2021 Ram 1500 vs Ford Ranger
Picking out a full-size pickup truck is a very important task. You always want to know your truck is strong enough to conquer your toughest jobs, while still being comfortable enough to enjoy driving day-to-day. Most of all, you want a truck you can confidently rely on. To help you in your search, we'll be taking two options within the full-size pickup segment and pitting them head-to-head so that you can see how their specs compare. Today, we'll be reviewing the 2021 Ram 1500, as well as the 2021 Ford Ranger. Though both trucks have a lot of exciting features that they bring to the table, our hope is to help you determine which one best fits your lifestyle.
2021 Ram 1500 Power & Handling
The 2021 Ram 1500 lineup offers a staggering variety across their seven main trim levels. Some exciting news for this model year is the new TRX model powered by a robust 6.2-liter supercharged V8, providing 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. If these specs sound familiar, it's because that's the same engine that powers the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat! The TRX can reach 60mph from a standstill in just 4.5 seconds, and can also conquer off-road trails with ease. Other options include a 5.7-liter V8 engine, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, and a 3.6-liter gas V6. The TRX is one of two off-road models, the other being the stylish and rugged Rebel with its all-terrain tires, hill-descent control, and skid plates for underbody protection. The 1500 also boasts a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds, and a payload capacity of 2,320 pounds, making it tough enough to withstand any challenge.
2021 Ford Ranger Power & Handling
The Ranger offers three trim levels in its 2021 lineup, and only one powertrain option across the board. Right off the bat, you're not going to see as much variety here as you will with the 2021 Ram 1500. This singular powertrain consists of a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This system is rated at 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and all models also come with standard rear-wheel drive. This engine is enough for the average day-to-day drive, but a V8 or even a V6 option would have been nice to have. While there's no dedicated off-road trim level for the Ford Ranger like there is for the Ram 1500, drivers can choose to purchase the FX4 Off-Road Package which will add skid plates, tow hooks, off-road suspension and more. Notably, many of these features come standard on the 1500 Rebel.
2021 Ram 1500 Features & Design
As mentioned above, the Ram lineup offers a lot of diverse options throughout their trim level lineup. This also applies to the design features, which range from the classic all-American Tradesman with its work-grade vinyl seats and no-frills dashboard setup, to the sporty and aggressive Rebel and TRX trims that have raised suspension, distinctive grille designs and all-terrain tires. There's also the Longhorn trim, which has a Southwestern theme complete with real barnwood accents on the interior. The Limited trim offers a touch of luxury with leather upholstered seats, and a massive 12-inch touchscreen. Additional features include power side steps, spray-in bed liner, LED in-bed lighting, LED exterior lighting, and heated and ventilated front seats.
2021 Ford Ranger Features & Design
The Ford Ranger is a bit more simplistic than the Ram 1500, and may feel a bit bare-bones by comparison. The Ranger's base trim level, the XL, starts off with features such as a rearview camera, power windows and door locks, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Next up is the XLT trim, which is the level at which drivers receive the bulk of the available safety features, bundled into the Ford CoPilot 360 package. The top-tier Lariat trim brings LED exterior lighting, leather upholstery, heated seats, and heated mirrors. There's also an 8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, which features satellite radio on the XLT trim level. Additional features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, available push-button start, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Conclusion:
Now that we've had the chance to take a closer look at each of these pickup trucks, it's time to make a final decision. Ultimately, our recommendation lies with the 2021 Ram 1500. It simply has more to offer in terms of its options and standard features, and it's one of the most comfortable and stylish trucks on the market. To view our new Ram inventory, you can check out ur inventory listings right here on our website. You can also head over to the Research Center page to find even more resources like reviews, trim level breakdowns, tips, and more. If you have any questions, our expert sales team is always happy to help. Give us a call today at Reedman-Toll Auto World of Langhorne PA!