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A black 2021 Ford F-150 rides on a dirt road.

The 2021 Ford F-150 Took Features From the Ram 1500

When you learned about the new 2021 Ford F-150 features, did you think that you’ve seen it all somewhere else before? That’s because you have. The 2021 Ford F-150 borrowed a few things from the Ram 1500, a rival that’s been coming after it for years. Check out what ‘new’ features came from the Ram …

When you learned about the new 2021 Ford F-150 features, did you think that you’ve seen it all somewhere else before? That’s because you have. The 2021 Ford F-150 borrowed a few things from the Ram 1500, a rival that’s been coming after it for years. Check out what ‘new’ features came from the Ram 1500. 

The 2021 Ford F-150 borrowed tech from the Ram 1500 

The new Ford F-150 has one large 12” infotainment center, which was one of the reasons that helped the Ram 1500 gain popularity. Until the new F-150 arrives, the Ram 1500 will remain the only truck with an infotainment center that large. 

The interior of the 2021 Ford F-150 Limited, showing brown leather upholstery
2021 Ford F-150 Limited interior | Ford

But the Ram 1500 has a vertical infotainment center. Ford claimed that they did enough research to determine that users prefer horizontal landscapes instead. But user testing performed by TruckTrend found that the infotainment center is great. 

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It allows for multiple screens such as HVAC controls and Apple CarPlay to be displayed at once. Also, horizontal screens may lack functionality compared to vertical ones. Either way, it will be interesting to see how Ford Sync 4 compares to the Uconnect system in the Ram 1500

Ram 1500 Interior with 12" touchscreen infotainment center
Ram 1500 Interior

The 2021 Ford F-150 borrowed a multi-functional tailgate

All of a sudden, the 2021 Ford F-150 has a multi-functional tailgate. Like the one we’ve already seen with the Ram 1500. Ford calls it their tailgate work surface because it has more durable composite construction materials and cut-outs to simplify work. 

2021 Ford F-150 Tailgate Work Surface for measuring and writing
2021 Ford F-150 Tailgate Work Surface | Ford

It has integrated tools like a ruler, a flat surface for writing, a cup holder, small-items storage, and a mobile device holder. So, you can pay extra to have your tailgate function as a desk. The Ram 1500 multi-functional tailgate has a 60/40 split to simplify loading and unloading cargo. 

2019 Ram 1500 Multifunction Tailgate
2019 Ram 1500 Multifunction Tailgate | Ram

It also provides access to the truck bed while a trailer is attached. Plus, when folded flat, the tailgate can still hold up to 2,000 lb. It’s like the Ford F-150 made a tailgate for the office, while the Ram 1500 has a tailgate for fieldwork. 

The 2021 Ford F-150 has more cargo space, like the Ram 1500 

The big hoorah with the 2021 Ford F-150 is it’s redesigned interior for more comfort and convenience. Only it had some catching up to do to be on the same page as the Ram 1500 and other rivals. 

2021 Ford F-150 Interior Storage under rear seat
2021 Ford F-150 Interior Storage | Ford

The new Ford F-150 now has storage space under the rear seats, like the Ram 1500. However, the Ram 1500 currently has the best-in-class and exclusive in-floor storage. The Ford F-150 has lockable storage under the seats, though, which is interesting for extra security. 

In the Ram 1500, there is a glove box for easy access, with a lower locking glove box for extra security. There are also Ram bin compartments in the floor for added storage and deep pockets in the doors. 

Plus, the Ram 1500 has a reconfigurable center console to match your work and storage needs. You can hang file folders, have space for a 15-inch laptop, and integrate up to five type C-USB ports to charge multiple devices. So, it looks like Ford still has catching up to do. 

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