Shopping a Ford F-150 or Ram 1500? Here's How You Can Spec Them Up...And How Much Each Costs! 

Honestly, it's more shocking to me that an XLT is seventy thousand dollars.

I moved over from Ford to Ram and couldn't be happier. I got a great deal and the Ram sales guy even let me take it to a Ford dealership 40 miles away to compare the two vehicles side by side. When I returned the Ram, I found myself not wanting to get out which speaks to the much superior ride of the Ram (which I don't believe was discussed?) So for 10k more your'e' getting the best interior in the market, and one hell of a smooth ride. That 8-speed tranny is so smooth and the HEMI noise that big V-8 produces beats the snot out of a twin turbo V-6. All that for me, is what makes the Ram worth it. I was a bit shocked the XLT came in @ 68K.

It's crazy how much truck prices have went up in the last year or two. I would like to see sales drop significantly and see how the manufacturers react, but it seems like no matter how high prices go, people still buy them.

I got my 2020 ram used about 2 years ago. It’s a bighorn level 2 package so it has heated seats ,heated steering,tow package ,sensors in the tail lights and upgraded 10 speaker sound system. It’s a beautiful truck and drives amazing. Ford and Chevy couldn’t compare for the price I paid.

Interesting comparison. Every time I see the new pricing on these trucks I feel fortunate buying a new truck in 2020 for 36k after discounts and rebates. Though I do think in the not too distant future you’ll start to see substantial rebates and incentives as demand slows and supply increases. Either way I’m keeping my 2020 for a minimum of 10 years. I don’t think I could handle writing a check for 60k plus for a truck without feeling ill.

Just bought a 21’ XLT crew cab long bed 5.0 V8 for $47,927 with under 8k miles on it. Not a bad deal and absolutely could not be happier. Loving my Ford

Nathan, thank you for addressing the problem with bloated pricing and not just saying something tone deaf like “Compared to XYZ, this is a bargain” 👍

These prices are just crazy. I thought they were insane a few years ago when I bought my 2021 Tremor. Just built one online for comparison- over $10k increase for the same truck…. except you actually get less now with deleted options due to chip shortages. The industry has to change or face collapse imo, there just aren’t enough buyers who can afford (or are just stupid enough) to pay these prices.

Love your presentation style Nathan. Cool, calm, collected, it is like you are talking to a friendly neighbor or making an in-person presentation. Great job. The focus on accurate information and the best comparison you could do with (presumably) the two trucks available for the video shoot was a breath of fresh air compared to many TFL Offroad and Truck videos I have seen. Before I get flamed for saying that, I do enjoy the TFL videos. But sometimes they seem to go off on tangents that appear not to be well supported, presumably designed to get clicks and I would enjoy them more if they stayed "in their lane" - like you did here.

Great job reviewing two different trucks with two totally different packages. Problem is, if you take a RAM Big Horn/Lone Star which is more comparable to the Ford XLT and spec it to the Ford you had, the Ram was about $8k less than the Ford. On the other hand, if you go up to a Ford Lariat, which is more comparable to a Ram Limited, the Ford is about $6k more than the RAM. Not saying anything about these trucks, as both are very capable, it's just not an apples to apples comparison.

Just can’t believe on how much that xlt cost without leather seats, premium audio system and such premium stuff. Like you said, it comes down to options. I got a big horn back country…. With pano sunroof, 12” screen and rambox…but gave up some technology features and led headlights. So it’s true… the package is the costliest part. Just don’t know who can afford a $60-$70k truck now.

I love your review style and how straight forward you are. Keep it up! Excellent video!

I absolutely love the automated steps. First of all they come down lower than the fixed running board steps. Helps a lot with older arthritic knees. And the transmission dial frees up a lot of room.

I much prefer the knob shifter over the Ford. I've had the Ford and currently have the ram. Loved both trucks but the knob frees up a lot of space in the center console and is much more practical. If Ford had done something similar, they wouldn't have had to implement a retracting shifter to make room for a center console that converts into a table top.

Just sitting here watching & enjoying your review on these trucks & started remembering my 1st truck was a 1976 Dodge custom 100 (yes Dodge not Ram) & back then all trucks were tools now even the cheapest is pure luxury compared. And just a few of the options cost more than I paid for the whole truck with a full tank of gas.

Well done comparison by Nathan. Thanks!!

One thing I like about the Ram the styling just reminds me so much of a 70's D100 love the retro vibe it gives.

Hey Nathan, I heard you state that ford was charging $995 for auto stop start which sounded crazy for a second. After pausing on the window sticker I noticed that the 2.0 kw inverter was right above the stop start feature. I believe you mixed those ups, why would any one option stop start for $1,000, if not was was the price of the inverter😂, loved the video, just wanted to confirm.

Darn! Those are expensive!! My 2022 Silverado LT Duramax was $61k last year and I thought that was bad. I still got the max towing 5th wheel package and level 1 convenience package with heated seats and steering wheel, bed liner, remote start, power seat, and whatever else it came with. It’s basically everything that you could ever want in a truck and then some, but doesn’t have all that BS crap that jacks up the price. Personally, I wouldn’t want either of those engines anyways..

I would love to see the total number of Trucks that are written off or depreciated for "Business's" as long as people continue to pay these prices they will never go down

I was drinking coffee . . didn't spit it out but my mouth was open in shock of the Ford price lol

I still can't believe the prices for "these" trucks. I bought a F-250 power stroke in 2020 for -$7000 MSRP Lariat sport (no tremor) and then tricked it out myself with a 3 inch lift/level kit, wheels, and 37" tires for around $4000. $76000 all in on a truck that can literally tow a house or get 18 MPG easily on the freeway. Crazy times. As always good to see Nathan on the screen!

That two tone F-150 looks really sharp...That's an Awesome two tone finish..I would buy that just for the paint scheme..very sharp truck!!

When buying my Ram 1500 SLT back in 2014, they did offer a Laramie and stuff, but I chose the SLT based on my budget and chose options that will help me preserve the truck, like the bedliner, tonneau cover, etc.

I just got a Nissian Titian gasoline pro 4x. (2020) Nice ride! I got it for 41000$ OTD with 12k miles. Truck prices are ridiculous. It’s also my first truck and I’m in love !

I have a 2023 Ram Laramie with the sport package and a few other. Love the truck. It is metallic grey just like the one in this video. I shopped around before I got the Ram. Could not be happier with my Laramie.

I’m happy that I got my new truck in 2020 😅 and I thought it was expensive at $45k i think I’m not going to buy a new truck any time soon

Great Job on your insights. Keep up the good work. Thanks.

Liking the two-tone Paint

In 2015 I bought a 2014 ram 1500 express with towing package, 8-speed transmission, 5.7L hemi, upgraded infotainment center, crew cab, 4x4 for $33k. 😅

Wild. I just bought a leftover 22 XLT with almost all the bells minus the trailer assist and the trailer assist, also a sport for 49 out the door. These things are insanely priced.

I just bought a used ‘18 Ram 1500 Big Horn w/ 29,000 miles for MUCH less than either of these. For what I spent and the options you get with the Big Horn, I think the Ram is the best value for the money!

The fact that active safety tech (adaptive radar cruise, lane keep/tracing systems, etc.) that comes standard on a work truck spec, SR model Tundra costs EXTRA on both of these trucks is nuts.

Great information. Thanks.

Great video, although I have a hard time comparing an XLT to a limited. Would have been nice to see Fords limited vs Ram Limited. In canada, I've been quoted 80K CAD for the ram limited night edition but 102k CAD for the F150 Limited (non powerboost). The ford is way nicer but man the price difference is insane!

I like the Ford XL trim for the standard rubber floor. The single cab, 6.5 ft.bed, 4x4 V8 with aluminum wheels, a locker and a few other things was $44,355. That’s not a bad price for a good truck.

I’m looking at the Classic Rams right now. They are 25% off MSRP around me.

It's the HERITAGE EDITION package mate, designed as a tribute to the early F series XLT models, with seat paterns/materials that replicate when cloth seating was ultra lux. Do some damn researh before hand mate. I LOVE this XLT model BECAUSE it has those cloth seats, the cool console cover and the exterior two tone paint. Plus the 20" rimes are plenty big enough !!

Idk bout y’all, but that baby blue colour and black on the f150 is pretty damn cool to me! I love the way they did the two tone look to it.

TFL does the best comparisons hands down

The comment on not liking the Rams dial shifter, you completely skipped over its biggest benefit - the MASSIVE console to store a ton of stuff. Once you can used to the dial it’s not a big deal (even for “three point turns”). I for one just see the wasted space now when other trucks use the old shifter (and gimmicky when they “fold” down to provide room for a fold out laptop tray).

I know you say you don’t see the difference of 10k in the interior. But just adding in the options or upping the trim levels in a ford gets you way way over the rams price. Leather, cooled seats in both rows, upgraded stereo, rear view mirror camera etc. just adding those in to an xlt would make it equal in price. Add in the auto running boards , 22in wheels etc. and you’d easily eclipse 78. A ford limited trim starts at 84k. And when you option it similarly (doesn’t have many to choose from) you’re now at 89k. Neither truck is cheap. But the Rams value is still there. I shopped all the big 3 and got my 1500 limited with some specific options. - color matched bumpers , 3.92 with limited slip, 33 gallon tank. And msrp’d at 67k. With discounts and rebates my out the door was 57k before my trade in. Again a ton for a truck but for that price I’d be in a low spec xlt or xle gm twin. Not with auto boards, air suspension and a luxury interior. Keep up the awesome work, and keep giving Roman hell!

The headlights and front end of the ford is what hooked me.

The market is super weird. I paid 52k Cad for a 2019 Lariat, low mileage, no accidents in 2021. Just saw a dealer trying to sell an equivalent 2019 Lariat in 2023 for 52k. Makes no sense, hopefully when the refreshed 2024 F150 arrives, things will get more realistic.

The xlt with the 5.0l would have been a better comparison in my opinion. I’m not a fan of anything less than v8 in a full size truck (gas engines). The turbocharged eco boost engines have trouble getting over 100k miles without needing repairs. I bought a 2023 xlt f150, with some different options last month and I love it. I got the 4x4 sport with the 5.0.

I bought my 2019 XLT 3.5 ecoboost crew cab 4by4 off road MaxTow for 41K new in 2019. Glad I bought when I did.

I live on a road that goes to a landfill , you would"t believe how many new trucks with 5 foot beds go by ,pulling trailers .

Not really an apple to apple comparison. Seem liked you preferred the Ford from the get go. Should of at least done the Ford xlt vs Ram bighorn. Then you would see how expensive Ford is.

I like a nice mid trim level maybe a well optioned big horn or low level laramie. Skip the power running boards, air susptention, sunroof, leather dash. All crap that breaks and will only add to your repair bills and time at the dealer.

I ordered a new 22 xlt 302a here in canada for 65k last year and for that price point I found you got a lot more in a ford than a GM,ram or Toyota. Not to mention the the much better lease and finance rates with ford canada compared to the others

I bought a 2022 GMC 3500 Duramax AT4 fully loaded for the same price as that Ram. Yes, brand new.

Just bought a aka work truck today for my personal use. Brand new 23 f150 5.0 xl regular cab longbed 2wd 3.31 locking axle. Dealer had $3,000 off.

Rather get the 5.0 V8 in the Ford it gets the same MPGs as the Ecoboost and I think it sounds a lot better and is a really smooth and reliable engine that is naturally aspirated don’t got to worry about a turbo

They really should have put a slash between Eco and boost, because as it's been said with turbocharged vehicles, you either get Eco or boost, not both.

You can get an XLT version for a lot less, that particular version is a fully optioned XLT

I priced out a 302a super crew 6.5 bed with 5.0L and 4wd for $63K. Don’t need max tow and don’t need Fx4 since I’m just looking for a good, all-weather highway cruiser. Just two years ago, that same truck was $53K.

Great episode

Wow, I recently bought a 2022 Platinum f150 Fully loaded with every option, except I specifically wanted the 5.0 v8 and 3.73 gears, and it has the Black Appearance package kind’ve like that ram has, and it cost me $73k out the door.

Let's see that F-150 in Red N Black...thtd be Awesome paint scheme!!!

The Harman Kardon system in the ram has 19 speakers. Not 12

crazy. I couldn't afford any of the big truck brands. Got a 21' titan pro 4x for 58k. fully loaded.

I ordered a 2023 sport loaded which in the US is a hight than Laramie I have 22" wheels leather heated and vented seats 12" display heated rear seats power everything lane assist running boards etc just no sunroof which I never used in my 2019 ram got it with 5.7 mds etorque for 60k usd and got than to take another 8k off so I am in it taxes in for for less than 50 usd glad I shopped around it took me months of negotiating but glad I got it finally .... looking at these prices it's a no Brainer . I am paying 291 bi weekly usd

Better comparison would of been the Laramie vs the XLT. Would be interesting to compare what you get for the same trim levels. Up here in Canada we get an exclusive Sport addition which is priced with the XLT but more bang for buck imo. I also prefer the looks of the Ram 💯 more

Why won't ford just include 20 dollar plastic wheel liners... they'd have less rust issues and look miles better

Wish I would have went with the Ford, purchased a 2022 ram 1500 hemi last fall engine blew up before the first oil change. Dropped a valve at 6300km.

For older folks, the power steps are great. They go much lower than the typical fixed step and then tuck away and look much cleaner. Mine have a bypass switch so they can be lowered in a car wash or they can be fixed so they don't automatically lower - great for off-roading. You're not a fan now because you're still young! Also, no mention of Ford's aluminum body panels. My 2018 F150 has only 4 Iowa winters under its belt and I think the aluminum will pay off in body panel longevity. We'll see. The whole "it's not steel so it's weaker" claim may be true if you're tossing engine blocks into the bed. For the vast majority of F150 owners, that's not the case. So far, the aluminum body has proven to be quieter and perfect for my use.

Got a newer F150 XLT Crew Cab with 5.0L V8 and every option checked for under $50k. Couldn't be happier. I do plan on upgrading the cloth seat to Katzkin leather, which cost between $1,500-$2,000 depending on materials/style. Still better than buying a higher trim F150 that comes with leather seats.

Bought my ram in 2013 with lifetime warranty that is how long i’ll keep it. Can’t afford the same truck at current prices.

Great T Shirt!!

Budget class B is something that interest me. Also towing like a RZR or motorcycle

You could get the blackout package on the 150 in 2022 which leather was offered

$68k for an XLT?!? 😮

The XLT would be same level as a Big Horn trim. Limited would be comparable to Platinum. I agree with the insane costs of these things.. The problem is, if you want a certain feature, you have to buy an expensive group of features. Example, in the Ram, if you want the interior to be 1 color and not a tan headliner, you have to spend thousands more to get the Night edition or the Sport edition. It's too bad you didn't go through the features of the Ram.. Heated steering wheel, Heated and Vented front and rear seats with that trim level. Reclining rear seats, etc.. I went with a Laramie trim because that's the lowest trim level I could get seat memory and vented seats. You get used to the dial, and the fact there is no shifter in the center console makes a TON of storage in that center console. Love the Ram I picked up,, but absolutely agree the pricing is getting out of hand.

F150 prices going WAY up. My 2018 Lariat diesel with EVERY option was $69k. However, after discounts and rebates, I only paid $46k.

I would sooner have no more 18” Rim I have 20” Rim on my 2022 GMC but when I had 17” and 18” I can’t tell the difference other then more rubber might be better ride. You guys should do something to stubby with wheel size?

Great video, I like it.

i think rams are way better looking, even if it was a limited ford

$68k for an Xlt makes me wanna vomit. I paid $33k for a loaded 302a 5.0 in 2018 and when it was totaled, I paid $44k for a preowned 2021 loaded Xlt 302a sport (6k miles) 6 months ago… which even $44k is a bit much but the sticker on that was $56k (still too much). Ford is pricing buyers out of their vehicles

Great video but I would have preferred a more apples to apples comparison such as the XLT vs the Bighorn which are more compatible.

The big problem with Ram is their packages will have just one option I want or need and I’ll have to get another dozen I either don’t want or don’t want to pay $3k-$5k for.

Wow my new 2008 F150 XLT 4x4 5.4L Super Crew was only $28k out the door! Trucks are almost unaffordable now! Just like kids, I love my F150 and 2020 BigHorn 4x4 equally, but the smooth ride of the Dodge is pretty sweet!

Seeing these prices I’m completely happy with my 2021 Denali ultimate I got for 63k new.

As a side note, its funny to think how Ram now has the best transmission on the market now with its ZF 8 speed. Mechanically speaking its the best you can get

Love my truck don't have heated seat or wheel or 22" rims or leather but have everything I need for my truck and family 🛻🙂

My 2018 King Ranch F150 was $64k. Prices have gone crazy.

Bought a 2020 F-150 XLT almost a year ago for $43,000 with 29,000 miles on it. Has the 3.5L ecoboost and FX4 package. Before that I’ve always owned a used base model truck. I built my truck on the Ford website to see what it would be brand new, came out to be $65,000. I honestly don’t see $65,000 worth of options on it. Truck prices are getting out of hand.

Crazy pricing, You might as well buy a 2500 series truck! At least the Ford can tow 13k, I wonder if it comes in a gooseneck setup?

Makes me think about not that long ago I was looking at a brand new RAM 2500 big horn priced at $48k and I thought that was insane. Who knew that was apparently a steal?

You can still get a regular cab 8 ft bed on the Ram Tradesman Classic

Etorque is a problem waiting to happen. You cannot get a hemi without it now. No good. When is the hurricane engine coming to the 1500?

Why didn’t they compare the F150 Limited or Platinum ? They are nice inside .for the price they would have to be.

I have a stx f150 and I have been happy with it. My dad has a lariat and I don’t like his leather seats. I do like his seat can go up or down where mine is just back and forward

Here in Canada, we see Ram offering good rebates and incentives and even greater on Ram Classic. Ford? MSRP $$$. I didn't want to spend over 40,500$ (CAN) for a PU so I bought a 2021 Ram Classic Express 3.6L (10,000 km) loaded with options & accessories. With Ford for the same price, it would have been a 2019-2020 with more km (40,000 km +) for the same price. 🙂 As I do approx. 10,000 km/year, I should keep it for many years. 🤓

Would like to know payload and fuel tank size on both of these trucks. The Ford max tow should include a larger tank. Not sure on RAM.

Seeing these prices makes me happy I went with my bare bones ‘22 stx with the 5.0L for $20k less. Does everything a truck needs to do and has apple car play and looks cool. I can’t see myself paying $20k more for creature comforts. 80k for that ram is insane. I had a ‘21 big horn before my ford and I paid $45k for it. That thing is almost DOUBLE. INSANE!!

In the last 3 model years (2020-2022) the base price of a XLT with identical options has gone up over $8000 here in Canada - for the same truck! kind of crazy.

The f150 auto start/stop is not $995. That was the 2.4kw Pro Power generator. I would get the PowerBoost hybrid engine just for camping with a nice big 7.2kw generator. Can run the air conditioners, microwave and have plenty of electricity left.

RAM is offering over 10% off msrp on the trucks. We got out limited that's similar to the one in the video for the same price as the XLT ford

I just checked my local dealer they are offering $7k off MSRP on all the F150's in their inventory. My own opinion, RAM is dropping the HEMI, whenever a company does that they eventually stop making replacement parts for them, I'd bet within 5 years RAM does that, no matter what the are claiming now. This is especially true for their mild hybrid system. Getting good engine parts from a third party supplier for the engine likely will be possible for quite some time but mild hybrid parts for a low-run part to begin with? forget about it. Also - wheels bigger than 19" don't belong on a 4x4 truck.

I drove Fords for years. But the last 5 years I have had a Ram. Love the Ram. Just wish that they would have more power plant options like the eco boost. I would love to have a new Ford eco boost, but the pricing is ridiculous. The Ram limited is way up there in options while the XLT is still pretty much basic. I would hate to see what the Ford cost in the upper end packages. I can't see paying 60k to 70k for basic package. I will have to stick with my current Ram for now. It's paid off lol.