In our Florida Truck Showdown 2025, it’s the 2025 F-150 vs. Ram 1500! Which light-duty truck comes out on top? Keep reading to discover which pickup has what it takes to handle your Dade City lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- The Ram 1500 has long been known for its smooth ride and upscale offerings, and the 2025 model year is no different!
- Choose the F-150 for tech features that can help you get the job done.
- Whether you’re after a supercharged off-roading performance or tow-friendly power, the 2025 Ford F-150 is the best option.
- The F-150 tows and hauls more than any truck in its class!
Premium Comfort: 2025 Ram 1500
With its rear coil-spring suspension and uniquely refined cabin, the Ram 1500 maintains its title as the truck with the best interior! Inside higher trim models (especially the all-new Tungsten!), Ram’s full-size truck delivers a fit and finish that outshine the competition. And although the F-150’s leaf springs are better suited to a rugged performance, the Ram’s suspension setup provides the smoothest ride.
The 2025 Ford F-150, meanwhile, is always big on passenger space. Although the more luxurious F-150 trim models don’t feel quite as posh as their Ram counterparts, they do offer high-end materials (like leather seating) and Florida-centric comforts (including dual-zone automatic climate control and front-seat ventilation).
Street-Smart Technology: 2025 Ford F-150
The F-150 offers exclusive tech features designed to help you navigate Dade City’s rural backroads and job sites. For instance, the Trail Turn Assist system helps you turn around on an especially narrow trail. Onboard Scales & Smart Hitch technology estimates payloads and trailer tongue weight distribution to help you maintain a safe performance. And the Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps you avoid an embarrassing jackknife situation!
Of course, the Ram 1500 and F-150 have plenty of modern tech features in common. First of all, both trucks come standard with touchscreen infotainment and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The same goes for driver safety aids! Standard blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assist systems keep an extra eye peeled for danger. Move up each truck’s list of trim models gives for access to upgrades like wireless smartphone charging, premium audio, and a head-up display!
Pure Power: 2025 Ford F-150
For Florida drivers who want to build the perfect truck for their needs — whether those include farming, construction, or weekend fun — the F-150 offers the most impressive list of options. Even lower trim models are available with a variety of engine upgrades, allowing you to build a very capable truck at a friendly price. The F-150 is also our first choice for sloshing down muddy trails at high speeds! Thanks to trail-friendly trim models (the Tremor, Raptor, and Raptor R), it’s easy to hit the ground running. And unlike the Ram, the F-150 is available with a supercharged V8 that supplies an incredible 720 horses!
2025 Ford F-150 Powertrain Options
- 2.7L turbocharged V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- 5.0L V8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft)
- 3.5L turbo V6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft)
- 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid V6 (430 hp, 570 lb-ft)
- Raptor-exclusive 3.5L turbo V6 (450 hp, 510 lb-ft)
- Raptor R-exclusive 5.2L supercharged V8 (720 hp, 640 lb-ft)
- 10-speaker automatic transmission
- XL: Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
- XLT and up: Four-wheel drive
The Ram 1500 offers three engine options to the F-150’s six, cutting down on your choices. But that’s not to say that this full-size truck doesn’t offer plenty of power to tackle big jobs! Choose the high-output turbo I-6 to max out the Ram’s capabilities, generating up to 540 horses. Unfortunately, though, the Ram 1500 isn’t quite as configurable as the F-150. For example, only trucks equipped with a crew cab are available with the turbocharged I-6 engine upgrade.
2025 Ram 1500 Powertrain Options
- 3.6L V6 (305 hp, 271 lb-ft of torque)
- 3.0L turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine (420 hp, 469 lb-ft)
- High-output 3.0L turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine (540 hp, 521 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
Best-in-Class Capabilities: 2025 Ford F-150
When it comes to towing and hauling, there’s no better light-duty truck for your Dade City ranch than the F-150. Of course, the F-150’s strong performance is also up for some incredible weekend excursions. Properly equipped, this pickup can tow up to 13,000 pounds of farm equipment or boat trailer! Payloads top off at 2,455 pounds.
By comparison, the Ram 1500 can haul nearly as much weight, transporting max payloads of 2,300 pounds. However, Ram’s light-duty truck lags behind when it comes to towing. Capabilities vary according to body style and equipment, but max tow rating reaches 11,580 pounds. Depending on what you need to tow, the Ram 1500 might not cut it!
In the end, the best light-duty truck to handle your rugged Dade City lifestyle is the one that delivers outsized power, best-in-class capabilities, and exclusive technology — the 2025 Ford F-150! You can get behind the wheel of America’s bestselling vehicle right here at Jarrett Ford. Better still, you can order the perfect F-150 for your needs — call or text us to set up an appointment with a member of our friendly team!