RAM 1500 vs Ford F-150

A black RAM 1500 on a racetrack.

New RAM 1500 For Sale Near Merrimack

Which Truck Is Better: the Ram 1500 or the Ford F-150?

The 2026 Ram 1500 emerges as the strong overall option compared with the 2026 Ford F-150 by offering strong standard value, refined cabin features, and generous passenger comfort. Learn more about the differences between these two trucks at Contemporary Automotive, our Ram dealership near Merrimack, NH, where our experts can walk you through each model’s features.

Explore the Differences Between the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150

Passenger Comfort

The Ram 1500 outperforms the Ford F-150 in rear passenger legroom and interior comfort, creating a comfortable cabin environment for long family road trips and weekend outings. In Crew Cab models, the 1500 provides excellent proportions, including class-leading legroom:

  • 44.8 inches of rear legroom
  • 39.9 inches of rear headroom
  • 63.4 inches of rear hip room
  • 65.7 inches of rear shoulder room
  • 40.9 inches of front headroom
  • 40.9 inches of front legroom

 

F-150 models offer competitive front measurements, but lag in second-row stretch-out space and seat cushion support. Even the Ram Quad Cab setup provides practical seating for five passengers with 35.3 inches of rear legroom and 39.2 inches of rear headroom, making it a great option for mixed work and personal use.

Cargo Capacity

Cargo bed utility is another area where the Ram 1500 shines, with a 5’7″ short bed configuration that offers about 54 cu ft of cargo volume, measuring 67.4 inches in length, 66.4 inches in overall bed width, and 51.0 inches between the wheelhouses. Upgrading to the 6’4″ bed expands cargo volume to about 61 cu ft with a bed length of 76.3 inches. To maximize utility, Ram offers innovative features, such as:

  • Multi-function tailgate with 60/40 split swing-away doors
  • RamBox Cargo Management System with lockable side storage and a 115V power outlet
  • Tri-fold tonneau cover
  • Bed Utility Group featuring a retractable bed step
  • Adjustable tie-down hooks

 

Specification Ram 1500 Ford F-150
Seating 5 5
Cargo 53.8 cu ft 52.8 cu ft
Curb weight 5,166 lbs 5,096 lbs
Towing 6,370 lbs 10,400 lbs
Payload 1,734 lbs 1,945 lbs

Performance and Handling

The Ram 1500 delivers smooth, responsive powertrain options and refined chassis dynamics that provide confident control whether hauling heavy equipment or navigating tight city traffic. Engine choice begins with the efficient 3.6L V6 eTorque mild-hybrid engine, generating 305 hp at 6,500 rpm and 271 lb-ft of torque at 4,900 rpm. Its eTorque system specifically provides supplementary launch torque of 90 lb-ft for seamless acceleration and smooth engine stop-start transitions. For maximum towing capability and passing power, the available 3.0L I6 Hurricane Twin Turbo engine generates 420 hp at 5,200 rpm and 469 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm, utilizing dual turbochargers and gasoline direct injection.

Both engines pair with the proven TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, featuring short lower gear ratios for strong off-the-line towing and overdrive top gears for low-rpm highway cruising. Drive systems include full-time and part-time 4WD transfer cases with low-range gearing and electronic traction control, as well as Ram’s exclusive multi-link rear suspension with coil springs that allows for exceptional ride comfort over bumpy pavement, as it helps absorb road impacts more smoothly than traditional leaf-spring setups found on the Ford F-150.

Specification Ram 1500 Ford F-150
Transmission automatic eight-speed SelectShift
Drivetrain 4WD 4WD
Engine 3.6L 3.5L
Horsepower 305 hp 400 hp
Torque 271 lb-ft 500 lb-ft

Fuel Efficiency and Range

The Ram 1500 achieves efficient fuel economy ratings that help lower overall operating costs during daily commuting and weekend recreational trips. Thanks to the standard 3.6L V6 eTorque combined with a standard 26-gallon fuel tank, the 1500 can deliver an estimated driving range of 546 miles on a single tank. Quad Cab models instead come with a 23-gallon tank and achieve a calculated range of 483 miles, but come with the option of an available 33-gallon fuel tank that extends total highway range past 750 miles. In comparison, the Ford F-150 has a calculated driving range of 494 miles with the standard tank, having a similar range and efficiency but lacking the same seamless, low-speed torque the 1500 offers.

Specification Ram 1500 Ford F-150
MPG (City) 19 17
MPG (Highway) 25 23
MPG (Combined) 21 19

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Ram 1500 and Ford F-150

Is the 2026 Ram 1500 more comfortable than the Ford F-150 for daily driving?+

Yes, the 2026 Ram 1500 features a class-exclusive multi-link rear coil-spring suspension that absorbs road bumps and pavement irregularities far better than the Ford F-150’s leaf-spring setup. Additionally, Ram Crew Cab models feature 44.8 inches of rear legroom, giving back-seat passengers significantly more stretch-out space than competitive trucks.

How do the standard engines compare between the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150?+

The Ram 1500 comes standard with a 305 hp3.6L V6 eTorque engine utilizing a 48V mild-hybrid battery system. This setup produces 271 lb-ft of engine torque plus 90 lb-ft of launch torque, achieving an efficient miles-per-gallon rating of 21 MPG combined (19 in the city and 24 on the highway). While the Ford F-150 offers strong base powertrains, the Ram eTorque system provides smoother engine stop-start transitions and low-speed torque assistance.

Which truck offers better cargo bed features for work and gear storage?+

The Ram 1500 offers available bed storage solutions that the Ford F-150 cannot match, with highlights including the available RamBox Cargo Management System with lockable, drainable side-bed storage bins featuring 115V power outlets, and the available Multi-Function Tailgate with 60/40 split swing-away doors that allow closer access to the cargo bed when loading heavy items.

What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Ram 1500?+

Towing capacity varies by engine and body style, with models equipped with the 3.6L V6 eTorque engine towing up to 6,370 lbs in Crew Cab 5’7″ configuration and 6,470 lbs in Quad Cab 6’4″ configuration. Upgrading to the 3.0L I6 Hurricane Twin Turbo engine increases maximum towing capacity to 8,160 lbs with a payload capacity of 1,727 lbs.

How Has Ram 1500 compared to Ford F-150 in Previous Years+

Choosing between the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 has been a discussion for years and our Contemporary Automotive has always been the one to help make the decision. See how both pickup trucks have evolved over previous years with our comparisons:

 

Schedule a Test Drive at Our Ram Dealer Near Merrimack, NH

The Ram 1500 offers strong comfort, cargo capacity, and performance advantages over some competing trucks. If you want to try out this pickup truck yourself, schedule a test drive at our Ram dealership near Merrimack, NH. If you have any questions about how this pickup compares with other trucks, please contact us online at Contemporary Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

New RAM 1500 For Sale Near Merrimack