2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 RAM 1500 was available in both quad cab and crew cab configurations, with the crew cab offering a choice between a 6-foot, 4-inch bed or a shorter 5-foot, 7-inch bed. The Limited trim, which was near the top of the eight available trims, featured a $3,895 Night Edition package that added a stealthy look with 22-inch black aluminum wheels, appealing to those who preferred a less shiny appearance. Inside, the Limited trim boasted luxurious leather with contrasting stitching and embossed logos, complemented by open-pore wood and metallic trim on the dash. The 12-inch portrait-oriented screen added a unique touch to the interior, alongside practical features like chunky volume controls and a Ram logo on the dash.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty underwent a visual evolution with its redesign, offering trims from the basic XL to the luxurious Limited. The King Ranch trim, which we tested, featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a two-tone paint job, with less chrome and more dark accents than previous versions. The interior was adorned with two-tone brown leather, perforated seats, and the signature Flying W emblem. The King Ranch also included an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system, auxiliary switches, and Pro Power Onboard for 2-kilowatt power output. The Platinum and Limited trims offered similar luxury features with additional styling and options.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, including a 3.6-litre V6 with eTorque, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, and a 3.0-litre EcoDiesel. The TRX trim featured a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 producing 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The eTorque system provided up to 130 lb-ft of supplemental torque, enhancing fuel economy and power delivery. The V8 engine delivered 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAM 1500 excelled in ride comfort with its coilover rear suspension and optional air suspension. It had a maximum towing capacity of 5,783 kg and a payload capacity of up to 1,043 kg, depending on the configuration.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered four engine options, including a 6.8-litre gas V8, a 7.3-litre V8, and a 6.7-litre PowerStroke turbodiesel V8. The high-output PowerStroke diesel engine produced 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. Power was managed through a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient power delivery. The F-250's towing capacity reached up to 18,140 kg with the right configuration, while the max payload was 3,628 kg. The truck's size made maneuvering challenging, but it handled well on the road with precise steering.

The 2023 RAM 1500 featured numerous storage options, including a two-tiered centre console and a multifunction tailgate. The crew cab provided ample rear legroom of 1,148 mm, with reclining rear seats and a flat floor for easy cargo loading. The RamBox storage system offered secure, lockable storage in the rear quarter panel. The Limited trim included heated and cooled front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and a spacious interior.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in regular cab, SuperCab, and Super Crew configurations, with bed lengths of 6.75 feet or 8 feet. The SuperCab's rear-hinged doors provided wide access to the cab. The F-250 featured a soft-opening tailgate, bed steps, and grip handles for easy access. Inside, there were numerous cupholders, a large centre storage bin, and dual glove boxes. The Super Crew model offered fold-up rear seats for additional cargo space.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the ability to run two functions simultaneously. The Uconnect system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though there was some lag with the former. The optional Equipment Group 1 added a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and surround-view camera system. The truck was equipped with multiple USB outlets, a wireless charging pad, and 115-volt and 12-volt outlets.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a larger 12-inch screen available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with redundant dials for radio and climate controls. The F-250 included multiple USB ports, a wall-style power outlet, and wireless device charging. The Trailer Navigation system optimized routes based on trailer dimensions and weight.

The 2023 RAM 1500 lacked standard advanced driver-assist systems, with features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring available as options. The NHTSA awarded the RAM 1500 crew cab a five-star safety rating, while the IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered the Ford CoPilot 360 suite of driver assistance features starting at the XLT trim. Depending on the trim, it included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The truck featured dual-tier power-adjustable trailer mirrors and a trailer blind-spot monitoring system. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had crash-tested the Ford Super Duty.