Ram 1500 Vs. F-150: Safety Features & Long-Term Reliability

When comparing two of the most popular full-size trucks today, Ram 1500 vs. Ford F-150 reliability is crucial, especially for drivers seeking a long-lasting and dependable vehicle. Both models are built with durability at the forefront, but differences in maintenance costs, overall longevity, and safety features can influence your decision.

So, what's more reliable, the Ram 1500 or the Ford F-150? In this comparison, the team from Wally's CDJR of Adams will explore how each model stacks up, helping you make an informed decision and highlighting how the Ram 1500 stands out.

Ram 1500 vs. Ford F-150 Reliability Overview

Proven Reliability: The Ram 1500 earns an impressive 89 out of 100 Reliability Score from J.D. Power,¹ highlighting its long-term dependability and fewer issues for drivers over time.
Smooth Transmission: The eight-speed automatic transmission in the Ram 1500 provides smoother shifting and greater reliability compared to the F-150’s 10-speed automatic.
Safety First: With over 100 standard and available safety features, along with a five-star rating from the NHTSA,² the Ram 1500 prioritizes driver and passenger protection.
Engine Performance: While the Ram 1500 offers fewer engine options than the F-150, its powertrains are renowned for their longevity, often surpassing 200,000 miles when properly maintained.

	2025 Ram 1500	2025 Ford F-150
Engine Options	3.6L Pentastar V-6 with eTorque 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo High-Output 3.0-liter Hurricane	2.7L EcoBoost V-6 5.0L Ti-VCT V-8 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V-6 High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 High-Output Supercharged 5.2L V-8
Transmission	8-speed automatic	10-speed automatic
Max Towing Capacity	11,550 lbs³	13,500 lbs³
Reliability Score	89 / 100¹	78 / 100¹ (for the 2023 model; 2025 model rating not available)
Safety Features	Rearview Camera Forward-Collision Warning Blind-Spot Detection Warning Adaptive Cruise Control 360-Degree Camera System Rear Cross Path and Trailer Detection Evasive Steering Assist	Rearview Camera Pre-Collision Assist Blind Spot Assist Adaptive Cruise Control 360-Degree Camera System Reverse Brake Assist Intersection Assist

Ram 1500 vs. F-150 Reliability Score

Right out the gate, the new Ram 1500 vehicles impress with an 89/100 Reliability Score from J. D. Power.¹ This "Great" Ram 1500 rating has been consistent in recent years, with even the 2024 model hitting the same score out of 100 in the same category.¹ This impressive ranking indicates you'll likely experience fewer problems with the iconic light-duty pickup.

In contrast, the last F-150 reliability rating was 78 out of 100 from J. D. Power,¹ placing it in the average range for dependability and falling short compared to the Ram 1500. This score suggests that while the F-150 delivers solid performance, it may experience more issues and have a higher frequency of defects, whether it be the powertrain or tech features.

Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500 Reliability: Performance

Regarding performance reliability, the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 carry powerful engines and impressive towing capabilities. However, this can vary depending on the model year, engine choice, and maintenance.

The Ram 1500 is known for providing a smooth and refined driving experience, especially with its class-exclusive coil-spring rear suspension. It has offered a wide range of engine options throughout the years, with the latest being the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with eTorque, the 3.0-liter Hurricane Twin-Turbo, and the High-Output 3.0-liter Hurricane.

While discontinued after the 2024 Ram 1500 model to focus more on fuel efficiency in its powertrain lineup, the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 still stands as one of the truck's most reliable engine choices.

Like the Ram 1500, an F-150 review shows that you get a menu of engines to choose from, such as the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, and High-Output 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6.

While no truck is completely free from issues or the need for repairs over time, RepairPal reports that the Ram 1500 has lower repair and maintenance costs than the F-150. Research shows that the annual maintenance cost for full-size trucks averages around $936, whereas the Ram 1500 only incurs around $691.⁴ The Ford F-150 comes in at nearly $800⁵ for annual repair costs, making it more expensive to maintain over time.

Ram 1500 vs. Ford F-150 Safety

The latest Ram 1500 safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is impressive: five stars,² followed by high crashworthiness scores from the IIHS.⁶

The new Ram 1500 truck earns these scores not only due to its robust build but also because of the extensive range of safety systems built within each trim. For the 2025 model, there are over 100 standard and available Ram 1500 safety features, ensuring enhanced protection for both driver and passengers. These include:

Rearview Camera
Forward-Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking
Blind-Spot Detection Warning
Rear Cross Path and Trailer Detection
Lane-Keeping Assist
Adaptive Cruise Control
Active Park Assist
Brake Assist
Stability Control with Anti-Rollover
360-Degree Camera System
Hands-Free Active Driving Assist
Evasive Steering Assist
Drowsy Driver Detection

Additionally, the Ram 1500 offers a range of towing features designed to enhance security and ease when hauling heavy loads. These include Trailer Auto Hitch Assist, a Mirror-Mounted Camera System, telescopic trailer tow mirrors, and Trailer Reverse Guidance with Dynamic Gridlines, all working together to ensure you have maximum visibility when making a delivery or backing into a parking spot.

All these innovative amenities and more make our CDJR lease and finance deals for the Ram 1500 even sweeter!

The Ford F-150 safety score follows suit, also earning five stars from NHTSA. ⁷The standard or optional F-150 safety features include:

Rearview Camera
Pre-Collision Assist
Blind Spot Assist
Reverse Brake Assist
Adaptive Cruise Control
360-Degree Camera System
Intersection Assist
Exit Warning

Experience the Ram 1500 Reliability & Safety for Yourself!

Now that you have seen the F-150 and Ram 1500 review, it's time to see the 1500 up close and personal at Wally's CDJR of Adams. Visit our team today, and let us get you into a full-size truck with a proven record of reliability, lower maintenance costs, and well-rounded safety and towing tech that brings it up a notch. We can help you buy or lease a Ram 1500 today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which truck has a more durable transmission?

In general, the Ram 1500 has a reputation for providing a more durable transmission compared to the Ford F-150 due to its high-quality engineering and ability to deliver smooth shifting that lowers stress on the transmission system. The F-150 is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Ram 1500 provides an eight-speed automatic. See how it feels with a test drive today!

Which truck lasts longer: the Ram 1500 or Ford F-150?

With proper maintenance and care, the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 can last over 200,000 miles. However, the Ram 1500 boasts a higher reliability score¹ than the F-150,¹ along with lower average repair and maintenance costs.⁴ This makes the Ram 1500 a more cost-effective and dependable choice for long-term ownership, offering greater peace of mind and fewer ongoing expenses.

Is the Ram 1500 safer for long-term use?

Yes, the Ram 1500 has proven to be a safe full-size truck throughout the years. While both the F-150 and Ram 1500 have received five stars from NHTSA,² the Ram 1500 is the better choice in terms of Quality & Reliability.¹ In addition, the newest Ram 1500 includes over 100 standard and available safety features that include Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind-Spot Detection Warning.

¹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/

²Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-2025-vehicles-5-star-safety-ratings-testing

³When properly equipped. See dealer for details.

⁴Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, https://repairpal.com/reliability/ram/1500

⁵Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/f-150

⁶Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/ram/1500-crew-cab-pickup/2025

⁷Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/FORD/F-150%252520(REGULAR%252520CAB)%252520GAS/PU%25252FRC/RWD

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