How the 2024 Ram 1500 Stacks up Against the 2024 Ford F-150

We’re proud to offer Ram trucks for sale here at Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram because we know they’re some of the best vehicles out there for tackling hard work, exploring the great outdoors, and driving comfortably around town. Of course, we also know that pickup trucks are popular, and drivers have a lot of different options to choose from. For example, the Ford F-150 is a bestselling model that has plenty of fans around the country. Since it’s so popular, we know it’s on many drivers’ minds, and you might be wondering how the Ram 1500 compares. So, we’re taking a look at how these two light-duty full-size trucks stack up against each other. Let’s dive in and see what each of these models does well and which one comes out on top.

Interior Comfort

One of the things that sets the Ram 1500 apart from other models in its field is its luxurious interior, especially on higher trims. The F-150 is “designed to get things done,” according to Ford. That’s great when it comes to capability, but when it comes to the interior, focusing on utility at the expense of comfort can be a drawback. Now, the F-150 does have some clever design elements on higher trim levels, like under-seat storage to clear up space for passengers, a center console that can double as a work surface by holding a laptop, and fold-flat seats up front that can accommodate naps. However, the Ram’s cabin is at such a level of luxury that even a truck maker as successful as Ford has a tough time getting on the same level.

Your backseat passengers will appreciate the Ram 1500’s best-in-class 45.2 inches of available legroom, which is more than the 43.6 inches the F-150 provides, even with the largest SuperCrew cab. The most premium sound system offered on the Ram, a 900-watt 19-speaker system by Harman Kardon, is also clearly better by the numbers than the top audio system on the Ford F-150, a 14-speaker setup by Bang & Olufsen. The Ram 1500 cabin is full of practical storage solutions, too, including a pair of glove compartments that help you keep important items organized and on hand, a reconfigurable center console that can act as a surface for a laptop or hang file folders for getting work done on the go, and in-floor storage compartments that have removable liners so you can keep them clean without hassle.

But part of what sets the Ram’s cabin apart is an intangible sense of luxury. Everything from the upscale materials to the well-designed layout makes you feel instantly at home and can elevate your driving experience by giving you a nice, comfortable place to be while you’re on the road. The cabin appeals to just about all of your senses, with good looks, soft-touch surfaces, and a quiet atmosphere, making it easy to enjoy everything from short errand runs to long road trips.

On-Road Handling

Another factor that can affect comfort for both the driver and passengers is how the truck handles the road. Back in the day, it was basically a given that a truck would deliver a bit of a rough ride on the road, a consequence of the body-on-frame design that makes it so strong and off-road capable. But after decades of engineering, trucks have come a long way, and many are now comfortable daily drivers that glide smoothly over the pavement. Of course, not all trucks are created equal.

The F-150 provides a solid ride. It comes standard with an independent front suspension, front coil springs, and two-stage variable rate leaf springs in the rear. Upgrading to the Platinum trim gets you all that, plus continuously controlled damping to smooth out the ride in different situations and terrain types.

On the Ram 1500 Tradesman, you get a short and long-arm front suspension paired with a multi-link rear suspension. Together, these systems deliver a great ride so everyone in the cabin stays comfortable. But for ultimate ride quality, Ram goes the extra mile by offering an available class-exclusive Active-Level Four Corner Air Suspension system for those who want the best experience possible on the road. This advanced system automatically lowers the truck when you’re driving at highway speeds, lowering your center of balance to reduce drag and improve both ride quality and fuel efficiency. With this system, you get high ground clearance when you need it but can enjoy a lower ride when the road ahead is flat and clear.

Capability

Both the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150 have a solid lineup of engine options and well-constructed frames designed to handle heavy loads so you can get hard work done. The Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 lbs and haul up to 2,320 lbs of payload. That’s more than most trucks in its class can offer, but we must admit that the one exception is the 2024 F-150, which can tow up to 13,500 lbs and carry up to 2,455 lbs of payload. However, you can only unlock Ford’s slightly higher maximum towing figure by opting for the 3.5L V6 engine, while Ram’s highest towing capability comes from its 5.7L HEMI V8, so if you want a V8 under the hood, the Ram is the way to go.

Off-Road Prowess

Both of these trucks offer multiple off-road capable trims, from the Tremor on the Ford side to the Rebel on the Ram side. But these entry-level options are eclipsed by the big players: the F-150 Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX. These trucks are legendary for being rugged and loaded with equipment, with wide stances, protective skid plates, and powerful engines designed to let you sprint over open desert, climb steep mountain trails, and even crawl over boulders.

Let’s start by comparing the standard engines. The F-150 Raptor packs a 3.5L high-output V6 under the hood, giving it 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque to play with. Those are impressive stats, but they can’t hold a candle to the 702 hp created by the 6.2L HEMI V8 engine aboard the TRX, which produces up to 650 lb-ft of torque. That difference shows up when you look at acceleration: the Ford F-150 Raptor can go from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, while the 1500 TRX can do the same in a mere 4.5 seconds.

For a Well-Rounded and Luxurious Truck, Grab Life by the Horns

There’s no denying that the F-150 is a solid pickup truck with a lot to offer drivers. But the Ram 1500 simply goes the extra mile, adding amazing ride quality and a luxurious interior on top of its capability and performance and providing off-road enthusiasts with a quick and well-equipped model that can go just about anywhere. Whether you opt for the base Tradesman, the luxurious Limited, or the rugged TRX, you’ll be getting a truck that’s designed to exceed your expectations at every turn. You can find your perfect Ram 1500 model at Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We’ll be happy to help you browse our new and used models and available features to ensure you get into the right trim to fit your lifestyle and needs.