Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500 2024: Towing & Payload
The Ford F-150 leads in payload capacity (3,325 lbs) and fuel efficiency (23 mpg EPA combined), while the Ram 1500 excels in towing capacity (14,710 lbs with air suspension) and interior comfort with its available 12-inch touchscreen and superior cabin technology.
Ford F-150
Best-selling truck with superior payload capacity, fuel efficiency, and bed options.
Contractors, fleet operators, and buyers who prioritize payload capacity and fuel efficiency for work applications
Ram 1500
Premium pickup truck excelling in towing capacity and interior technology with air suspension standard.
Buyers seeking a premium truck experience with maximum towing capability, who value comfort features and integrated technology over payload capacity
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe Ford F-150 leads in payload capacity (3,325 lbs) and fuel efficiency (23 mpg EPA combined), while the Ram 1500 excels in towing capacity (14,710 lbs with air suspension) and interior comfort with its available 12-inch touchscreen and superior cabin technology.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose the Ford F-150 if you prioritize payload capacity, fuel economy, bed flexibility, and value for work-focused tasks. Choose the Ram 1500 if you need maximum towing capability, prefer a more luxurious interior, and want cutting-edge infotainment technology. The F-150's versatility makes it ideal for contractors and fleet buyers, while the Ram 1500 suits buyers seeking refined comfort in a truck package.
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TIE — neck and neck
Choose Ford F-150 if
Contractors, fleet operators, and buyers who prioritize payload capacity and fuel efficiency for work applications
Choose Ram 1500 if
Buyers seeking a premium truck experience with maximum towing capability, who value comfort features and integrated technology over payload capacity
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Maximum Towing Capacity:✓ Ram 1500 wins(14,710 lbs vs 14,000 lbs)
- Maximum Payload Capacity:✓ Ford F-150 wins(3,325 lbs vs 2,320 lbs)
- EPA Combined Fuel Economy (SuperCrew 5.0L):✓ Ford F-150 wins(23 mpg vs 21 mpg)
Key Facts & Figures
36 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Ford F-150 | Ram 1500 | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Towing Capacity(lbs) | 13,500 lbs | — | — |
| Horsepower (Maximum)(hp) | 450 hp | — | — |
| Number of Trim Levels | 8 trims | — | — |
| Payload Capacity(lbs) | 3,325 lbs (varies) | — | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $43,935 | — | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) | 21 MPG | — | — |
| Maximum Horsepower(hp) | 400 hp @ 6000 RPM | — | — |
| Maximum Torque(lb-ft) | 410 @ 4250 RPM | — | — |
| Infotainment Display(inches) | 12-inch LCD touchscreen | — | — |
| Combined Fuel Economy (EcoBoost 3.5L)(MPG) | 23 MPG | 21 MPG | |
| Standard Bed Length(ft) | 5.5 ft (standard) | 5.7 ft (standard) | |
| Cabin Interior Volume(cubic ft) | 52.8 cubic ft | 61.3 cubic ft | |
| Starting Price (2024 Regular Cab)(USD) | $28,995 | $32,145 | |
| Available Engine Options(count) | 5 engines | 3 engines | |
| EPA Highway Fuel Economy(mpg) | 26 MPG | — | — |
| Starting MSRP (2024)(USD) | $28,995 | — | — |
| 5-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 58% | — | — |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating(score (100)) | 3.5/5 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (CrewCab/CrewMax)(inches) | 62.8 inches | — | — |
| Payload Capacity (Standard)(lbs) | 3,325 lbs | — | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Standard/Hybrid)(MPG combined) | 21 (EcoBoost) | — | — |
| J.D. Power Reliability Score(points) | 81.3/100 | — | — |
| Base Model Price (2024)(USD) | $28,995 | — | — |
| Engine Options Available(count) | 6 options | — | — |
| Rear Legroom (CrewMax/SuperCrew)(inches) | 36.8 inches | — | — |
| Maximum Towing Capacity(lbs) | 14,000 lbs (with max towing package) | 14,710 lbs (with air suspension) | |
| Maximum Payload Capacity(lbs) | 3,325 lbs (SuperCrew) | 2,320 lbs (Crew Cab) | |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Base Engine)(mpg) | 23 mpg (SuperCrew 5.0L) | 21 mpg (Crew Cab 3.6L) | |
| Standard Infotainment Touchscreen Size(inches) | 8 inches | 12 inches | |
| Base Engine Horsepower(hp) | 290 hp (3.3L EcoBoost) | 305 hp (3.6L Pentastar V6) | |
| Starting Price (Regular Cab, 2024)(USD) | $38,995 | $38,995 | |
| Highway Fuel Economy(mpg) | 26 MPG | 26 MPG | |
| Cabin Width (Interior)(inches) | 59.3 inches | 59.3 inches | |
| 0-60 Acceleration (5.3L V8)(seconds) | 6.2 seconds | 6.2 seconds | |
| Maximum Bed Length(feet) | 6.8 feet | 6.8 feet | |
| Ground Clearance(inches) | 11.2 inches | 11.2 inches |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 14,000 lbsMaximum Towing Capacity14,710 lbs(winner)
- 3,325 lbs(winner)Maximum Payload Capacity2,320 lbs
- 23 mpg(winner)EPA Combined Fuel Economy (SuperCrew 5.0L)21 mpg
- 8 inchesStandard Touchscreen Size12 inches(winner)
- $28,995(winner)Base MSRP (2024 Regular Cab)N/A
- 5.5, 6.5, 8 feet(winner)Bed Length Options5.7, 6.4 feet
- 290 hp (3.3L EcoBoost)Standard Engine Horsepower (Base)305 hp (3.6L Pentastar)(winner)
- Maximum Towing Capacity
Ford F-150
14,000 lbs
Ram 1500
14,710 lbs(winner)
- Maximum Payload Capacity
Ford F-150
3,325 lbs(winner)
Ram 1500
2,320 lbs
- EPA Combined Fuel Economy (SuperCrew 5.0L)
Ford F-150
23 mpg(winner)
Ram 1500
21 mpg
- Standard Touchscreen Size
Ford F-150
8 inches
Ram 1500
12 inches(winner)
- Base MSRP (2024 Regular Cab)
Ford F-150
$28,995(winner)
Ram 1500
N/A
- Bed Length Options
Ford F-150
5.5, 6.5, 8 feet(winner)
Ram 1500
5.7, 6.4 feet
- Standard Engine Horsepower (Base)
Ford F-150
290 hp (3.3L EcoBoost)
Ram 1500
305 hp (3.6L Pentastar)(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Ford F-150 | Ram 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Towing Capacity(lbs) | 13,500 lbs | — |
| Horsepower (Maximum)(hp) | 450 hp | — |
| Payload Capacity(lbs) | 3,325 lbs (varies) | — |
| Available Engine Options(count) | 5 engines(winner) | 3 engines |
| Payload Capacity (Standard)(lbs) | 3,325 lbs | — |
Show 3 more attributesEngine Options Available(count) 6 options — Base Engine Horsepower(hp) 290 hp (3.3L EcoBoost) 305 hp (3.6L Pentastar V6) 0-60 Acceleration (5.3L V8)(seconds) 6.2 seconds — | ||
| Number of Trim Levels | 8 trims | — |
| Autonomous Driving Technology | BlueCruise | — |
| Powertrain Refinement | Multiple engine options | — |
| Infotainment Display(inches) | 12-inch LCD touchscreen | — |
| Standard Infotainment Touchscreen Size(inches) | 8 inches | 12 inches(winner) |
| Fuel Efficiency Rating(comparative) | Good | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) | 21 MPG | — |
| Combined Fuel Economy (EcoBoost 3.5L)(MPG) | 23 MPG(winner) | 21 MPG |
| EPA Highway Fuel Economy(mpg) | 26 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Standard/Hybrid)(MPG combined) | 21 (EcoBoost) | — |
Show 2 more attributesEPA Combined Fuel Economy (Base Engine)(mpg) 23 mpg (SuperCrew 5.0L) 21 mpg (Crew Cab 3.6L) Highway Fuel Economy(mpg) 26 MPG — | ||
| Front Fascia Design | Refreshed grille and headlights | — |
| Body Aerodynamics | Sleeker, more aerodynamic | — |
| Safety Technology Suite | BlueCruise + standard safety | — |
| Price Positioning | Premium segment | — |
| Base Model Price (2024)(USD) | $28,995 | — |
| Market Leadership | Best-selling pickup truck | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $43,935 | — |
| Starting MSRP (2024)(USD) | $28,995 | — |
| Base Engine | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | — |
| Maximum Horsepower(hp) | 400 hp @ 6000 RPM | — |
| Maximum Torque(lb-ft) | 410 @ 4250 RPM | — |
| Maximum Towing Capacity(lbs) | 14,000 lbs | — |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | — |
| Standard Bed Length(ft) | 5.5 ft (standard) | 5.7 ft (standard)(winner) |
| Cabin Interior Volume(cubic ft) | 52.8 cubic ft | 61.3 cubic ft(winner) |
| Rear Legroom (CrewMax/SuperCrew)(inches) | 36.8 inches | — |
| Standard Suspension Type(text) | Coil springs (rear) | Air suspension with load-leveling |
| Cabin Width (Interior)(inches) | 59.3 inches | — |
| Starting Price (2024 Regular Cab)(USD) | $28,995(winner) | $32,145 |
| Starting Price (Regular Cab, 2024)(USD) | $38,995 | — |
| Warranty Coverage (Powertrain)(years/miles) | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| 5-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 58% | — |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating(score (100)) | 3.5/5 | — |
| Cabin Width (CrewCab/CrewMax)(inches) | 62.8 inches | — |
| J.D. Power Reliability Score(points) | 81.3/100 | — |
| Warranty Coverage - Basic(years/miles) | 3 years/36,000 miles | — |
| Maximum Towing Capacity(lbs) | 14,000 lbs (with max towing package) | 14,710 lbs (with air suspension)(winner) |
| Maximum Payload Capacity(lbs) | 3,325 lbs (SuperCrew)(winner) | 2,320 lbs (Crew Cab) |
| Available Bed Lengths(options) | 5.5, 6.5, 8 feet (3 options) | 5.7, 6.4 feet (2 options) |
| Maximum Bed Length(feet) | 6.8 feet | — |
| Ground Clearance(inches) | 11.2 inches | — |
Ford F-150Ram 1500Show 3 more attributes
Show 2 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
Ford F-150
Pros
- Best-in-class payload capacity at 3,325 lbs maximum
- Excellent fuel economy at 23 mpg EPA combined (SuperCrew 5.0L)
- Three bed length options (5.5, 6.5, 8 feet) for maximum versatility
- Available PowerBoost hybrid engine achieving 24 mpg combined
- Extensive aftermarket support and customization options
Cons
- Smaller standard 8-inch touchscreen versus Ram's 12-inch
- Lower base engine horsepower (290 hp vs Ram's 305 hp) requires upgrade for more power
Ram 1500
Pros
- Highest-in-class towing capacity at 14,710 lbs with air suspension (outpaces F-150's 14,000 lbs)
- Standard 12-inch touchscreen with advanced Uconnect 5 infotainment system
- Standard air suspension provides superior ride quality and comfort on highways
- Base engine delivers 305 hp (15 hp more than F-150), reducing need for upgrades
- RamBox storage integrated into bed rails for secure item storage
Cons
- Significantly lower payload capacity at 2,320 lbs maximum (1,005 lbs less than F-150)
- Fuel economy lags at 21 mpg EPA combined versus F-150's 23 mpg
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
The Ram 1500 wins in towing capacity with 14,710 lbs maximum (with air suspension), compared to the F-150's 14,000 lbs. However, the difference is only 710 lbs (5%), and both trucks exceed the towing needs of most buyers. The F-150 offers more payload capacity, making it better for hauling heavy cargo in the bed.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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