VS
At a Glance
Power
270hp @ 5500
420hp @ 5200
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3000
469lb-ft @ 3500
Fuel
22 mpg est.
21 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
8160lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
3.0 L/183ci
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 420hp @ 5200. On fuel, the Ranger returns 22 mpg est. while the 1500 uses 21 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $39,575 for the Ranger and $56,570 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 RangerXLT 4WD SuperCrew 5' Box 2026 - From $39,575
Ram 1500Big Horn 4x4 Crew Cab 6'4" Box 2026 - From $56,570
Performance
Power Output (hp)
270hp @ 5500
420hp @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3000
469lb-ft @ 3500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
V
Inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
21 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
18mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24mpg
24mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18gal
33gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
210.6in
241.8in
Width (in)
75.5in
82.1in
Height (in)
74.4in
77.5in
Wheelbase (in)
128.7in
153.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4462lbs
5373lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
48.5cu ft
61.5cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
8160lbs
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
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ 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 (22 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($39,575)
Few notable weaknesses
Ram 1500
Higher towing capacity (8160lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (21 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Ranger or 1500?
The Ranger gets 22 mpg est. and the 1500 gets 21 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 420hp @ 5200 and 469lb-ft @ 3500 of torque. The 1500 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Ranger and 1500?
The Ranger starts from $39,575 and the 1500 from $56,570. The Ranger is cheaper by $16,995 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 8160lbs. 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.