VS
At a Glance
Power
270hp @ 5500
305hp @ 6400
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3000
269lb-ft @ 4800
Fuel
23 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
6470lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
3.6 L/220ci
Choosing between the Ford Ranger and the Ram 1500 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Ranger delivers 270hp @ 5500 while the Ram 1500 produces 305hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Ranger returns 23 mpg est. while the 1500 uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $33,550 for the Ranger and $45,425 for the 1500. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Ford RangerXL 2WD SuperCrew 5' Box 2026 - From $33,550
Ram 1500Express 4x4 Quad Cab 6'4" Box 2026 - From $45,425
Performance
Power Output (hp)
270hp @ 5500
305hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3000
269lb-ft @ 4800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
3.6 L/220ci
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
23 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
19mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25mpg
24mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18gal
26gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
210.6in
228.9in
Width (in)
75.5in
82.1in
Height (in)
74.4in
77.7in
Wheelbase (in)
128.7in
140.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4240lbs
5031lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
48.5cu ft
61.5cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
6470lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
1500
Fuel Economy
Ranger
Value
Ranger
Practicality
1500
Pros & Cons
Ford Ranger
Better fuel economy (23 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($33,550)
Few notable weaknesses
Ram 1500
Higher towing capacity (6470lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Ranger or 1500?
The Ranger gets 23 mpg est. and the 1500 gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Ranger is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Ranger or 1500?
The Ranger produces 270hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the 1500 delivers 305hp @ 6400 and 269lb-ft @ 4800 of torque. The 1500 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Ranger and 1500?
The Ranger starts from $33,550 and the 1500 from $45,425. The Ranger is cheaper by $11,875 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Ranger or 1500?
The Ranger has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the 1500 can tow 6470lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Ranger or the 1500?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.