In the ever-evolving world of pickup trucks, the 2023 Ford F-150 and the 2023 RAM 1500 stand as formidable contenders. For 2023, Ford introduces the high-performance F-150 Raptor R, boasting a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine with 700 horsepower. While CarGurus experts have reviewed the Raptor R (see our video below), the more accessible XLT Heritage Edition suits the needs of more truck shoppers while adding a touch of nostalgia to the F-150 lineup. On the other hand, the 2023 RAM 1500, though not extensively updated since 2019, continues to challenge its rivals in the full-size pickup segment with a focus on luxury and technology.
Let's dive deeper into the comparison to help you make an informed decision between these two exceptional trucks.
2023 Ford F-150 vs 2023 RAM 1500: Pickup Truck Comparison
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Ford F-150 a 7 out of 10 and the 2023 RAM 1500 an 8 out of 10 in terms of look and feel.
Ford's F-150 offers a plethora of options to cater to diverse needs. With various cab styles, bed lengths, and trim levels, you'll find a configuration that suits your preferences. The F-150's styling looks familiar and appealing, avoiding any radical design choices. Inside, the cabin is functional, featuring a modular approach with quality surface materials. Notably, the available Ford Work Surface upgrade transforms the center console into a work area. However, while the XLT trim's cloth seats are both comfortable and durable, some controls may feel less robust.
The RAM 1500 showcases a premium touch with its design. It's available in multiple cab configurations and trim levels, including the luxurious Limited trim, and the Night Edition package adds a stealthy look with blacked-out elements. Inside, the Limited-trim Ram 1500 impresses with leather upholstery, open-pore wood, and metallic trim. A 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen adds a unique touch, too. The Ram 1500 boasts a smooth ride, thanks to its coilover rear suspension, and an available air suspension option will deliver even more comfort.
Performance:
CarGurus experts rate both the 2023 Ford F-150 and the 2023 RAM 1500 an 8 out of 10 for performance.
Ford provides a wide array of engine choices for the F-150, including a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and optional four-wheel drive (4WD), the EcoBoost V6 offers excellent acceleration. When properly equipped, a 2023 Ford F-150 can tow up to 14,000 pounds. The F-150 feels solid to drive and maintains its handling well, with good brakes and acceptable steering.
The 2023 Ram 1500 offers a selection of engines, including a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque, and a powerful 6.2-liter supercharged V8 in the TRX model. The eTorque system enhances fuel economy and provides extra torque for quick acceleration. With the V8, it delivers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, making it a strong performer. The available air suspension enhances ride quality, and it boasts confident stopping power and accurate steering.
Form and Function:
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Ford F-150 an 8 out of 10 and the 2023 RAM 1500 a 7 out of 10 for form and function.
The F-150 provides comfortable seating for up to five people with ample storage options. It includes numerous cubbies, trays, and compartments. The cargo bed includes features like a spray-in bedliner and the Pro Power Onboard system for powering tools and appliances. However, climbing into the bed can be challenging without the help of a tailgate step.
The Ram 1500 excels in storage and functionality, featuring abundant cubbies, a two-tiered center console, and a spacious cabin. The rear seats are comfortable, reclining for added comfort on long trips. The multifunction tailgate offers versatility, and the available RamBox storage in the rear quarter panel is a standout feature for secure storage.
In conclusion, both the 2023 Ford F-150 and the 2023 RAM 1500 have their strengths. If you prioritize performance and a wide range of engine options, the Ford F-150 might be your choice. However, if you seek a luxurious interior and exceptional storage solutions, the RAM 1500 is a strong contender. Ultimately, your decision should align with your specific needs and preferences.
When it comes to technology, both the 2023 Ford F-150 and the 2023 RAM 1500 have a lot to offer, but there are notable differences.
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Ford F-150 an impressive 9 out of 10 in terms of technology. Starting with the Lariat trim, where it's optional, the F-150 boasts Ford's Sync 4 infotainment system. This system comes with a 12-inch touchscreen display, enhanced voice recognition, and support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Sync 4 also includes SiriusXM 360L satellite radio with a complimentary three-month All Access subscription. Ford Pass connect is another standard feature; it provides access to a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that you can set up through AT&T.
Finally, F-150 owners can subscribe to a connected navigation system.
While the F-150's technology is top-notch, CarGurus experts did note instances where Sync 4 didn't load as quickly as expected, especially with the SiriusXM satellite radio service. There's also room for improvement in terms of graphics for better readability while driving. However, the voice recognition system received high praise, and there's an available eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system for those seeking an audio upgrade.
Additionally, the F-150 goes above and beyond with features like remote engine starting, remote tailgate locking, an integrated trailer-brake controller, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The latter system offers semi-autonomous assistance when reversing with a trailer, making a challenging task more manageable. The truck also features On Board Scales with Smart Hitch, helping prevent overloading the bed with payload and assisting in determining the tongue weight of a trailer.
CarGurus rates the 2023 RAM 1500's technology offering a 7 out of 10. RAM has made some tech upgrades for the 2023 model year, including a newly available reconfigurable 12-inch gauge cluster. This feature allows for various menus and information tiles, and you can choose between digital or analog gauges.
Additionally, while lower trims come with a standard 5-inch infotainment screen and mid-level trims feature an 8.4-inch touchscreen, the upper-level 1500 trucks offer a generous 12-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen. This larger screen allows you to run two functions simultaneously, such as viewing audio and navigation screens side by side.
RAM's Uconnect infotainment system offers connectivity options, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Users have noted some lag when using Apple CarPlay, although it's unclear whether this is due to Uconnect or Apple CarPlay itself.
Optional tech features for the RAM 1500 include a head-up display and a digital rearview mirror, which provides a wider field of vision. The truck also offers a surround-view camera system, making parking in tight spaces more manageable. Furthermore, the RAM 1500 provides ample charging options with multiple USB-A and -C outlets, a wireless charging pad, two 115-volt outlets, and a 12-volt outlet.
Safety
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Ford F-150 an 8 out of 10 for safety. The F-150 comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0, while the XLT trim tested in our full review came equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, a comprehensive collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS).
Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 equips the F-150 with automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and automatic reverse braking. The "Assist" part of the package adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-centering assist, evasive steering assist, intersection assist for left turns, and a speed-sign recognition system.
During testing, the F-150's adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems performed well. However, there were some instances of minor indecision, especially when passing exit ramps. The system is fairly aggressive, and drivers may need to override it in certain situations.
The F-150 also boasts useful Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The surround-view camera system aids in parking, particularly when combined with front and rear parking sensors. Importantly, the F-150 includes a post-collision braking system, enhancing safety by preventing secondary accidents after a collision.
In terms of crash-test ratings, the F-150 SuperCrew earns high marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and achieves five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with a four-star rollover resistance rating.
The 2023 RAM 1500 receives a safety rating of 6 out of 10 from CarGurus experts. It's worth noting that standard advanced driver-assist systems are a bit limited on the RAM 1500, with not all features being standard across the board. Even automatic emergency braking is not standard on all trims.
However, if you choose to add blind-spot monitoring, it's worth mentioning that it can cover the length of any trailer you might be towing, which is especially useful in crowded streets.
Despite the lack of standard driver aids, the 2023 RAM 1500 crew cab receives an overall safety rating of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In IIHS tests, it garners Good marks across the board, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use. Headlight ratings vary across trims, with Good grades for Limited, Longhorn, and TRX, but Marginal marks on other trims.
CarGurus experts awarded the 2023 Ford F-150 an 8 out of 10 score for cost-effectiveness. It's important to note that the average price of new cars is approaching $50,000, and pickup trucks like the F-150 contribute to this statistic.
The F-150 test truck evaluated, while equipped with several expensive upgrades, featured the second most-affordable trim level and cloth seats. Yet, the window sticker approached $70,000, which might not be considered cost-effective for those who don't plan to tow heavy trailers or haul significant loads.
Even if you opt for a more modestly equipped regular cab XLT, the cost can still crest $51,000 with additional features like an engine upgrade, 4WD, the FX4 Off-Road Package, the Bed Utility Package, and a spray-in bedliner.
However, the Ford F-150 offers exceptional value when you consider its towing capacity, payload capacity, impressive infotainment and safety technologies, and high safety ratings. It also caters to various needs with options like a hybrid version, an electric version, and a performance-oriented variant.
CarGurus rates the 2023 RAM 1500 a 7 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The RAM 1500 lineup offers a range of trim levels and engine options, catering to different budgets and preferences.
The base model, Tradesman with RWD, the long bed, and quad cab, comes in at just under $40,000, including the destination fee. On the other hand, the high-end Limited trim can surpass $75,000, and the performance-oriented TRX can break six figures with ease, requiring premium fuel.
While the RAM 1500 Limited trim offers luxury features, it's essential to note that the competition has more modern trucks on the market with advanced tech features. For example, the Toyota Tundra offers a full hybrid option with impressive power and fuel efficiency, and Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra offer hands-off driver assistance technology Super Cruise on their top trims.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Ford F-150 is 8 out of 10, while the 2023 RAM 1500 scores 7 out of 10. Based on this comparison, the 2023 Ford F-150 emerges as the preferred choice.
Choose 2023 Ford F-150 if:
You prioritize cutting-edge technology with the Sync 4 infotainment system.
Safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist are important to you.
You're looking for a versatile truck with impressive towing and payload capacities.
In conclusion, while both trucks offer appealing features, the 2023 Ford F-150 shines with its advanced technology, comprehensive safety package, and overall value, making it the top choice in this comparison.
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