Though not always the case, for most of these “Best of …” ratings, when it comes to full-size pickup trucks, it goes to Ford’s F-150. So in 2018, it is interesting to see that all of the consumer sites did not place the hallowed half-ton at the No.1 spot. In fact, it didn’t even make No.2. The winner ended up being the Ram 1500, which is especially interesting because it was in the last year of the previous 1500 generation.

Why did the 2018 Ram 1500 leap over the F-150?

The Ford F-150 is assumed to be the best half-ton truck mostly because it wins the sales race every year, and has for decades. But for 2018, the Ram 1500 beat out all of the others. So what were the other candidates besides the F-150? They include the Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, Chevrolet Silverado, and almost identical GMC Sierra. 

If you’re looking for a used half-ton truck here is why the Ram 1500, a truck that in 2018 was a 10-year-old design, won the hearts of consumer scribes. U.S. News said it shined with “engaging performance, a comfortable quality cabin, straightforward infotainment features, and above-average predicted reliability.” It did note that its towing and cargo capacities were below those of some of its rivals. 

What did Edmunds say about the 2018 Ram?

Edmunds praised its ride, highlighting its coil spring rear instead of the competition’s leaf springs. And with coil springs, Ram offered air suspension, which smoothed things out even more. Plus, you can level the truck under heavy loads. 

So what did the Ram 1500 offer that put it ahead of the competition? Let’s compare the specifications for the Ram 1500, Ford F-150, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

2018 Ram 1500

Starting price: $28,490
Fuel economy: 20 mpg City, 27 mpg Highway
Maximum towing capacity: 7,600 lbs to 10,620 lbs

Maximum payload capacity: 1,880 lbs

Horsepower: 240-395 hp
Truck bed length: 5.6-feet to 8.2-feet

2018 Ford F-150

Starting price: $27,610

Fuel economy: up to 20 mpg City, 26 mpg Highway

Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 lbs to 13,200 lbs

Maximum payload capacity: 1,125 lbs to 2,311 lbs

Horsepower: 250 to 450 hp

Bed lengths: 66-inch to 96-inch

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Starting price: $29,000

Fuel economy: up to 18 mpg City, 22 mpg Highway

Maximum towing capacity: 5,500 lbs to 9,400 lbs

Maximum payload capacity: 1,739 lbs to 2,018  lbs

Horsepower: 285 to 420 hp

Bed lengths: 69.6-inch to 98.4-inch

Ram still makes the fourth-gen pickup as the “Classic”

Now, we know that Ram didn’t actually make the 2018 1500 the last of its kind. It has continued to produce the truck as the 1500 Classic right up to 2023. It does this to offer a lower-priced pickup to fill in for Ram not making a midsize Ranger or Colorado. It’s a unique approach to truck availability. 

As for the 2018 Ram 1500, it is in a strong position for consideration if you’re looking for a good used truck.