RAM 1500 vs Ford Ranger
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.
RAM 1500
From $119,950
Ute
Petrol
Petrol V8
291kW
13.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
900L
Ford Ranger
From $37,130
Ute
Diesel
Diesel Turbo
125kW
6.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
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Price Breakdown
The RAM 1500 starts from $119,950 before on-road costs, while the Ford Ranger opens at $37,130. That makes the Ford Ranger the more affordable entry point by $82,820.
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 $131,945 and $40,843 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Ford Ranger by roughly $8,835 in fuel alone.
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 RAM 1500 features a 8.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Ford Ranger gets a 12-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The RAM 1500 stands out with heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Ford Ranger. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The RAM 1500 uses a Petrol V8 producing 291kW and 556Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The Ford Ranger responds with a Diesel Turbo making 125kW and 405Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The RAM 1500 has the clear power advantage at 291kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the RAM 1500 is 3.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The RAM 1500 measures 5,916mm long on a 3,672mm wheelbase, 691mm longer than the Ford Ranger at 5,225mm (3,270mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the RAM 1500 generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the RAM 1500 leads with a 4,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.9m to 14.4m
Based on 14.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.9m 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 $3,734/year for the RAM 1500 and $1,967/year for the Ford Ranger. That is a $1,767 annual difference in favour of the Ford Ranger.
Estimated annual total: $3,734 (RAM 1500) vs $1,967 (Ford Ranger). The Ford Ranger saves you roughly $1,767 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (RAM 1500) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Ranger). The Ford Ranger has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the RAM 1500 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer RAM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Ranger if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The RAM 1500 and Ford Ranger trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Ford Ranger will save you roughly $1,767 a year in fuel. The Ford Ranger 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, RAM 1500 and Ford Ranger?
The Ford Ranger is the cheapest at $37,130 before on-road costs. That undercuts the RAM 1500 by $82,820.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Ranger uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Ford Ranger all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The RAM 1500 has the highest braked towing capacity at 4,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Ford Ranger has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The RAM 1500 makes the most power at 291kW. The RAM 1500 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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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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