The Ford F-150 has always been a top truck at Edmunds. Thanks to the many engines and configurations available, the F-150 can be anything from a basic work truck to a leather-lined luxury machine that can haul large RVs and boats. Ford has also updated the 2024 F-150 with fresh styling and new technology features.

Its success doesn’t mean the F-150 has the full-size truck market all to itself, though. The Ram 1500 is another Edmunds favorite. Known for its smooth ride and excellent interior quality, the 2025 Ram 1500 offers an equally impressive offering for truck buyers looking for a do-it-all truck. This year’s truck also gets two new powerful turbocharged engines.

Which full-size light truck is the better buy? Edmunds’ test team compares the F-150 and Ram 1500 to find out.

The F-150’s extensive engine lineup includes six different engines to choose from, including three turbocharged V6s, a naturally aspirated V8, a hybrid V6 and a thunderous 720-horsepower supercharged V8 reserved for the Raptor R off-road vehicle.

The hybrid powertrain is perhaps the most compelling, producing a strong 430 horsepower and also offering the best fuel economy. The EPA estimates that the hybrid can achieve up to 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

Most notable about the 2025 Ram 1500 is Ram’s decision to drop the truck’s V8 engine in favor of a turbocharged six-cylinder engine. The standard variant makes 420 horsepower, while the high-performance engine puts out a whopping 540 horsepower. The best fuel economy you can get from either of these engines is 23 mpg combined.

In testing, Edmunds found the Ram to be quicker. A Ram 1500 with the high-performance version needed just 4.7 seconds to sprint to 60 mph, while the F-150 Hybrid took 5.9 seconds. That’s a compelling argument for the Ram, although the F-150 counters with its better fuel economy and wider engine lineup.

Winner: Draw

Maximum towing and payload ratings are also taken into account in this pickup duel. The F-150 has a clear lead with its maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds and a maximum payload of 2,445 pounds. Both of these maximums are achieved with the 400-horsepower version of the truck’s turbo V6.

However, no one would accuse the Ram 1500 of being a pushover. When properly equipped, it can tow 11,550 pounds and haul 2,370 pounds. The Ram’s best towing capacity comes from its turbocharged inline-six, while the standard V6 offers the highest payload capacity. Both trucks can be optionally equipped with advanced driver assistance systems that make hooking, hauling and backing a trailer safer and easier.

Few truck buyers tow or haul things that push the limits of these trucks to the limit, but there’s something to be said for bar stool bragging rights, and that’s where the F-150 comes out on top.

Winner: F-150

The Ram 1500 comes out on top for its ride quality and smoothness. That’s thanks to Ram’s coil spring rear suspension, as opposed to the bumpier leaf spring suspension found on most pickups. An optional self-leveling air suspension provides an even better magic carpet ride.

Although the ride in the Ford isn’t as smooth as the Ram, Edmunds found it can adapt to any driving condition. When navigating tight parking lots and city traffic, the truck feels smaller than it is.

Featuring the largest cabs available—SuperCrew on the Ford, Crew Cab on the Ram—there’s plenty of room to stretch out and storage. Amenities like heated and ventilated seats with massage functions are also available.

Overall, Edmunds found that the Ram narrowly wins in terms of comfort, especially when equipped with the power front seats with 24-inch display found in the new-for-2025 Tungsten trim.

Winner: Ram

The value aspect of this comparison depends on what a truck buyer wants most from their vehicle. The base work truck-style versions start at $40,000 to $50,000. From there, the sky’s the limit as you look at more expensive trim levels and options. The most expensive Ram 1500 is the super-luxury Tungsten trim at about $89,000. The best-equipped F-150 is the King Ranch at about $76,000, although the insane Raptor R costs about $114,000.

The best deals on these trucks are in the mid-price range. Standard features on the F-150 and Ram 1500 include large infotainment touchscreens, smartphone connectivity and ventilated front seats. They also offer many of the latest driver-assistance features, such as surround-view camera systems and hands-free calling on the highway.

Winner: Draw

The F-150 and Ram 1500 are statistically tied in Edmunds’ rankings of full-size trucks, so choosing the winner depends on your top priorities. The F-150 is more customizable and has higher limits for towing and hauling. The Ram 1500 counters with a smoother ride and more luxurious interior.

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This story was provided to the Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Nick Kurczewski is an Edmunds staff writer.