There are a lot of factors to consider in determining which pickup truck is better among the two. An extensive study of their strong and weak points help you with that. This time we will tackle each category and rate them on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest, according to their overall impact on each truck.
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PROS AND CONS
2020 Ford F-150 Raptor
Pros
- Excellent towing and hauling capability
- Available bench seat
- Several potent engine options
- User-friendly Infotainment system
Cons
- Interior is inferior compared to rivals
- Aluminum construction and turbocharging didn’t meet the expected mpg
What’s new for 2020?
Some people would call this a maintenance year for the F-150. There has not much of a change. The availability of the Power Stroke turbo-diesel V6 on the more budget-friendly XLT trims is the biggest news so far. The Lariat trucks, which is one trim higher than the XLT, now come standard with Ford’s suite of advanced driver-assistance tech that is called Co-Pilot 360. The looks of the Entry level XL trucks can be upgraded with an STX Sport Appearance package. On the other hand, the XLT and Lariat models now have an optional Black Appearance package, and three new colors are now available, namely: Rapid Red Tinted Clearcoat, Iconic silver, and Star White Metallic Tri-Coat.
The 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor is a workhorse from head-to-toe, and it does not disappoint whether you are in it for $30,000 or $70,000.
2021 Ram 1500 TRX
Pros
- Smoother and Better ride than rivals
- Boasts a more pleasant interior than peers
- More innovative features than the competition
Cons
- More expensive than rivals
- Biggest touchscreen can be unresponsive
- Styling is not as striking as other trucks
What’s new for 2021?
Ram has been teasing a high-powered competitor in the name of F-150 Raptor since it first released an impressive concept truck back in 2016, but now the wait is over and the teasing turned to rivalry. Aside from the fact that it kicks a 700-plus horsepower Hellcat motor, what’s really neat is that the production TRX looks quite close to what has been promised. With badass inflated bodywork, body-colored beadlock-capable wheels, a bed-mounted spare-tire carrier, and plenty of other off-road extras, the most revolutionary Ram has been fully materialized.
The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX boasts an unrivaled extent of innovation, luxuriousness, and refinement in a workhorse that is quite capable of imitating a luxury car.
PRICING AND WHICH TRIM IS RIGHT FOR YOU
2020 Ford F-150 Raptor
Ford F-150 Pricing and Trims
- XL: $30,090
- XLT: $36,105
- Lariat: $44,095
- King Ranch: $54,335
- Platinum: $56,865
- Limited: $69,080
With the nostalgia of a regular cab and the power of a two-door truck, the impressive versatility and value of a Lariat SuperCrew 4×4 is undeniable, especially that it comes with a 6.5-foot cargo box. This model is competitively priced at $51,630 and you can upgrade to a Power Stroke turbo-diesel for $3,000 or an EcoBoost V6 for $600, but you can stay with the standard 5.0-liter V8. It produces plenty of power to make hauling comfortable, and the cabin comes equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Trailer Tow package and integrated-brake controller are definitely the best options if you plan to use it for regular hauling. They will also increase the value of the truck if you ever plan to sell.
2021 Ram 1500 TRX
Ram 1500 TRX Pricing and Trims
- Entry Level Trim: $71,690
- Launch Edition: $90,265
Although the TRX starts at $71,000, it is worth it because it’s a lot of truck for the money. There is no other pickup truck that produces 700-plus horsepower and looks as aggressive as the TRX. Even though the entry level version is quite well-equipped, it lacks some features that we had wished to be standard. Fox example, the heated front seats and a heated steering wheel cost extra, and they are otherwise only available with the Level 1 package. That shoots up its price at up to $75,000 but brings a wide range of upgrades. The TRX boasts a lot of features, which include cargo-box lighting, leather-trimmed seats, a storage compartment under the rear seat, a flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in leather and microsuede, and a whole lot more. Experts suggest to take advantage of these options to maximize the truck’s towing and hauling abilities.
If you are particular with the adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, a head-up display, or the rearview mirror, you will be bound to the loaded Level 2 package that brings the TRX close to the $80,000 mark.
ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND PERFORMANCE
2020 Ford F-150 Raptor
The F-150 TRX has an outstanding selection of advanced engines including a 3.0-liter diesel that produces 440 pound-feet of torque. Most engines match Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. The King Ranch model has been tested with the 375 horsepower V6 rated the best in all categories against its peers that have a large V8 engine.
Ford released the F-150 with a variant of 6 engines. These include the entry level trim with V6 that produces 290 horsepower, EcoBoost Turbocharged V6’s with an output of 325 and 375 horsepower, a V8 that produces 398 horsepower, the high-output Turbo V6 with 450 horsepower that is issued in the Limited and Raptor trims, and a 250-horsepower Turbo diesel.
All of the engines offer a lot of power for around-the-town and on-the-highway driving, and each can do some towing and carrying payload. The base powertrain can be a bit dull compared to the turbocharged and V8 engines, which offer more energetic acceleration. The performance-oriented Ecoboost V6 that is available in the Limited trims and Raptor, is the most powerful. It produces 450 horsepower, and you will be thrown back in your seat when you step on the gas.
2021 Ram 1500 TRX
The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX now comes with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine. It is widely known as the Hellcat engine, which makes 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. All this power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The TRX has recorded a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds and is known to complete the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph. Those acceleration figures are overly outstanding for any pickup, even for a high-performance one—the Ram that is powered by Hellcat is typically meant to drive and have fun in the rocks, sand, and mud.
Besides the reinforced steel frame, it also features a toughened suspension that is built to bend and bound with more than 13 inches of travel. It tramples the ground with a set of enormous 35-inch all-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch wheels that contribute to the vehicle’s 11.8 inches of ground clearance. According to Ram, its half-ton Hellcat can also cross up to 32 inches of water. The TRX is also equipped with sufficient underbody plating to protect an armored truck. It also comes with an electronic-locking rear differential, Bilstein remote-reservoir dampers, and massive 15.0-inch front brakes.
TOWING AND PAYLOAD CAPACITY
2020 Ford F-150 Raptor
According to experts, if you want the best F-150 work truck, you should go with the XL with the regular cab, 8-foot bed, and 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 engine. This setup will cost you around $32,400 with rear-wheel drive or about $36,000 with four-wheel drive. This model has a maximum payload of 3,230 pounds and a towing power for 12,100 pounds—when properly configured. You will have the maximum bed length to haul large items, too.
Models that come with the standard 3.3-liter V6 engine have a payload capacity of 1,1990 pounds and a towing power for 7,700 pounds. This engine is good for tugging travel trailers and some small boats. If you plan on pulling a bit more weight on a regular basis, you should look at models with the 2.7-liter turbocharged V6. This fine engine unlocks a maximum payload capacity of 2,470 pounds and a towing power for 8,500 pounds.
The V8 engine offers the best combination of capability and power of any engine in the lineup. It unlocks a payload capacity of 3,270 pounds and a towing-power limit of 11,600 pounds. If you are particular with gas mileage, and you are looking for a workhorse that can tow loads, take a look at the F-150 with the turbo diesel engine. This fine engine has a payload capacity of 1,940 pounds and a towing power for 11,400 pounds.
2021 Ram 1500 TRX
While the TRX does not have tow capacity as much as some Ram models, which are at the present time rated at up to 12,750 pounds, it can still tug a significant amount. The TRX has a maximum towing power for 8,100 pounds, and it is very capable of carrying up to 1,310 pounds of payload.
FUEL ECONOMY AND MPG
2020 Ford F-150 Raptor
The F-150 got better fuel-efficiency ratings than many of its peers. The F-150 got an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with its base engine and rear-wheel drive. For models with the smaller EcoBoost engine, its ratings got up to 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. For models with the larger EcoBoost V8 engine, ratings were 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Those F-150 with the high-output EcoBoost engine rated 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. At this moment, ratings for the diesel powertrain are not yet available.
2021 Ram 1500 TRX
There has not been any information released yet about the fuel-economy of the much anticipated TRX. Once the city and highway estimates are officially revealed, and the pickup truck has been tested on a 200-mile highway route, it will be easy to evaluate its mpg results.
INTERIOR, COMFORT AND CARGO
2020 Ford F-150 Raptor
The features of yesterday’s luxury sedan can now be enjoyed in this full-sized pickup truck, and the F-150 has the space and equipment to verify it. It is packed with a number of options that range from a panoramic, sunroof to massaging seats. The only issue that the infotainment system does not respond quickly to user inputs. There is a lot of storage space in the F-150—as expected with a pickup truck.
2021 Ram 1500 TRX
Ram has revolutionized the looks of its half-ton pickup trucks, which boasts luxurious-looking materials and top-tier flawless insulation from outside noise. That level of grandeur and refinement looks to continue on the TRX, which comes exclusively as a crew cab with the short cargo bed. On the interior of the entry level model, the cloth upholstery and standard equipment is based on the Ram 1500 Rebel. But the optional TR! And TR2 packages make the cabin look and feel remarkably stunning thanks to a mix of microsuede and carbon-fiber accents and leather-covered surfaces. The flat-bottom steering wheel of the TRX boasts a pair of prominent paddle shifters, however, there is also a floor shifter situated on the center console. The top options of the TRX include a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and heated and ventilated front seats.
INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY
2020 Ford F-150 Raptor
The optional touchscreen infotainment system of the F-150 has impressive graphics and is easy to use. An AM/FM radio comes standard in the entry level trim. Available features include the include an 8-inch touch screen, the voice-activated SYNC connectivity system, SYNC 3 infotainment system, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, navigation, satellite radio, a USB port, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth, apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a moonroof and dual-zone automatic climate control.
2021 Ram 1500 TRX
The TRX comes standard with a 12.0-inch touch screen infotainment system. The unit features Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, built-in navigation, and SiriusXM satellite radio.
Verdict:
Both trucks are powerful enough for around-the-town drives and offer luxurious-looking interiors. If you are particular with power, price, and features, go for the 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor. But if you prefer having a trend-setting pickup truck, with smoother ride than the competition, then go for the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX.