Which light-duty truck is the best option, the 2023 Ford F-150 or Ram 1500? While the F-150 is known for its innovative features and best-in-class capabilities, the Ram 1500 delivers stunning style and all-out speed. Choosing the right truck for you depends on your priorities, of course, which is where our buying guide comes in. We’re here to give you the pros and cons of each pickup!
Key Takeaways
- With its supercharged V8, the Ram 1500 delivers maximum horsepower.
- When it comes to towing and hauling, the F-150 is the strongest option by far.
- Both trucks are available as a wide range of trim models, offering everything from a basic work truck to a luxury model.
- The F-150 is available with utility features that aren’t available for the Ram 1500, including an onboard power generator and Ford’s hands-free driving system.
Maximum Horsepower: 2023 Ram 1500
The Ram 1500’s TRX trim model is ready to race up and down plenty of dunes, thanks to its supercharged V8 engine. It’s the strongest option available between these two trucks, delivering 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. But the Ram 1500 is also available with a thrifty turbo diesel engine or a strong V8. If you don't want to spend any extra money, you’ll appreciate the Ram’s hearty base engine, which supplies 305 horses.
These are the 2023 Ram 1500 engine options:
- 3.6L V6 (305 hp, 269 lb-ft)
- 5.7L V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft)
- 3.0L turbodiesel V6 (260 hp, 480 lb-ft)
- TRX Supercharged 6.2L V8 (702 hp, 650 lb-ft)
The Ford F-150 also offers a supercharged V8 in its own desert-racing trim model, the Raptor R. It’s nearly as powerful as the Ram counterpart, generating 700 horses! If you don’t need all that power, you can choose from the F-150’s six other engine options, including its classic 5.0-liter V8 and tow-friendly turbocharged 3.5-liter V6.
These are the 2023 Ford F-150 engine options:
- 3.3L V6 (290 horsepower, 265 lb-ft of torque)
- Turbocharged 2.7L V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- 5.0L V8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft)
- Turbo 3.5L V6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft)
- Raptor turbo 3.5L V6 (450 hp, 510 lb-ft)
- Raptor R supercharged 5.2L V8 (700 hp, 640 lb-ft)
- PowerBoost turbo 3.5L hybrid V6 (430 hp, 570 lb-ft)
Maximum Capabilities: 2023 Ford F-150
To tow or haul the most weight, you need the F-150. Depending on how you configure yours, the F-150 can tow best-in-class figures of up to 14,000 pounds. If you’ve got a collection of ATVs or a pair of horses that need transport, the F-150 is probably the right choice for you. The F-150 can also haul max payloads, with ratings of up to 3,325 pounds, depending on body style and equipment.
The Ram can’t move as much weight as the F-150, but it’s still a pretty strong option. When it comes to towing performance, the Ram 1500 has improved quite a bit in recent years. Now, max payloads reach 12,750 pounds. However, the Ram’s payloads don’t even come close to the F-150’s capabilities, cutting you off at 2,300 pounds.
Creature Comforts: It’s a Tie!
Although the Ram 1500 has a well-deserved reputation for style, both trucks offer their fair share of luxury. Ram’s light-duty truck is available as seven trim models, which become increasingly comfortable as you move up the list. For example, while the base Ram starts you off with air conditioning and vinyl seats, higher trims introduce leather upholstery and heated seats.
The Ford F-150 is very similar in this respect! Available as six main trim models, plus two off-road-ready trucks, the F-150 starts out basic and becomes very luxurious as you move up the trim levels. The entry-level truck comes standard with cloth upholstery and vinyl flooring. Upper trim levels are decked out in leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, and twin-panel moonroof.
Utility Features: 2023 Ford F-150
Ford’s light-duty truck is home to some features that aren’t available anywhere else. When you add the Pro Power Onboard system, for example, you can turn your truck into a power generator. Outputs vary (2.0 kW, 2.4 kW, or 7.2 kW) depending on which engine you select. The F-150 is also available with Ford’ BlueCruise hands-free driving system, which works on pre-mapped divided highways across the U.S. and Canada. With the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system, you can guide a trailer in the desired direction and hopefully avoid jackknifing.
Although the Ram 1500 isn’t quite as innovative as the F-150, it actually shares a lot of the same safety aids and camera options. For example, you can add a 360-degree camera for a top-down look at your truck as you’re pulling into a parking space. Or you can add blind-spot warning and forward collision mitigation systems to help you avoid trouble on the road.
The Best Truck for You
The 2023 Ford F-150 is the better overall option, whether you want to move more weight or enjoy innovative features that aren’t available on other trucks! Choose Ford’s best selling truck to discover what all the fuss is about.