Pickup trucks are the best-selling vehicle type in the U.S., and rightly so. Having a pickup truck saves you the hassle of owning multiple vehicles, as its unmatched versatility makes it the ideal road companion both at work and in your personal life. Considering this level of popularity, it's only natural that the pickup truck market is crowded, and there's stiff competition between its top players.
The 2024 Ram 1500 and 2024 Ford F-150 are currently two of the most popular pickup trucks among critics and the general public. Although both do an excellent job, there are slight differences between them that may convince you to go for one over the other. Here's how they compare.
Overview
The 2024 Ram 1500 is a full-sized pickup truck. Initially known as the Dodge Ram, it was first launched in 1980, and it's now in its fifth generation. Over the years, it has transformed from a dependable but uncomfortable work truck into a smooth-driving versatile vehicle without losing the capability that made it popular in the first place.
The Ford F-150 is even older, as Ford first introduced it back in 1975. The current model is part of its 14th generation, which was launched in 2021. It comes in a wide range of configurations, from a basic traditional truck to a luxurious SUV-like vehicle.
Feature-Filled Standard Versions
Although both the standard versions of the 2024 Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 are designed to be basic work trucks, they still come with many safety and comfort-enhancing features. The Ram 1500's standard Tradesman trim includes 18-inch wheels, power windows and door locks, cruise control, a five-inch touch-screen interface, and smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth. It also has a trailer sway damping system that helps prevent the attached trailer from swaying.
The 2024 Ford F-150 has fewer comfort-oriented features and slightly better tech. It comes with smaller 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, manual doors and windows, an 8-inch touch-screen interface, and smartphone connectivity through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Well-Equipped Higher Trims
Configuring your 2024 Ram 1500 or Ford F-150 generally depends on what you plan on doing with it. Some trims prioritize comfort and luxury, whereas others enhance off-roading features. The optional trims available for the 2024 Ram 1500 are:
- Big Horn: This trim enhances the standard version by adding visually pleasing elements, such as 18-inch aluminum wheels, body-colored door handles, chrome accents, cloth seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also provides access to two optional feature bundles, which add tech and safety upgrades.
- Rebel: This next trim enhances the 2024 Ram 1500's towing and off-roading capabilities, with features such as an upgraded suspension with raised ride height, all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, a hill-descent control system, an electronic locking rear axle, and a class IV trailer-towing hitch. Other added features include power-sliding rear windows, LED exterior lights, and a power-adjustable driver's seat.
- Laramie: While the previous trim enhanced the Ram 1500's utility, this trim focuses on luxurious features. On the outside, the exterior chrome accents and LED headlights give the Ram a more upscale look, while the interior gets leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8.4-inch touch-screen infotainment system, and smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple Car Play.
- Limited Longhorn and Limited: These two trims take comfort and luxury to new levels with 20-inch aluminum wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, premium leather seats, a larger 12-inch touch-screen interface with a navigation system, and a wireless charging pad.
- TRX: The top TRX trim turns the 2024 Ram 1500 into a highly capable off-roader. It includes an upgraded engine cooling system, 35-inch all-terrain tires, upgraded brake and exhaust systems, special off-road suspension, an electronic locking rear differential, and underbody skid plates.
The optional trims for the 2024 Ford F-150 are:
- STX: This is a minor update on the standard trim and adds some off-road-oriented and appearance features.
- XLT: The XLT trim comes with upgrades such as 17-inch aluminum wheels, power windows and door locks, and a power-locking liftgate. It also includes several driver-assist features.
- Lariat: This is the F-150's first luxury-oriented trim. It adds premium features such as larger 18-inch aluminum wheels, leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
- King Ranch: This trim builds on the previous one and adds even more luxurious features, including special two-tone interior and exterior styling, a heated steering wheel wrapped in premium leather, and wireless smartphone charging.
- Platinum and Platinum Plus: These two trims provide the best of what the F-150 can offer luxury wise. They include 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, LED bed lighting, a two-panel moonroof, massaging front seats, a premium 18-speaker audio system, and a smooth adaptive suspension.
- Tremor, Raptor, and Raptor R: These three trims build on the XLT trim to enhance the 2024 Ford F-150's off-roading capabilities. They include features such as 33-inch all-terrain tires, multiple selectable driving modes, special off-road suspension, a locking rear differential, and a larger 36-gallon gas tank.
Performance Specs
Both the 2024 Ram 1500 and the 2024 Ford F-150 come with multiple engine options. On the Ram 1500, they range from the standard 305-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 to the powerful supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 with 702 horsepower. The F-150's engine lineup ranges from the standard turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 with 325 horsepower to the supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 with 700 horsepower. Both have excellent acceleration performance and can go from zero to 60 mph in around four seconds.
Check Out the New 2024 Ram 1500 at All American Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
If you're looking for a capable pickup truck, both the 2024 Ram 1500 and 2024 Ford F-150 are top choices, although the Ram is arguably the better pick due to its superior ride comfort. If you want to see the 2024 Ram 1500 for yourself and maybe take it for a test drive, visit us at All American Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Oneonta, Alabama. Our staff will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule a test drive, or simply stop by at your convenience.