DecodedCarsFord F-150 Lightning vs Ram 1500
2025 Ford F-150 Lightning vs 2025 Ram 1500 — two standard pickup trucks compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $1,850 a year less in fuel for the Ford F-150 Lightning (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Ford F-150 Lightning has had fewer recall campaigns (15 vs 96).
The two cars
The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning is a standard pickup truck powered by electricity and 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 230 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 145-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 6,021 lb (EV 4dr Pickup).
The 2025 Ram 1500 is a standard pickup truck offered with 2 engines (3.6L 6-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive. It measures about 233 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 145-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,971 lb (Crew Cab 5.7-Ft Box 2WD).
Buying used? The 2024 F-150 Lightning and the 2024 1500 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2023 F-150 Lightning and the 2015 1500.
| 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning | 2025 Ram 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD |
| Engines | EV | 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo |
| Drivetrain | 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| NHTSA overall | Not rated | Not rated |
| Best combined MPG | – | 23 MPG |
| City / highway MPG (best) | – | 20 city |
| EV range | 320 mi | – |
| Fuel cost per year (EPA) | $1,050 | $2,900 |
| Horsepower (most powerful) | – | 540 hp |
| Seats (most) | – | 6 |
| Driver-assist features standard | 10 | 11 |
| Length | 229.9 in | 229.1 in |
| Width | 79.9 in | 79.5 in |
| Height | 75.6 in | 77.6 in |
| Curb weight (lightest) | 6,021 lb | 4,800 lb |
| Recalls (2025) | 3 | 8 |
| Recalls, all years since 2005 | 15 | 96 |
| Owner complaints (latest year) | 9 | 365 |
| Wikipedia views, 30 days | 8,207 | 6,559 |
| Best used year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Year to avoid | 2023 | 2015 |
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Ford F-150 Lightning if…
- You want an EV with more range (320 miles)
- You put reliability history first (15 vs 96 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Ram 1500 if…
It doesn't clearly beat the Ford F-150 Lightning on any measure we track.
Pros & cons of each
2025 Ford F-150 Lightning
- Long EV rangeUp to 320 miles on a charge (EPA).
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
2025 Ram 1500
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Full 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning specs →Full 2025 Ram 1500 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →