When you’re looking for a pickup truck that’s perfect for getting the job done, you want a car that’s tough, reliable, and safe. We know there are an abundance of options on the market these days for trucks, and it can be confusing to research all of the different makes and models.
Here, we’ve done some of that work for you by comparing the 2018 Ford F-150 to one of its leading competitors, the 2018 Ram 1500. One thing is clear: Once you test drive a 2018 Ford F-150, no other truck can compare. Whether you’re hauling materials to a job site, going camping beside the beach with your family, or towing your latest toy, the 2018 Ford F-150 will be there for you.
Performance
The 2018 F-150 has a variety of engines to choose from so that the F-150 can meet your needs no matter what they might be. The 2018 Ford F-150 has five engines available: a 2.7L EcoBoost®, a 3.5L EcoBoost®, a 3.3L Ti-VCT V6, a 5.0L TI-VCT V8, and a Raptor DOHC 24-Valve, High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost®, the best engine available on this model. With this engine, the F-150 gets 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque. It gets an EPA-estimated 15/18 mpg in the city and on the highway. Its maximum towing capacity is 8,000 pounds, and its maximum payload is 1,200 pounds.
However, the maximum possible payload, in the line of 2018 F-150s, is closer to 2,800 pounds, with a maximum possible towing capability of 13,200 pounds. Likewise, the best possible fuel economy for the 2018 F-150 is 18/25 mpg for both city and highway. You have a lot of performance options with the 2018 F-150 to get the features you care about and need to get the job done.
Unlike Ford, which has five engines to choose from to better fit your needs, there are three engines to choose from for a Ram 1500: a 5.7L Hemi® V8, a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, and a 3.6L Pentastar® V6. The 2018 Ram 1500, unlike its competition, only gets a maximum 395 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. Likewise, the Ram’s maximum towing capacity is 10,620 pounds, and its maximum payload is 1,880 pounds. Though the Ram’s most fuel-efficient engine does beat out the F-150’s at 27/20 mpg in the city and on the highway, when it comes to power, the 2018 Ford F-150 clearly beats out the competition.
Safety
Nothing is more important than keeping yourself and your family safe when you’re on the road. The 2018 Ford F-150 has numerous useful safety features, such as a 360-degree camera with a split-view display that enables the driver to see all sides of the vehicle, a vital feature when maneuvering a large truck in tight spaces. The line of trucks also has a Blind Spot Information System®, which uses the mirror to signal the driver when another vehicle has entered the F-150’s blind spot. Pre-Collision Assist provides audiovisual alerts to the driver when a vehicle or pedestrian is too close to the front of the vehicle, charging the brakes for a quicker response time. If the driver does not apply the brakes in these situations, the brakes can automatically activate. Finally, the Lane-Keeping System will vibrate the steering wheel if the vehicle detects drifting.
While the 2018 Ram 1500 doesn’t have a whole lot in the way of safety features, it is specifically designed to protect its occupants. It comes with four-wheel disc antilock brakes to help keep the vehicle especially safe in icy conditions. The truck also comes side-curtain airbags and side-impact door beams. Finally, it is also built to have dynamic front crumple zones to divert the energy of a crash in the safest way possible. One feature the 2018 Ram 1500 does have is electronic stability control to help the driver stay in control in difficult conditions. While both cars are safe and designed to protect you and your family, the 2018 Ford F-150 uses more technological innovations to protect its occupants.
Technology
The 2018 Ford F-150 has an available 8″ LCD productivity screen that provides information on the car’s performance, from towing information to fuel economy. The car also has SYNC Connect® available that is powered by FordPass™, allowing the driver to track the truck’s location and remotely lock, unlock, and start the truck. The tracking is especially useful in the event of the nightmarish situation of a stolen car. Plus, starting the car remotely is nice for those cold winter days when you don’t want to wait for the heater to kick on. The driver can also lock, unlock, and lower the tailgate from the key fob if you purchase a model equipped with the class-exclusive available remote tailgate release, making loading up the bed a breeze.
The 2018 Ram 1500 has an available 8.4” touchscreen equipped with Uconnect® 4C NAV and SiriusXM Guardian™. This system also comes with a Wi-fi hotspot, Remote Vehicle Start, roadside assistance, and an alarm system in the event of attempted theft. The Ram 1500 also has a backup camera and a park assist system to cover both the front and the rear. Though some of these features are comparable to the Ford F-150’s, the F-150 ultimately provides more convenient technologies with its remote tailgate system and tracking system.
When it comes to performance, safety features, and innovative technologies, nothing beats the competition like the 2018 Ford F-150. The 2018 Ram 1500 simply doesn’t compare. Starting at $27,610, you won’t find a better deal than the 2018 Ford F-150 for all of the features packed into one vehicle. With 14 available exterior paint colors, you can find the truck that meets all your needs on the job while still satisfying your personal sense of style. Visit your local Ford dealership today to test drive the Motor Trend Truck of the Year for 2018: the Ford F-150. Whether you want to buy your vehicle brand-new or get a certified pre-owned, your local Ford dealer will help you find the exact model that’s perfect for you without breaking the bank.
