VIDEO: 2009 Ford F-150 versus 2009 Dodge Ram
by Chris Shunk on Feb 23rd 2009 at 12:59PM 
Click above to watch video after the jump
The pickup market may be contracting, but the trucks themselves are better than ever. Two substantially new full-size trucks have gone on sale recently, the 2009 Ford F-150 and 2009 Dodge Ram, and we've already had the chance to park both in the Autoblog Garage for a week. The F-150 tows more, carries a higher payload and is the all-time leader in sales. The Dodge Ram is arguably the better looking truck, sports a vastly improved interior and its 390-hp HEMI V8 engine is a true powerhouse. Follow the jump to view our video comparison of these two new pickup trucks. They're both deserving of high praise, but only one has what it takes to be the king of the Autoblog Garage.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
hokieman09 1:17PM (2/23/2009)
Damn that Ram is nice
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Matt 1:19PM (2/23/2009)
It truly is a beautiful truck.
Not a re-skin of a 2004 model...
Franz 1:57PM (2/23/2009)
The F-150 seems better at the serious truck stuff but for my intents & purposes, the Ram is the clear choice. Better ride, better interior, LOVE the Ram Box, and since I never haul anything bigger than plywood, and tow anything bigger than my quads it would be perfect for me. I like trucks, but could never justify owning a full size one... until now.
Allen 2:46PM (2/23/2009)
Matt, I know you're upset that Ford isn't begging for money while Chrysler and GM are, but at least tell the truth. The F150 is much more than a re-skin of the previous model. It has an all new frame, an all new interior, an all new transmission, all new suspension, and a lot of new features. The Ram is a nice truck and would probably be my choice, but I'm not going to lie about the competition just to justify it.
Cellien 2:57PM (2/23/2009)
The Ram is nice, but the F-150 is more my cup of tea. It's more of a traditional truck and I prefer the styling by far.
Randy 11:23PM (2/23/2009)
They're both nice trucks but I think the F-150 is much more durable! I saw the on track testing and that sold me A to Z. Ford beat them all without a good show by the others at all! Dodge, Chevy and Toyo! No kidding!
MastrCake 1:21PM (2/23/2009)
Very nice video. LOVED the bloopers at the end!
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Mobius_1 3:43PM (2/23/2009)
"Yeah! That's what I'm talking about!"
Brilliant. :)
JDMlover 1:25PM (2/23/2009)
Ram > Ford.
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Yaroukh 1:41PM (2/23/2009)
Reality > JDMlover
Frank 4:27PM (2/23/2009)
I agree with JDM. You can say the F150 is a better work truck but do you really want to tow 11,000 lbs. with a half ton? I don't think so. You should not work any piece of machinery at 90% or more of it's capacity all the time/the majority of the time. So if you only need to tow 8,000 lbs. or so then look at the features and pick the best truck based on those, not a max towing capacity that should never be approached. Besides if you only can have one vehicle for work and personal use then the Ram is a better choice. Better ride when unloaded and nicer looking to take your lady out with.
Alon 9:00PM (2/23/2009)
Using your logic about the 90% capacity, you would be using the ram at max capacity towing the 8k lbs while the f150 would do it with ease. When I buy my next truck (and I actually use my truck) I will be buying a ford, hands down. I do not want a cushy ride, I want a truck, to handle my needs of a truck. If I wanted a car, that is what I would get.
Frank 7:59AM (2/24/2009)
You do realize that the F150 is only rated for 9600 lbs towing? So you are using the ford at 90% plus of it's capacity as well. Unless you spring for the optional towing package. Which isn't available with the crew cab. And crew cabs accounted for nearly 50 percent of the segment. The Ram is capable of towing 9100 lbs. So you want to sweat 500 lbs? If you want to tow that much do us a favor and spring for a 2500/3500 class truck.
Jay Evans 1:25PM (2/23/2009)
AutoBlog to Howie Long..
"That ManStep is actually really cool."
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chad.dawkins 1:26PM (2/23/2009)
LOL @ the bloopers...
"Commuter quality!?! What the hell is that?"
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meGrimlock 3:27PM (2/25/2009)
"commuter quality" befits most truck buyers around here. the biggest cargo ive ever seen put in a truckbed is a gallon of milk. these vehicles are meant to be workhorses, not fashion statements.
PiCASSO 1:26PM (2/23/2009)
Hey Chris... that tailgate step on the F150 requires you to flip-open 180-degrees with the inside step, which has the coarse sandpaper backing which will prevent you from slipping when entering and exiting the tailgate.
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Timothy Auhll 1:39PM (2/23/2009)
Sat in a new 2009 F150 @ Barrett Jackson auction, really nice truck, but I'am a diesel guy.Someone ask Ford when the "their" tiny diesel is going into the F150. Is this one of those ASK.com questions?
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N 1:44PM (2/23/2009)
F150 looks pretty good.
A useful ergonomic and 'economic' truck for people who have to sit in one of these for most of their working day.
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beowulf 1:48PM (2/23/2009)
Hey, Dodge: 1994 called and wants its truck design back.
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