The American pickup truck has practically become synonymous with the Ford F-Series, and the F-150 leads the pack as the most popular and best-received pickup out of the entire lineup. So just how serious is America’s obsession with the F-150? According to Forbes, more than 32 million F-Series have been made since the popular Ford line of trucks was introduced in 1948. And if you’re looking for proof of sales strength, the Ford F-Series, which includes the light-duty F-150, F-250, and F-550 Super Duty pickups and chassis cabs, has been the best-selling line of trucks in America for 42 consecutive years capping off 2018 having sold a total of 909,330 units. Even more impressive than best selling truck, the F-Series has been the consecutively best-selling vehicle of any kind in America since 1986. To put the metaphorical nail of proof in the coffin, America’s past, present, and potential future obsession with the Ford F-150 can be summed up by this alarming statistic: current estimates suggest that nearly 2 F-Series trucks are sold every minute in the United States alone. It is hardly a symbolic phrase when I suggest that truck and the F-150 are practically synonymous, but if any rival brand could potentially unseat the truck king, it would be Ram Trucks with their completely redesigned 2019 Ram 1500. In the battle for the throne, it is the 2019 Ford F-150 vs 2019 Ram 1500; we compiled the rundown of specs for both pickups to compare and see if the underdog Ram has what it takes to topple the king or will the F-150’s reign continue with no end in sight.
ENGINES
The F-150 has a dizzying array of powertrains to select from ensuring that each individual driver has the right engine underneath the hood for every possible job imaginable. Whether for work or recreation, there is an engine that will deliver the performance that’s tailored just for you. To accomplish this level of consumer personalization, Ford is touting six different engine options; the choices primarily sourced from variations on the V6 engine, but there is also one V8 included in the group. Most powertrains are also paired with 10-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can choose from:
- 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 – Standard – (290-hp; 265 lb-ft of torque)
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (325-hp; 400 lb-ft of torque)
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (375-hp; 470 lb-ft of torque)
- High Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (450-hp; 510 lb-ft of torque)
- 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 churns out 395 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque
- 3.0L Power Stroke V6 Turbo Diesel delivers 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque
The range of powertrain options is a comfort when purchasing any vehicle, and Ford takes it one step further even featuring a turbo Diesel as a selection option. We definitely recommend shelling out the extra $1600 for the upgraded twin-turbo V6, add a towing package, and this baby is capable of towing a class-leading 13,200 pounds. But even without a Trailer Tow Package, any F-150 equipped with the top tier V6 or V8 can tow a sizable 7,000 pounds. And to give you an idea of speed capability, the smaller of the two twin-turbo V6 engines at 2.7-liters hit 0-60mpg in only 6.3 seconds during Edmunds test. The twin-turbo engines attempt to provide V8 strength with increased fuel economy; a lofty goal they minimally attain with estimated fuel economy for the F-150 reaching up to 22 mpg combined.
Whereas drivers purchasing an F-150 may feel like a kid in an oversized candy shop, those looking to purchase the Ram 1500 may feel as if they wandered into a specialty boutique. Ram focuses the 1500’s attention making it only available in quad- and crew-cab bodies equipped with a choice of only 3 basic engine types, one of which has yet to be released.
- 3.6L PENTASTAR V6 (305 hp; 269 lb-ft of torque)
- 5.7-Liter Hemi V8 (395 hp; 410 lb-ft of torque)
- 3.0L ECODIESEL V6 (240 hp; 420 lb-ft of torque)
The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is a high-performance beast when paired with the eight-speed transmission. A little behind the F-150 on acceleration but still better than average. Edmund’s measured 0-60 mph test time was 6.6 seconds on the Ram 1500 equipped with the economical 3.21 axle gearing. The Hemi V8 is evenly responsive to pedal touch making the Ram quick off the starting line. Drivers will definitely feel the power of a Hemi immediately if they punch it. The strong V8 engine combined with a more aerodynamic frame lets the truck move freely with no drag or air resistance even when reaching top speeds on the highway.
Although Ram added stronger steel construction to the 1500’s frame, the redesigned pickup is somehow nearly 225 pounds lighter than its predecessor which allows the Ram to carry itself a bit more efficiently. The truck easily gains speed to merge between traffic lanes or pass vehicles, and the transmission offers little hesitation and no stalling out while you wait for the engine to catch up to the pushed pedal. Tow ratings for Ram’s V8 crew cab are about 11,200 pounds (4×4) and 11,500 (4×2) pounds with the 3.92 axle option. The 1500 performs above grade in towing performance, but once again, the Ford-F150’s max tow threshold is still higher by about 2,000 pounds.
TECH/UTILITY
The modern-day pickup truck is no longer just a workhorse vehicle; it is a luxury vehicle and a daily errand runner while also still needing to be the whole family hauler as transportation no matter the destination. And Ford has moved ahead and changed with the times providing both functional and increasingly more luxurious F-150 models to be added in their lineup. The F-150’s interior is comfortably modern with many high-class touches including a panoramic sunroof, massaging chairs, remote ignition starter, and electronically adjustable heated front seats. Also, Ford wisely created a back seat that is by far the roomiest any truck owner or more aptly passenger will find. On the tech front, there is optional Wi-Fi connectivity, the Sync 3 infotainment system that connects seamlessly with your smartphone, while the latest in advanced driver safety aids are available for each trim level. Notably, forward collision warning with automatic braking is now standard on every F-150.
The Ram 1500 also took many of these considerations for a more luxurious modern pickup and delivered impressive results in their redesign. The higher the trim, the more decadent the 1500 gets with a plethora of creature comforts. Ram stepped up their game in the tech department too. The new technology is highlighted by an optional infotainment system with a massive 12-inch touchscreen display; of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are compatible and drivers and passengers will access to multiple USB ports scattered throughout the interior cab. As far as advanced safety features, Ram has the industry standard list that includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, a surround-view camera system, and a self-parking system; however, these options are only available on the top 3 trim levels, so no standard safety features found here.
2019 Ford F-150 vs 2019 Ram 1500 – The Verdict
The Ram 1500 is a decent competitor, but its’ numbers still can’t touch the consumer crowned king of trucks, the F-150. Mostly though, the F-150 beats out the Ram 1500 by options alone. The sheer number of combinations between engines and trim types makes the F-150 the clear winner. Especially when more and more drivers are looking for adaptability and personalization in their trucks.
