This Is Definitely Truck Country
It's no coincidence that truck commercials look like they're shot in Colorado, and many of them probably are. That's because if there is such a thing as "truck country," it's definitely Colorado. We have it all; farmland on the plains and the mountains in the west, and that means all of those epic shots meant to get you yearning for a new pick-up are a reality for many Coloradans.
So we decided to take a hard look at the F-150 – currently, the best selling truck – and the 2019 RAM 1500 – the truck that could very well be the best full-size pickup ever built – to see which is better suited for Colorado.
Let's begin with the basics, powertrain.
In base trim, the RAM offers a 3.6L 305-horsepower V6 whereas the F-150 offers a naturally aspirated 3.3L V6 producing 290 horsepower, giving the Ram to upper-hand. For those seeking that V8 grunt, the 2019 RAM 1500 offers the tried-and-true 5.7L Hemi V8 that produces an impressive 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, meanwhile, the F-150's offers it's familiar 5.0L V8 that produces 395 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
If you're counting, the Ram wins again. However, the F-150 also offers a 3.5L turbocharged EcoBoost V6 that produces 375 horsepower and a whopping 470lb-ft of torque, giving the Ford a point for offering the most amount of torque.
Our take: Turbochargers are a great way to produce power and increase efficiency, but they're another part to replace and/or service. Plus, nothing beats that V8 sound.
Next is towing and fuel economy.
The F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost offers 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway and can tow up to 13,200 lbs. The RAM 1500 (4x4) offers 17 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway and can tow up to 12,750 lbs. That's a difference of 450lbs, which may or may not make a difference, so technically we're going to give the F-150 the win here.
Our take: Fuel economy is a wash, and both trucks will tow what you want them to tow.
Now for interior comfort.
We spend hours in our vehicles getting to work, and our favorite backcountry destinations. That means a comfortable interior is essential to life in Colorado. FCA claims that the RAM offers more real leather than any other full-size truck on the market, and they also use real wood – a touch that's much appreciated. It also features a brand new touchscreen infotainment system, the most comfortable seats in the segment, and a library-quiet cabin. The F-150 is a comfortable place to be, but Ford hasn't done much to update the cabin so we're going to have to give this one to the RAM.
Our take: The new RAM interior is the oasis we've been looking for in a pickup and will probably take some of the high-end luxury SUV market share.
Lastly, let's look at ride and handling.
Driving in the mountains requires control and the RAM offers something completely unique to the segment, a coil spring suspension in the rear. That means it handles and rides like no other full-size pickup. To truly appreciate it, you'll have to drive one, but the Ford doesn't even compare. The RAM wins this one, hands down.
Our take: It's about time a coil spring set up made its way into the segment, and that alone is enough to pick the RAM over its competitors.
Overall, both pickups will do what you want them to, and you may prefer one over the other based on looks, but if it were up to me, I'd take the RAM. Not only is it new and exciting, but the interior is far superior to anything else offered by any brand. Couple that with the coil spring suspension set up in the rear and I don't know how anything but brand loyalty could make you not choose the RAM.
What are your thoughts? Do you have a new RAM 1500? Is it bliss, like everyone says? Let us know in the comments below!
