Ford F-150 vs RAM 3500
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Utes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Ford F-150
From $114,950
Ute
Petrol
Petrol V6 Twin-Turbo (EcoBoost)
298kW
13.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
RAM 3500
From $177,950
Ute
Diesel
Diesel Turbo
313kW
12.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
900L
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Price Breakdown
The Ford F-150 starts from $114,950 before on-road costs, while the RAM 3500 opens at $177,950. That makes the Ford F-150 the more affordable entry point by $63,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $126,445 and $195,745 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Ford F-150 features a 12-inch touchscreen paired with a 12-inch digital dash, while the RAM 3500 gets a 12-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Ford F-150 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the RAM 3500. The RAM 3500 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Ford F-150 gets cloth upholstery while the RAM 3500 offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Ford F-150 uses a Petrol V6 Twin-Turbo (EcoBoost) producing 298kW and 678Nm of torque, sent through a 10-speed automatic to a 4WD layout.
The RAM 3500 responds with a Diesel Turbo making 313kW and 1458Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The RAM 3500 has the clear power advantage at 313kW vs 298kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford F-150 measures 6,208mm long on a 3,997mm wheelbase, 142mm longer than the RAM 3500 at 6,066mm (3,785mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford F-150 generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the RAM 3500 leads with a 8,000kg braked capacity vs 4,500kg. That 3,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
14.4m to 15.6m
Based on 15.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 14.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,819/year for the Ford F-150 and $3,648/year for the RAM 3500. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the RAM 3500.
Estimated annual total: $3,819 (Ford F-150) vs $3,648 (RAM 3500). The RAM 3500 saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Ford F-150) vs 3 years / 100,000km (RAM 3500). The Ford F-150 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford F-150 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the RAM 3500 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer RAM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The RAM 3500 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The RAM 3500 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. The Ford F-150 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford F-150 and RAM 3500?
The Ford F-150 is the cheapest at $114,950 before on-road costs. That undercuts the RAM 3500 by $63,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The RAM 3500 uses the least fuel at 12.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Ford F-150 and RAM 3500 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The RAM 3500 has the highest braked towing capacity at 8,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Ford F-150 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The RAM 3500 makes the most power at 313kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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