Ram 1500 vs. Ford F-150: Which Truck is Better for Colorado Drivers?
Here in the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains, we experience the best and worst of Mother Nature. Not every full-size pickup is prepared for our Great Outdoors, especially when it comes to towing and hauling around the Cache la Poudre River valley and off-roading near Horsetooth Mountain. Both the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150, however, are purpose-built to meet every challenge. Each has the workhorse capabilities, massive utility, and modern technologies to handle it all, both off the beaten path and on the job here in the Fort Collins area. If you're wondering which truck is best equipped to handle our Colorado terrain and weather, the experts here at Fort Collins Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram have made it easy to learn more.
Performance & Capabilities
Ram 1500
There's a good reason why tradespeople from Greeley choose light-duty Ram trucks. Their hauling and towing capacity ratings are some of the best in the class, for everything from electrical work, plumbing, and landscaping to building and construction contracting. The Ram 1500 offers a choice among four hard-charging engines that are ready to take care of business:
- A 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, standard on base Tradesman, step-up Express, off-road-ready Warlock, and mid-level Big Horn trims
- A 3.0-liter, inline-six Hurricane, standard on the midrange Laramie and sporty Rebel trims
- A high-output, inline-six Hurricane, standard on the high-performance RHO and luxurious Limited, Limited Longhorn, and Tungsten trims
- An ever-popular 5.7-liter HEMI V8, optional on select trims throughout the lineup.
Depending on build, output ranges from 305 to 540 horsepower and from 269 to 521 pound-feet of torque. That means, when properly outfitted, the pickup can haul up to 2,360 pounds and tow up to 11,610 pounds. That's enough to shoulder everything from tool chests and jobsite equipment to appliances, heavy machinery, and large travel trailers.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 features a choice among 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid turbo V6, 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8, and supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engines. Their power ratings range from 325 to 720 horsepower and 400 to 640 pound-feet of torque, depending on which you choose.
- It can tow up to 13,500 pounds. However, it must have a SuperCrew cab and 6.5-foot box and be equipped with an available 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, four-wheel drive (4x4), a Tow/Haul Package, and a Max Tow Axle upgrade.
- It can also haul payloads weighing up to 2,440 pounds. However, you must have a regular cab with an 8-foot box, an optional 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, and a 4x2 drivetrain.
- Customization opportunities are more limited. The high-output V6 and supercharged eight-cylinder engines are only options in the Raptor and Raptor R trims.
Key takeaway: with the Ram 1500, you don't need to pay a premium for a range-topping model with unnecessary power upgrades.
Interior & Technology
Ram 1500
Every Ram 1500 is accommodating for long trips around Boulder, with a choice between quad and crew cab configurations and seating for up to six passengers in your choice of upholstery:
- The base trim features durable, no-frills vinyl, and the step-up trim offers comfortable cloth.
- Midrange trims such as Laramie and Limited feature heated front seating, and you can get leather appointments in these, the Limited Longhorn trim, and range-topping Tungsten trim.
For project managers from Longmont, the Ram 1500 also makes a competent, well-appointed mobile office:
- 12.0- and optional 14.4-inch Uconnect 5 Nav touchscreen options pair with a passenger-accessible 10.3-inch display and feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support for syncing smartphones, keeping you and your crew connected on-site and off.
- For family road trips to Longmont, higher trims feature available theater-style 23-speaker Klipsch audio.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is similarly equipped, offering regular cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew configurations and six-passenger seating. However, cloth upholstery comes standard in base trims, and if you want heated, ventilated, or leather seats, you must upgrade to the Lariat trim or higher. The truck also includes the standard 12-inch SYNC 4 infotainment system, with no option to upgrade to anything larger, and its only audio upgrade is a 14-speaker B&O Unleashed system, which requires the Raptor trim or a higher-tier Platinum or King Ranch trim.
Key takeaway: if you're after a tough yet luxurious work truck, with inviting seating, ample space, and plenty of technology for both a family and crew, choose the Ram 1500.
Safety Features & Driver Aids
Ram 1500
With the Ram 1500, you get protection for what matters most in Loveland traffic. Comprehensive driver-assist features come standard from the get-go, including forward collision warning, active and pedestrian emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with trailer and rear cross-path detection. Drowsy driver detection and evasive steering and intersection collision assist systems are available on higher trims.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 features a standard Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 system with pre-collision assistance, auto emergency and post-collision brakes, a BLIS (blind spot information system), cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping, and rear parking sensors. You must upgrade to the Assist+ variant if you're looking for adaptive cruise control, lane centering, evasive steering and intersection assistance, and connected navigation.
Key takeaway: the Ram 1500 provides a wider range of standard driver-assistance features sooner in the lineup than the F-150.
Your Ram 1500 is Waiting at Fort Collins Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram
These aren't the only reasons why Colorado truckers choose Ram vs. Ford. You can explore more firsthand here at our dealership in Fort Collins. When you're ready, browse our new CDJR inventory to find your dream Ram 1500 and contact us to schedule some exciting time in the driver's seat. We'll gladly introduce you to all that the legendary pickup is capable of.
* The advertised price does not include sales tax, vehicle registration fees, other fees required by law, finance charges and any documentation charges. A negotiable administration fee, up to $115, may be added to the price of the vehicle.
* Images, prices, and options shown, including vehicle color, trim, options, pricing and other specifications are subject to availability, incentive offerings, current pricing and credit worthiness.
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Fort Collins Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram
3835 S College Ave
Fort Collins, CO 80525-3013
- Sales: 9702265340
