If you’re shopping for a pickup truck, we’re certain that you’re already familiar with the Ram 1500. As you’ll see below, the vehicle is one of the most-complete rides in the class, offering power, economy, technology, and style. Yet, how does the competition stack up? We’ve explored that below.
If you need to be convinced that the 2016 Ram 1500 is the perfect pickup for you, see how rival trucks compare. We don’t want to give away any spoilers, but let’s just say you’ll be headed to a Ram dealership when you’re finished reading…
2016 Ram 1500
First we should examine the Ram 1500’s specs, features, and capabilities to get a better understanding of what the truck has to offer.
The 3.6-Liter Pentastar V6 24-Valve VVT Engine delivers some impressive power specs, including 305 horsepower and 269 pounds-feet of torque. When combined with the 1,880-pound payload, customers can expect an incredible 7,610-pound towing capacity. The most impressive aspect of the unit may be the economy, as the engine can deliver 18 city/25 highway mile per gallons.
The engine is accompanied by an eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler and Electronic Shift capabilities. Anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes come standard on the pickup, as do the non-adjustable pedals. Finally, in regards to the suspension, the 1500 includes front and rear heavy duty shock absorbers. The vehicle rides on standard 17-inch steel wheels.
There’s a lot to like about the truck’s interior, and we’re not even talking about all of the technological features (yet). The seats have been designed to provide maximum comfort, as engineers included the option of adding premium fabrics and high-quality leather trim choices to the seats. European-sourced wood trims are also available, which will help give your truck an air of luxury, as will the p265/70R17 BSW all-season tires.
The various convenience features include a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, floor tunnel insulation, tinted windows and an electronic vehicle information center. These amenities are obviously overshadowed by the available Uconnect touchscreen, which allows drivers to access navigation, radio, and many of their phone’s basic capabilities. This entire unit is accompanied by the standard six-speaker sound system.
Of course, the 1500 also includes a number of helpful safety capabilities. Besides the advanced multistage front airbags and the supplemental front, side-curtain, and front side-curtain airbags, there are also several technological features that are certainly appreciated by drivers. The Electronic Stability Control will keep your pickup on its intended path, reducing the swaying that often accompanies a fast-moving vehicle. The Tire Pressure Monitoring Display will let you know when it’s time to fill up your tires, and the Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System prevents unauthorized operation of your pickup.
Now, let’s see how the competition stacks up to the Ram 1500…
2016 Chevy Silverado 1500
Regarded as the “most dependable, longest-lasting” full-size pickup on the market, the Chevy Silverado certainly gives the Ram 1500 a run of its money.
The standard 5.3-liter Ecotec3 V8 engine is a bit larger than the Ram’s unit, resulting in improved power specs (355 horsepower, 383 pounds-feet of torque). The 26-gallon fuel tank can also deliver a 16 city/22 highway mile per gallon fuel efficiency, underwhelming numbers considering the other specs. With a 1,840-pound payload, the truck can tow 6,660-pounds with the 3.08 rear axle.
The system is connected to an independent front suspension and a two-stage multi-lead rear suspension, both which include the advanced StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System. It’s also accompanied by a four-wheel anti-lock braking system, an appreciated feature for such a powerful truck.
The exterior doesn’t offer an overwhelming amount of amenities, as the cabin is highlighted by solar absorbing tinted glass, daytime running lamps, and P255/70R17 all-season, blackwall tires (attached to 17-inch painted steel wheels). The truck measures 73.97-inches high, 205.57-inches long, and 80-inches wide, resulting in 61-cubic-feet of cargo volume.
Similar to the other vehicles on this list, customers can appreciate the 4.2-inch color screen, which is coupled with a four-speaker audio system. Drivers will also have access to the Chevrolet MyLink system, allowing drivers to make hands-free calls, access Pandora radio, and use Bluetooth.
Among the major safety technologies are the StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control (assuring that your hauled cargo stays close to your truck), Hill Start Assist (prevents your truck from going backward), and a rear-vision camera.
2016 Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 markets itself as a pickup for the everyday driver, as engineers intentionally revamped the design to make it “lighter, stronger, more powerful and more capable.” They certainly succeeded with their 2016 model, although some of the specs and features may leave potential customers a bit underwhelmed.
The standard 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine can pump out 325 horsepower and 375 pounds-feet of torque, impressive numbers, but certainly nothing to write home about. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the unit is the fuel economy, as the engine can deliver 19 city/26 highway miles per gallon. The six-speed automatic transmission, the ‘independent double-wishbone with coil-over shock and stamped lower control arm’ front suspension, lead spring/solid axle rear suspension, and power four-wheel anti-lock vented disc brakes allow the truck to tow up to 7,600 pounds, a pretty impressive number.
The vehicle has comparable dimensions to the other vehicles on this list: 75.7-inch height, 96.8-inch width, and a 243.7-inch length. With these measurements, owners can expect their 5.5-foot Styleside cargo box to offer 67.1-inches of room and 52.8-cubic-feet of cargo volume.
Of course, we can’t omit the technological features. The F-150 features an eight-inch LCD Productivity Screen, which will provide drivers with essential information, including vehicle diagnostics. Drivers can also enjoy the voice-activated SYNC technology, which will allow the occupants to access any of the apps they’ve come to expect from such systems.
2016 GMC Sierra 1500
The Sierra may have a step on the competition in regards to design and style, as the exterior is one of the most eye-catching in the entire class. Engineers included GMC Signature LED lighting, a new grille design, and distinctive angles on the body, making it one of the most handsome trucks available. The exterior also includes three available bed options, allowing drivers to haul whatever cargo they desire.
Now, we’re not saying that the interior isn’t nice, because it contains a number of amenities that will set up a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Drivers can opt for the heated and vented seats or the heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and they’ll already be able to enjoy the comfy dual-density foam seats. Besides all of the premium materials, the cabin has also been designed to provide a quiet ride.
Oh, you also want to know about the engine? There are three possible choices, including the 4.3-liter V6 EcoTec3 unit (which includes Direct Injection, Active Fuel Management and Variable Valve Timing), the 5.3-liter V8 (which provides the best fuel economy among full-size pickups), and the 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8.
As you can see, the 1500’s competition is certainly impressive. However, no other pickup offers the unique combination of power, style, and amenities as Ram’s truck, making the 1500 an ideal choice for a potential buyer.
