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Budd Stanley photos
EcoChallenge - Ram vs Ford
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Budd Stanley photos
EcoChallenge - Ram vs Ford
Now a couple years old, the Ram's design doesn’t quite attract the eye like the new F-150.
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Francis Vachon
EcoChallenge - Ram vs Ford
Even the little 2.7L can get the big F-150 through several adverse environments.
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Budd Stanley photos
EcoChallenge - Ram vs Ford
Both engines are gems, but the EcoDiesel is a lot nicer to live with.
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Francis Vachon
EcoChallenge - Ram vs Ford
The FX4 proved nimble off-road but suffers from clearance issues.
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FPI Studios
EcoChallenge - Ram vs Ford
Rams U-Connect system is one of the best in the business.
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Steve Petrovich
EcoChallenge - Ram vs Ford
The 360-degree camera view should be standard on every 4WD.
Story & photos by Budd Stanley
2015 EcoDiesel and EcoBoost go Head to Head
Ever notice there seems to be a trend gaining strength in the full-size truck market, not to mention just about any segment that caters 4WD or AWD vehicles. The name of the modern day game is “eco,” and every manufacturer seems to be plastering the term on just about anything they can get their hands on. EcoTec started it all off, followed by EcoBoost, then EcoDiesel; but just how “eco” are these trucks and do they deserve the self proclaimed nomination.
Just recently, I had the opportunity to drive two of these names, more importantly the two trucks equipped with small displacement turbocharged engines, back-to-back on a trip to la belle province. Amidst a late winters freeze, I was able to drive both the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and Ford F-150 EcoBoost on a frozen track, off-road and on the street only a day apart. While we get to drive just about every 4WD that comes onto the market, rarely do we get to test direct competitors so closely side-by-side. Having driven both these trucks previously, I quite like the overall attributes of each. The chance to fine tune each truck and find the little things that might set them apart is what we are really after here.
For the sake of comparison, I will forego the tried and true 3.5L EcoBoost and focus on all-new 2.7L EcoBoost V-6 fitted to the 2015 F-150, as this most closely matches the 3.0L EcoDiesels output and also represents the F-150’s most efficient drivetrain option.
On paper, the F-150 I was driving was a 2015 Lariat Edition FX4 Off-Road equipped with a Crew Cab and 5.5 ft bed. The 2.7L EcoBoost delivers an amazing 325 hp and 375 lb-ft that are sent through a 6-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels via a 3.73 final drive ratio. In this spec, Ford says this particular F-150 is good to tow 3,674 kg (8,100 lb).
Conversely, the Ram 1500 I was driving was a Laramie Longhorn crew cab with a 5.7 ft bed. The EcoDiesel is a 3.0L V-6 turbo diesel that produces 240 hp and a massive 420 lb-ft, then directs its power through an 8-speed gearbox to all four wheels. A Crew Cab equipped with the EcoDiesel and 4WD is rated to tow 3,883 kg (8,560 lb) with a 3.92 final drive ratio.
As I mentioned, both engines represent the most fuel-efficient drivetrain options for both trucks. That being said, don’t let the tree-hugging marketing behind these engines make you think they aren’t worth their weight when it comes time to work. Both will tow over 3,600 kg when called upon, which isn't a mind blowing number, but in all reality, unless you're towing heavy machinery around every day, these engines will be all 90% of truck owners will need. Might as well save the money in fuel rather than needlessly win bragging rights.
That being said, both vehicles make use of a two-speed transfer case that can be selected via a dial on the dash to 2WD, 4WD auto, 4WD high and 4WD low. Power is sent to a solid rear axle, and likewise forward to and independent front axle in both vehicles.
Both trucks make use of aerodynamic aids to increase fuel efficiency. Front bumper skirts, shutters behind the grille that close when extra cooling is not needed aid in cutting a smaller hole through the air. While the Ford is hammering you over the head with its all-aluminum body, the Ram has also made some great leaps forward in the battle of the bulge, cutting weight with body forming and electric actuation on ancillaries to help fuel efficiency.
So, with the technical comparison aside, this is what I liked and didn’t like about each vehicle. On the road, both trucks put out a very respectable amount of power, and acceleration is impressive, if not amazing. I like what Ford are doing with gasoline, saving on the cost of ownership over the diesel engine. But on the road, I found that the EcoDiesel has a smoother, more linear power curve under throttle. It’s much more comfortable and confident than the EcoBoost, which lurches under initial acceleration and is much more high strung.
Fuel efficiency wise, I was not able to give the F-150 a fair shake. Extremely hilly terrain, minimal urban driving and extremely cold temperatures did take their toll. I could only manage 11.8L/100km on the highway. Ford quote 9.2L/100km on the highway and I’m quite confident that the EcoBoost will get sub 10’s in better conditions. On the other hand, Ram post that the EcoDiesel is capable of 8.8L/100km on the highway and I can confirm that I was able to meet that number, scoring a 8.9 in the cold, and 7.6 in the warmth of summer.
When it comes to esthetics, I'm a big fan of Fords new design, both inside and out. The interior has a great design, a quality touch and feel, and is just a little more interesting than the Ram. There is a little more going on. Problem is that this also can be said with the infotainment system. The MySync system is much better than the previous version, but still requires a too much concentration. It does make use of a very nice high definition screen though. The U-Connect system in the Ram is an easier system to use and the navigation is quite likely the best I've ever experienced. You have to be trying to get lost with the Ram as clear and simple directions are both read and displayed to the driver.
Off-road, both trucks performed admirably for pickups. However, it really comes down to the optional features that set them apart. The Ford makes use of a 360-degree camera system that allows the driver to see where the vehicle is in relation to body-damaging obstacles, and the ability to look forward over a crest when the hood is pointed to the sky. Conversely, the Ram's ideal option doesn't make it easier to drive, but makes the truck itself more capable. With optional Active-Level Air Suspension, the Ram can be raised 51 mm (2-in) allowing it to clear obstacles that may stop an F-150 in its tracks.
So, we have a couple very high tech full-size pickups that make use of all the tools in each manufacturers inventory to be the most capable yet efficient truck on the market. Both companies have done a stellar job, and in all honesty, picking a winner was not an easy job. Both trucks will be attractive to several large demographics. Before I had a run in the all-new F-150, the Ram EcoDiesel was my pick for full-size pickups. However, with Ford upping their game, and with my capability to test each side by side, I have to give the nod to the new F-150. While both trucks put out similar numbers performance wise, I have to go with the Ford on build quality, comfort and the sheer amount of useful features. I also enjoyed driving the Ford a little more as well; it seemed to be better balanced and had a little more communication with the driver. So for me, the EcoBoost is the EcoWinner
SPECIFICATIONS:
2015 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn
- MSRP: $47,495
- Price as tested: $55,615
- Engine: 3.0L Turbo V-6
- Power: 240 hp, 420 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Curb Weight: 2,769kg (6,105 lb)
- Wheelbase: 3,569 mm (140-in)
- Ground Clearance: 232 mm (9.1-in) (Off-Road 2)
- Approach Angle Deg: 22.5 (Off-Road 2)
- Departure Angle Deg: 27.1 (Off-Road 2)
- Ramp Breakover Angle: 23.0 (Off-Road 2)
- Wading Depth mm (in): NA
- Tow Capacity: 3,883 (8,560)
- Fuel Efficiency (L/100km): 12.1 City, 8.8 Hwy
2015 Ford F-150 Lariat FX4
- MSRP: $44,099
- Price as tested: $64,284
- Engine: 2.7L V-6 Turbo
- Power: 325 hp, 375 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed Automatic
- Curb Weight kg (lb): 2,180 (4,806)
- Wheelbase mm (in): 3,683 (145)
- Ground Clearance mm (in): 239 (9.4)
- Approach Angle Deg: 25.5
- Departure Angle Deg: 26.0
- Ramp Breakover Angle: 21.0
- Wading Depth mm (in): NA
- Tow Capacity kg (lb): 3,674 (8,100)
- Fuel Efficiency (L/100km): 12.2 City, 9.2 Hwy, 10.9 Comb.