The Ford F-150, fresh off its mid-cycle refresh, continues to assert its dominance in the fiercely competitive full-size pickup truck segment. In a recent head-to-head comparison conducted by Car and Driver, the 2025 Ford F-150 once again emerged victorious, this time against the newly refreshed 2025 Ram 1500. This latest win underscores the F-150’s enduring appeal and its ability to consistently outperform rivals in crucial aspects that matter to truck buyers.
Car and Driver put the affordable 2025 Ford F-150 XLT and the 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn to the test, evaluating their interiors, powertrains, handling, braking, and overall driving dynamics. While the Ram 1500 was lauded for its comfortable ride, courtesy of its optional air suspension, the F-150 impressed with its more user-friendly interior layout, preferred infotainment screen design, and intuitive column shifter and digital instrument cluster. The comparison highlighted the F-150’s cohesive design and driver-centric features.
Under the hood, the tested Ram 1500 featured the optional twin-turbocharged 3.0L I-6 Hurricane engine, while the F-150 boasted the powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 PowerBoost hybrid powertrain. Although the Ram showed a slight edge in the 0-60 mph sprint, the F-150 quickly turned the tables, proving quicker in the quarter-mile and to 100 mph. More impressively, the F-150 also outperformed the Ram in handling, braking, and fuel economy tests, showcasing its superior overall performance and efficiency.
Ultimately, the 2025 Ford F-150’s compelling combination of user-friendly features, strong performance, confident handling, superior braking, better fuel economy, and a more attractive as-tested price of $65,940 USD compared to the Ram’s $68,320 USD, secured its victory. Car and Driver concluded that the F-150 offered better daily-driving dynamics and a more cohesive package at its price point, further cementing its status as a top choice in the competitive full-size truck market. This win joins a growing list of recent comparison victories for Ford trucks and SUVs, highlighting the brand’s commitment to delivering class-leading vehicles.