Ram 1500 vs Ford Ranger
The Ram 1500 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 26 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the Ford Ranger, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $0 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the Ram 1500 leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Ram 1500
Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD · 142 configurations
2019–2026
Ford Ranger
Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD · 32 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Ram 1500 | Ford Ranger |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 26 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 23 mpg ✓ | 21 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 33 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,650 | $2,650 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 384 g/mi | 380 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | Mild Hybrid, SIDI, 5.7, 6.2 | SIDI & PFI, SIDI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-start, SIDI; with Stop-start |
| Transmissions | Automatic 8-spd, Automatic 6-spd | Automatic (S10) |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Premium, Midgrade | Regular |
| EPA class | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2019–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 142 | 32 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
1500 vs Ranger: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Ram 1500 or the Ford Ranger?
The Ram 1500 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 26 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the Ford Ranger, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $0 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Ford Ranger runs about $2,650 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,650 for the Ram 1500 — a difference of roughly $0 per year.
What engines do the 1500 and Ranger offer?
Ram 1500: Mild Hybrid, SIDI, 5.7, 6.2. Ford Ranger: SIDI & PFI, SIDI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-start, SIDI; with Stop-start.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Ram 1500 and the Ford Ranger as Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD, so they compete directly.
More 1500 comparisons
Comparison id: ram-1500-vs-ford-ranger