in over 10 years and is known for header cracks. Plus, Ford’s 3.5 and 2.7 engines make more torque at lower RPMs with the twin turbos.

It’s kind of funny to ask if you should get an F150 or a Ram on a Ford forum. People are likely going to recommend the Ford. For an unbiased view, maybe try a general truck forum too.

Personally, I wouldn’t go near anything from Stellantis.

@Wilder
Actually, I find the responses here pretty balanced and helpful! Getting opinions from people who know the ins and outs of each brand is useful. I’m asking the same question on a Ram forum, too, to compare notes.

5.7 HEMI is a pretty underwhelming engine.