If you’re not brand loyal and you’re shopping in a narrow market for what you want, this gets tough. I actually use my 4Runner’s off-road capability, and both of these trucks would fit my needs. The Raptor and TRX are too extreme—I’m more into overlanding, where Fox HTO shocks would be ideal.
I might tow a small camper (10-15 feet) or a small boat, which is a bit more than my 4Runner can handle. I know all these trucks would be fine for that.
I grew up in a Ford family—my dad sold them, and we had full brand loyalty even when the products weren’t great. I worked for Dodge for a while and never had the same loyalty, but I also saw they weren’t as bad as people online made them out to be. That was 15 years ago, though, so my firsthand knowledge is outdated.
Seeing Ram called the more reliable option is hard to believe, especially since I’m looking at the 5.7 PowerBoost. Both brands have had oiling issues, and I feel like I’m getting lost in the details.
Sell me on why I should go with the Tremor over the Rebel and which engine to get. I know the 3.5 is probably the better choice, but the 5.0 has that classic V8 sound.
Take them all for a test drive and see which one fits you best. They’re all similar in reliability, so it comes down to personal preference.
Ram rides better when empty but gets worse when you add payload or tow. The 8-speed is nearly bulletproof compared to the 10R80. I chose Ford for the aluminum body and preferred the 12-inch screen over Ram’s portrait-style layout.
@Linden
If I hadn’t been in both, this would be an easier choice. The 5.7 sounds amazing, and I’m not sure Hemi tick is worse than the cam phaser issue. We use enough Ford transmissions at work that I’m not too worried.
The Ram is where I’d want to be after a long day. The Ford is what I’d take to that long day. I can’t believe how close it is.
Honestly, you’ll probably be happy with either. I’ve had multiple Rams but now have a 2023 Tremor 3.5 and plan to keep it for at least 10 years.
The 5.7 is a great engine, especially with 3.92 gears—it’s got solid power for fun and towing. I towed an 8,500 lb toy hauler with mine for a year without any engine issues, though the suspension struggled. The ZF 8-speed is much better than Ford’s 10-speed. The eTorque system is mostly useless and seems to cause issues around 50k-100k miles. I’d avoid the air suspension—it’s cool but fails often before 100k miles.
For the Tremor, both the 3.5 and 5.0 are solid choices. If you’re towing in the mountains, go 3.5. The torque makes towing effortless since it can hold gears longer and boost instead of downshifting. The leaf springs will also be better for towing. Plus, Ford’s 2kW generator could be a great feature for you.
Reese said: @Dakota
The onboard power is definitely a selling point.
The Coyote 5.0 is the best of the three. Most reliable, best aftermarket support, and better fuel economy than the 5.7. I can’t speak to the Rebel vs. Tremor specifically, but Ram parts tend to be pricier and harder to find. Plus, Ram trucks don’t hold their value as well. I was never a Ford guy, but their newer trucks are the best of the Big Three. I’m a mechanic, for what it’s worth. Both are good, though—pick what you like more.
Self-explanatory if you don’t go for the cheapest option.
Edit: Actually, I’d vouch for Ford. Never a Dodge. Ask a mechanic.
That’s a lot more complicated in the last five years, but only with certain powertrains. If Ford hadn’t caught the recall bug, they’d probably be leading.
Do you think the 5.0 is more reliable than the 5.7?
@Reese
100 percent. The 5.0 isn’t dropping lifters. And if it had issues, Ford would fix them. Hemi tick has been around forever. To each their own, though.
Timber said: @Reese
100 percent. The 5.0 isn’t dropping lifters. And if it had issues, Ford would fix them. Hemi tick has been around forever. To each their own, though.
Has the 5.0 had issues since they added MDS? I don’t see much discussion about it since the 3.5 is so popular.
I have a Tremor with the 3.5, and it out-tows my older Ram 5.7 by a huge margin. I can’t compare it to the new 5.7, but forced induction engines are like a cheat code compared to older V8s when it comes to low-end power.