2022 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty was a robust and imposing vehicle, taking the muscular design of the F-150 to a more substantial level. Its heavy-duty appearance was not just for aesthetics; it was built to handle tough terrains and demanding job sites with its long bed lengths and high ground clearance. The truck's cabin varied from utilitarian in the base XL trim to luxurious in higher trims like the Super Duty Limited, which featured leather and upscale finishes.

In contrast, the 2022 RAM 1500 was available in Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles, offering a range of seven trim levels from the basic Tradesman to the high-performance TRX. The RAM 1500's design was clean and contemporary, with a touch of the "big rig" styling. Inside, the Limited trim exuded luxury with its Indigo and Sea Salt leather upholstery, a suede headliner, and a 19-speaker premium sound system. The cabin was busy with mixed materials but maintained a high-quality feel, offering a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered three powerful engine options. The base 6.2-liter V8 produced 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, while the 7.3-liter V8 delivered 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The most potent option was the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, generating 475 hp and an impressive 1,050 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the truck could be configured with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The Super Duty excelled in towing, with a capacity exceeding 36,000 pounds in certain configurations.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered a variety of engines, including a standard 3.6-liter V6 with a mild-hybrid system and a 5.7-liter V8 with or without eTorque. The TRX model featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Our test truck had the EcoDiesel V6, producing 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It could tow up to 12,560 pounds, with our Crew Cab Limited 4WD managing a 9,600-pound trailer. The RAM 1500's fuel economy was notable, averaging 24.8 mpg during testing. The truck's coil-spring rear suspension and optional air suspension provided a smooth ride, akin to an SUV.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a practical interior with a standard 40/20/40 folding bench seat in the front. Crew Cab and Super Cab models provided ample rear seating, though the truck's size made city driving and parking challenging. The Super Duty's clever tailgate design included optional steps and a handle for easier bed access.

The 2022 RAM 1500 featured power-deploying running boards, which could be toggled on or off through the Uconnect 5 system. The Limited trim offered heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a reclining rear seat. The cabin had ample storage, including a versatile center console and Ram Bins under the rear floor. The multi-function tailgate allowed for flexible loading options, and the optional RamBox storage bins added convenience.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty came with the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured upgraded audio systems and tech options like a WiFi hotspot and rapid heating for diesel models.

The 2022 RAM 1500 introduced the Uconnect 5 system, standard on Big Horn and above trims. It featured an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. The system had some user experience challenges, but overall, it was an improvement. Additional tech options included a head-up display, surround-view camera, and trailer-specific features.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered various safety packages, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS due to its classification as a commercial vehicle.

The 2022 RAM 1500 provided driver-assist features like lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring on lower trims. Higher trims offered the Advanced Safety Group, adding features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The RAM 1500 received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though frontal-impact ratings suggested room for improvement.