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Comparing pickup trucks can be a tricky business. The 2020 Ford F-150 had the 2020 Ram 1500 whipped. But, with the 2021 model years, the Ram finally pulled ahead of the Ford F-150. What changed to make the 2021 Ram 1500 review so much better than the 2021 Ford F-150 review? 

Pictured is one of the best trucks for towing, the 2021 Ram 1500 Limited, as it tows a boat.
2021 Ram 1500 Limited | Stellantis

The 2021 Ram 1500 review earned it the best full-size pickup on U.S. News

The 2021 Ram 1500 Limited EcoDiesel towing a boat behind it
2021 Ram 1500 Limited EcoDiesel | Stellantis

The 2021 Ram 1500 has been waiting for its day in the sun, and it has finally come. The U.S. News review of the 2021 Ram showed a brilliant pickup truck that is comfortable, strong, and dependable. 

The ram review landed a score of 9.1/10. USN was impressed by the wide variety of power plants, ranging from the base 260 hp all the way up the RAM TRX’s 702 hp and the strength and reliability of these varied power plants. 

Is the 2021 Ram 1500 a good truck? 

The rear 3/4 view of a blue 2021 Ram 1500 TRX on a desert mountain plain
2021 Ram 1500 TRX rear 3/4 | Ram

The Ram’s well-sorted suspension, roomy interior, and practical controls lead to a resoundingly positive review from USN. The simplicity of a review that starts with “the Ram 1500 is an excellent truck” says all that needs saying. However, further exposition will likely be appreciated. 

They go on to say that the 2021 Ram 1500 has the smoothest ride in its class. This comfort and quality continue into the cabin, where soft-touch materials abound.

Both the front and rear seats offer roomy seating and cushy materials. Although the Ram is a serious hauler, some rivals can out tow it, making its dominance a little softer. 

How did the 2021 Ford F-150 review go? 

New technologies will now be available for the 2021 Ford F-150 including class-exclusive Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch as well as continuously controlled damping, each engineered to help customers who tow and haul load their trucks up for the work they’re designed to do while also adding on-road confidence.
2021 Ford F-150 | Ford

As with pretty much everything else surrounding the Ford F-150, the 2021 model is pretty great. It is a class leader on towing and hauling capacities, just got a fresh redesign, and has a massive variety of options and configurations. 

The 2021 Ford F-150 review got an 8.9/10 which landed it in second place for the best full-size pickup truck. Usually, this is enough to put the F-150 first, but USN must have really been feeling the 2021 Ram. 

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 a good truck? 

Like the Ram, USN calls the 2021 F-150 “excellent.” The diversity of power trains and options is easily the F-150’s strongest attribute. From the base-model 290-horsepower V6 to the 430-hp EcoBoost hybrid V6, there is an F-150 for every application. 

The handling is also pretty good for the segment. The F-150 reviews notes handling that feels tight and relatively confidence-inspiring. The cabin is also well-built with enough quality materials to feel like it’s quality.

Lastly, the seats are supportive and roomy, topping off the comfy cabin feel. However, the cabin and ride comfort just fell short of the 2021 Ram 1500, which cost the Ford the best pickup of 2021 for USN. 

Which of these is really the best pickup truck? 

Thankfully, these two pickup trucks are so close in quality that the choice is really up to the consumer. The Ram has the better cabin and ride comfort, but the Ford is probably the most usable and practical pickup truck on the market. It all comes down to what each specific customer needs out of a pickup truck. 

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