The Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge Ram battle will continue for as long as these three automotive industry leaders exist. If you were to buy a truck, which brand would you choose? Which truck is better: Ford, Chevy, or Dodge?
Ford ranks highest in interior quality, reliability, performance, and safety when it comes to pickup trucks. However, while Ford takes the lead in these categories, Chevy and Dodge do not trail far behind, especially in fuel efficiency and overall performance.
These trucks are fairly comparable. All their features are great. If you are confused about which brand to get, stick to what design you like best and what fits your requirements.
Read on to learn more about Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge, including their specs and features, to help you decide which one to choose.
Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge
To help you decide which truck is better – Ford, Chevy, or Dodge – this article will compare the specs and features of each pickup truck.
Among the features we will focus on are the following:
- Weight
- Engine and Beyond
- Interiors
- Ride Quality
1. Weight
When Ford introduced its all-aluminum pickup truck in 2015, it became the lightweight truck leader. It was more than 700 lbs. lighter than the previous releases.
Chevy also released its Silverado unit featuring aluminum parts. However, it lost 450 lbs. only as Chevy decided not to replace everything with aluminum. Instead, it only replaced the tailgate, doors, and hood.
The Dodge Ram only lost 225 lbs as only the hood and tailgate were replaced with aluminum.
Their aluminum usage may vary, but it was advantageous for these three truck brands. The new weight is an excellent match to the trucks’ engine and transmission options.
2. Engine and Beyond
The Dodge and the Chevy both feature top-end V8 engines. However, the Dodge has around 395 horsepower, whereas the Silverado has about 420 horsepower. Both truck brands offer V6 options.
But Chevy features a 2.7 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the most economical engine from Chevy.
On the contrary, Ford offers a 3.5 L twin-turbo six-cylinder engine. It boasts torque weighing 470 ft-lbs and 450 horsepower.
The Ford Ranger Raptor features a higher-output engine version at 510 ft-lbs of torque and 450 horsepower. This engine version is also available as an option on other Ford truck models.
Ford, however, also offers a couple of lower-end engines. These include 2.7 L and 3.3 L turbocharged V6 engines. These engine versions are the most economical of all in their class.
In terms of transmission, it all varies from a 6-speed transmission involving the lower-end engines in Chevy models to 8-speed gearboxes involving Ram trucks.
Both Ford and Chevy have 10-speed options involving their high-end pickup trucks. The transmissions are almost similar, attributed to a Ford-GM partnership.
3. Interior
What’s impressive about Ford is that it is possible for its interiors to still look as good as new even after years of usage. Not to mention the fact that Ford trucks have noticeably cool interiors.
One of the cool features of Ford’s interiors is the Ford Sync technology. This is Ford’s Bluetooth wireless technology that synchronizes commands between your vehicle and your smartphone.
Other features are the simple-to-operate controls, the infotainment system, and the state-of-the-art massaging front seats, among many others.
The Chevy and Dodge trucks have upgraded their interiors, too, incorporating the latest technology just like how Ford incorporated it in theirs. However, as for the Chevy Silverado, its interiors’ comfort and detail do not match its competitors.
As for the sleek and handsome-looking Dodge Ram, its interiors are more impressive than the interiors of the Silverado.
4. Ride Quality
No matter how neat and tidy-looking vehicle seats are, they can never hide poor suspension and rough ride quality. The best way to check this is during off-road traveling and towing when it comes to riding quality.
Both the Dodge and the Ford perform great whether the trucks are on or off the road. Moreover, both trucks perform well with or without a trailer behind them. Suspension damping is superb, although the Dodge Ram is slightly, but noticeably, better.
Unfortunately, the Chevy is one rough ride attributed to its 22-inch wheels and other structural and suspension issues.
As for the 10-speed transmission, the Ford runs the best among the three. The Chevy trails behind but somehow seems hesitant in shifting at times. Simultaneously, Ford trucks seem to get it done correctly and smoothly on the first try.
The Dodge Ram ranks last here compared to Dodge vs. Ford vs. Chevy, but it is all due to a minor issue. Issues with the engine/transmission and weight may have contributed to the fact that it runs slower than the two. But then again, this is a minor issue.
The Ford truck wins with its high-output V6 engine in terms of motor and transmission.
Chevys Vs Fords – Which Is Better?
Ford Vs. Chevy Vs. Dodge Reliability
So, what’s the verdict for Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge reliability?
Ford ranks highest in reliability and interior quality, performance, and safety in trucks. However, although Ford takes the lead in these categories, Chevy and Dodge do not trail far behind, particularly when it comes to fuel efficiency and overall performance.
These trucks are fairly comparable. All their features are superb. If you are confused about which brand to get, stick to what design you like best and what fits your requirement.
To further help you decide, let’s also discuss the ratings given to these three truck brands by reliable automotive research sources.
Let’s take a look at the following models:
- Ford F-150 2021 model
- Chevy Silverado 2021 model
- Dodge Ram 2021 model
1. Ford F-150 2021 Model
The overall rating of the 2021 Ford F-150 truck is 8.9 points out of 10. This latest F-150 model has been completely redesigned.
Among its top qualities are the following:
- Excellent predicted reliability rating
- Easy-to-use infotainment system
- Powerful engine lineup
- Class-leading hauling and towing capabilities
As for the J.D. Power 100-Point Score, the 2021 Ford F-150 model gets 84 points out of 100 in the overall rating. Dealership experience is 77 points out of 100, while resale rating is 92 out of 100.
In terms of driving experience, the rating is 79/100. Whereas its quality and reliability are 86/100.
According to a review conducted by Motor Trend, the 2021 Ford F-150 scores 8.6 out of 10. It is said to be not as comfortable as the Ram. Nonetheless, it boasts of several powerful features.
These include impressive technology, an almost endless range, and solid powertrains.
In terms of value, the 2021 F-150 scores 9/10. It scores 8.5/10 for technology or innovation, 8.2/10 for fuel economy, and 8.1/10 for performance. This 2021 F-150 truck has been one of the best-selling releases from Ford.
2. Chevy Silverado 2021 Model
The U.S. News gives the 2021 Chevy Silverado an overall rating of 8.2 points out of 10. This latest release from Chevy features several new features. One of which is the increased towing capabilities attributed to its turbo diesel and turbo-four engines.
It has some features shuffling between trims. Moreover, this latest model has multifunction tailgate features.
The impressive qualities of the 2021 Chevy Silverado include the following:
- Superb predicted reliability rating
- Intuitive tech features
- Powerful available engines
- Extraordinary towing capability
Its J.D. Power 100-Point Score is 85 points out of 100 in the overall rating. Dealership experience is 88/100, while resale rating is 92/100. Chevy’s rating for driving experience is 74 points out of 100. In contrast, the rating for its quality and reliability is 85 points out of 100.
The review conducted by Motor Trend on the 2021 Chevy Silverado resulted in 7.8 points out of 10. It scores 7/10 for value, 7.5/10 for technology or innovation, 7.8/10 for fuel economy, and 8.3/100 for performance.
This 2021 Silverado model has spectacular powertrains. However, it lacks the driving refinement found in higher-ranking competitors. Not to mention that its interiors are a slight step behind its competitors.
3. Dodge Ram 2021 Model
Among the three truck brands, the 2021 Dodge Ram truck gets the highest rating from the U.S. News, with 8.7 points out of 10 in the overall rating. For the first time, Dodge Ram has introduced its high-performance TRX model.
The best qualities of the 2021 Dodge Ram truck include the following:
- Easy-to-use infotainment system
- Roomy and luxurious interiors
- Cushioned ride
- Powerful engines
As for the J.D. Power 100-Point Score, the 2021 Dodge Ram truck ranks the lowest among the three, with 83 points out of 100. Dealership experience is 71 out of 100, and resale rating is 91 out of 100.
When it comes to the driving experience, the rating is 84/100. The score is 85 points out of 100 for quality and reliability.
Impressively, the Motor Trend Score of the 2021 Dodge Ram is 9.1 points out of 10. Its ride quality is extraordinarily comfortable. Its interiors are tech-filled. Not to mention that this Ram model features a clever design. This, according to Motor Trend, is the best full-size truck on the market.
In terms of value, the 2021 Dodge Ram scores 8 points out of 10. It scores 9.3 points for technology and innovation, 8.3 points for fuel economy, and 8.2 points for performance.
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Conclusion – Which Truck Is Better: Ford, Chevy, or Dodge
Ford ranks the highest in interior quality, reliability, performance, and safety when comparing pickup trucks of different brands.
However, while Ford takes the lead in these categories, Dodge and Chevy do not trail far behind, especially in fuel efficiency and overall performance.
The features of these trucks are all impressive and relatively comparable. If you are confused about which brand to buy, stick to the design that you like best. Furthermore, choose the one that completely fits your requirement.
You may consider different factors when searching for the ideal truck for you.
These are the following:
- Weight
- Engine and Beyond
- Interiors
- Ride Quality
The Ford, Chevy, and Dodge Ram trucks are all under the full-size truck category. However, no matter how similar they may be in terms of their general features, they are nonetheless unique from each other.
What the other model lacks might be the strength of the other brand and vice versa. But despite all those differences, the most common thing about them is their excellent overall performance.
Then again, if you are confused as to which truck to buy, choose the one that will fit all your requirements. Choose the one that will address your needs.
Take notes and list down what you like best about a truck. Then, identify the closest one with all the qualities you are looking for in a truck.
If you are a die-hard Chevy fan, you will surely buy the Silverado even if, for instance, the Ford F-150 or the Dodge Ram models have better features. It is the same thing if you are a die-hard Ford or Dodge enthusiast.
Even if Chevy has better features, you will surely choose to be loyal to your brand of choice.
Related reading:
Chevy Truck Models – Silverado and Colorado [10 Types]
Where Are Chevy Trucks Made? [Silverado and Colorado]
Small Pickup Trucks – 7 Best – U.S. Market
Who Makes Ram Trucks? Where Are Ram Trucks Made?
