Which truck is the strongest contender, the 2023 Ford F-150 or the Ram 1500? Our comparison guide is here to help you select the best light-duty truck for your unique needs! Let’s take a look at how these all-American pickups stack up.
Key Takeaways
- With its available supercharged V8, the 2023 Ram 1500 offers the most powerful drive. However, the F-150’s own supercharged V8 is nearly as strong.
- Properly equipped, the F-150 can tow or haul more than the Ram 1500.
- The F-150 also provides the biggest potential for fuel economy!
- Both trucks offer the usual luxury and tech upgrades, but the F-150 offers features you won't find anywhere else, including its Pro Power Onboard electric generator.
Maximum Horsepower: 2023 Ram 1500
Ram was the first automaker that got the bright idea to put a supercharged V8 under its hood! You’ll find these 702-horsepower engines on the Ram’s off-road-racing TRX trim model. If that’s too much power for your needs, you can always choose one of the Ram’s other three options, including a hefty V8 and a thrifty turbo diesel engine.
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 F-150 actually offers a supercharged powertrain of its own, which you’ll find in the desert-racing Raptor R trim model. It’s not as powerful as the TRX’s supercharged engine, but it comes very close!
Compared to the Ram 1500, the F-150 also offers a much longer list of engine options. If you want a more efficient drive, you can choose the turbo 2.7-liter V6 or the PowerBoost hybrid engine. For a classic hauling performance, there’s the sturdy V8 engine. And you can maximize your towing potential with the turbo 3.5-liter V6.
The 2023 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)
Towing and Hauling: 2023 Ford F-150
Properly equipped, the F-150 can deliver best-in-class towing or hauling capabilities. With its turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine and the right configuration, the F-150 can tow up to 14,000 pounds. That’s an incredible feat for a light-duty truck! With the 5.0-liter V8 engine and the right configuration, max payloads reach up to 3,325 pounds, another very impressive figure.
Although the 2023 Ram 1500 doesn’t quite live up to these standards, it’s still a very capable choice. Properly equipped, the Ram 1500 can tow a trailer weighing up to 12,750 pounds! That’s equal to a pretty big boat or even a horse trailer. And hauling capabilities reach up to 2,300 pounds.
Best Fuel Economy: 2023 Ford F-150
With its PowerBoost hybrid engine, the F-150 earns the highest EPA ratings, up to 25 mpg combined (25 city/25 highway). Ratings vary according to your truck’s body style and equipment.
The 2023 Ram 1500 is a close contender. With its turbo diesel engine, this all-American truck earns up to 24 mpg combined (21 city/29 highway). Once again, EPA ratings will vary according to your truck’s configuration and equipment.
Modern Features: 2023 Ford F-150
In addition to the usual comfort and convenience features, the F-150 offers items you won’t find anywhere else. The Pro Power Onboard system, for example, turns your truck into a power generator, so you can refill your e-bike or cordless drill batteries wherever you roam. The BlueCruise system provides hands-free cruising on thousands of miles of pre-mapped divided highways across North America. And the available Max Recline front seats lay nearly flat, so you always have the option of taking a quick, comfy nap.
Like the F-150, the 2023 Ram comes in a variety of trim models and offers some very luxurious options. Although it doesn’t offer an onboard power generator or nap-friendly front seats, the Ram cabin is known for its high-quality fit and finish. Both trucks offer stylish upgrades, like leather upholstery and heated seats. And tech upgrades include a wireless smartphone charging pad and premium sound systems!
Your New Light-Duty Truck
Although the 2023 Ram 1500 has its perks, the 2023 Ford F-150 is by far the better option. Choose Ford’s best selling truck for best-in-class towing and hauling capabilities, the thriftiest possible performance, or savvy features that aren’t available anywhere else!