When it comes time to decide on a new truck, there are two worth comparing: the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500. Both have the looks that turn heads, and they both rate well on crash and safety ratings. So, where do the consumer rankings put them?

Cars.com shows the 2020 Ram 1500 is ranked the most popular truck, while on CarGurus, the Ram comes in at the second spot compared to the F-150 at fifth ratings for the best truck ranked by owners and drivers. Consumer Reports lists the Ram 1500 as one of the top three best full-sized pickups.

Has anyone tried both?

Funny you should ask. One reviewer on Cars.com who was looking for a new truck spent some quality time with both the Ford F-150 XLT Crew Cab and the Ram 1500 Laramie Quad Cab. This particular truck buyer had traditionally been a muscle-car owner. Test rides in GM trucks left the pickup curious shopper cold with an unsatisfactory ride and low-quality interior. So, the first test round went to the Ford F-150. 

That month with the F-150 almost sealed the deal, but before signing up, it was time to try the Ram 1500. One month later, the Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4×4 was the clear winner. What tipped the scales was the substantial feel, quiet ride, and superior handling. 8,000 miles later, the new Ram owner couldn’t be happier.

This former fast car owner noted that it has plenty of power and is surprisingly quick at 0-60 in 6.1 seconds. They also stated that the air suspension provides an exceptionally smooth ride and, combined with the seats, it made for an extremely comfortable and stable ride at highway speeds.

However, this truck convert does admit that the only fly in the proverbial ointment is the less than impressive gas mileage for the Hemi V8 of around 14 mpg. 

What do the experts say?

This review is interesting. Consumer Reports gave the 2020 Ram 1500 an overall score of 58. That’s a very lukewarm rating, particularly when you consider that they also rated it fourth out of 18 full-sized trucks. Even though customer satisfaction was rated a 4/5, the reliability rating were only 1/5. Is this really the same truck rated as the most popular truck?

In complete contrast, Car and Driver gave the Ram 1500 a 10/10 rating, named it one of the 10 best, and on top of all that, gave it an editor’s choice award. The options of trim and equipment combined with the luxury-level interior seem to be a winning combination. Even Consumer Reports, despite the sad rating, calls the Ram 1500 Limited trim version “lavishly furnished inside.”

The Ram’s new design quietly screams upscale, while the 12-inch infotainment system is a technological feather in its cap. Why wouldn’t a powerful workhorse with all the trappings of a cruising vehicle be magnetic?

Kelley Blue Book gives it a solid 4.4 expert rating out of a possible 5. They listed their favorite features as the RamBox Cargo Management System and the ParkSense Rear Park Assist System.

Is the Ram 1500 a better choice than the Ford F-150?

While many comparisons show the Ram 1500 and the F-150 fairly evenly matched, Ram offers a greater choice of options at a lower price than the Ford. Although Ford is rated better in fuel economy, consumer rankings seem to tilt heavily toward the Ram.

If you are looking for a smooth as glass ride, high-end design, luxurious and spacious interior, all in a powerful pickup, the Ram 1500 fits the bill.