When comparing two huge vehicles like the F-150 and the RAM 1500, we must first look at a few statistics to be able to get a good overview.
In 2018 alone, nearly 146,000 F-Series units (F-150 + Super Duty) were sold in Canada, an impressive statistic for sure, but more remarkably this represents 58% more than the RAM 1500. It is through innovation that Ford maintains its position at the top of the list.
Blainville Ford on the North Shore, just minutes from Laval and Montreal, shows us the strength of the F-150 by comparing it to the RAM 1500.
Comparing Two Best-Sellers
The 2019 F-150 is the only vehicle to offer such a complete range of the most advanced powertrains on the North American market. In this respect, it is well ahead of the RAM 1500, which has a relatively small powertrain range.
The F-150 is available with six motor options depending on the version chosen – there are three types of configurations: V6 and V8 engines, i.e. 2.7 litres or 3.5 litres for the V6, an EcoBoost engine with dual turbocharger and direct injection with a respective power of 325 hp and 375 hp, as well as a torque of 425 lb-ft and 470 lb-ft (force of the engine's rotational movement), while the 5.0 litre V8 engine offers 385 hp and 397 lb-ft torque. It should be noted that the F-150 can also be equipped with a Power Stroke turbo diesel V6 engine. Finally, Ford's popular Raptor is equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque for great adventures on demanding off-road terrain, with improved suspension and continuously variable FOX compression damping, while the RAM 1500 offers 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque with its 3.6-litre V6 engine.
While the F-150 and RAM 1500 are powerful, they are also very useful for heavy construction work or weekend adventures. Yet the F-150 has better towing capacity than any other truck in its category, thanks to its innovative Pro Trailer Back Assist® system that synchronizes the truck and trailer when in reverse, dynamic trailer hitch assistance with a sight line to direct the hitch ball to the trailer hitch, and an intelligent trailer connector that alerts you when there are lighting and connectivity problems with the trailer.
We must not forget to mention an 8-inch screen that displays a series of information about the trailer, so the F-150 will make it easier to tow just about anything. We can’t overlook the trailer brake control, which synchronizes the truck and trailer brakes for you and the Blind Spot Alert System (BLIS) to alert you when a vehicle is in your blind spot or next to your trailer. In our opinion, this is why the F-150 is so popular and so smart. Its towing capacity can reach up to 13,200 pounds (5,988 kg) in the EcoBoost V6 version, while the RAM 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of 5,761 kg.
Ford ingenuity is not only intelligence – it is also a desire to reduce the vehicle's weight and increase its payload, and this time the American manufacturer used military-grade aluminum alloy that is both lightweight and very strong, and that you will not find on the RAM 1500.
As for the storage space in the F-150's cabin, you will discover many compartments in which to store everything you want to bring with you. The Ford F-150 Crew Cab (Crew Cab 4x4) also features a completely flat floor for even more storage space, whether the rear seats are upright or not; these features are also found in the RAM 1500.
The truck's interior features not only storage, but also many highly functional features and a host of useful information appears on your customizable 8-inch touch screen with its four menu options, in addition to a 360-degree rearview camera with optional split screen display. It also features multifunctional adaptive cruise control, FordPass that allows you to start your vehicle remotely and program recurring start times, and Ford SYNC 3 (Sync Connect), with its Waze application, which will make it easy for you to avoid traffic jams and find the most efficient route with the integrated navigation system; just to name a few. In addition, the F-150 is a very comfortable truck with ergonomic seats that adjust according to the driver's height, and an impeccable and well-soundproofed interior that is comfortable for both the driver and the passenger; the RAM 1500’s cabin is comparable to that of the F-150, and the materials used are of good quality, with a modern look and an infotainment system featuring a 12-inch screen.
On the road, the F-150 is very user-friendly. It handles corners well and offers a smooth ride. The RAM 1500, with its unique suspension system, is also very comfortable on the road, even on long road trips.
The Result
In terms of overall presentation, the RAM 1500 (2019 RAM 1500) is appealing, but the F-150 remains the number 1 choice, as it is the most sought-after pickup truck in North America. It offers a great engine selection and an outstanding towing capacity. If we had to make a choice, we would choose the F-150 for this reason, not to mention its legendary name, its cutting-edge technologies, its reliability, its comfort and the driving experience. Simply put, the F-150 is the number one choice for many in Quebec, Canada and the United States.