With their substantial capabilities and modern tech features, the 2021 Ford F-150 and 2021 Ram 1500 are both taking trucking to the next level. But which full-size truck is better suited to your drive? Our Jones Ford comparison guide takes a look.
Modern Performance: 2021 Ford F-150
For 2021, the F-150 is rolling out an all-new hybrid powertrain. As the line’s most powerful option—making 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque—it helps the F-150 tow best-in-class loads of up to 14,000 pounds. Depending on body style and equipment, this full-size truck can haul max payloads of 3,325 pounds.
The 2021 Ram 1500 also has a daring new engine on offer, the supercharged 6.2-liter V8. It makes 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, getting you from zero to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. However, Ram’s full-size truck doesn’t tow and haul quite as much as the F-150, maxing out at 12,750 pounds and 2,300 pounds, respectively.
High-Tech Driving Aids: 2021 Ford F-150
The 2021 F-150 is the first truck to introduce hands-free driving technology, with optional Active Drive Assist. This system, which will be ready to use on thousands of miles of divided highways throughout the U.S. and Canada, will be available late 2021. And Ford’s new Pro Power Onboard system is equally impressive, giving you the means to charge up to four power tools or devices at a time on its 120-volt and 20-amp outlets.
Ford’s full-size truck also comes standard with some important driver safety aids, including pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. The standard rearview camera includes dynamic hitch support, making it that much simpler to take a trailer along for the ride. Optional safety aids include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capabilities and a lane-keeping system.
Unfortunately, the Ram 1500 doesn’t offer any standard safety aids. On the upscale Laramie model and up, you’ll find forward collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist features.
Interior Utility: 2021 Ford F-150
Inside, the new F-150 looks like a vastly updated version of last year’s cabin. There’s tons of space to stow small items, like wallets, smartphones, and keychains. On the center stack, important knobs and buttons are large enough to use without taking off your work gloves. And a few new features—the optional stowable shifter and Interior Work Surface—help you make a comfortable space for typing on your laptop.
This year, the Ram 1500 offers some new utilitarian features. For instance, you can add a head-up display to project vital stats onto the windshield as you cruise down the road. There’s also a new Trailer Reverse Steering Control, which helps you guide a trailer in the desired direction. However, the Ram’s new features have long been available for the F-150.
On-Road Refinement: 2021 Ram 1500
Although both trucks have been recently redesigned, the Ram 1500 has long provided best-in-class refinement, a tradition it continues into the 2021 model year. No full-size truck delivers a smoother, more controlled ride, which comes courtesy of the Ram’s unique coil-spring rear suspension.
Although the F-150 sticks to its time-tested leaf springs, it remains a solid performer. Whether you’re cruising a narrow mountain road or I-26 during rush hour, the F-150 provides a precise performance, even if it’s not as smooth as the Ram 1500.
After a redesign for the 2019 model year, the Ram 1500 is much more competitive than it once was. However, it’s the newly redesigned 2021 Ford F-150 that truly steals the spotlight, with its incredible powertrain lineup, all-new tech features, and work-friendly cabin.
To experience the redesigned version of America’s best-selling pickup truck, the F-150, visit us at Jones Ford, your North Charleston Ford dealership.