2026 Ford F-150 XLT vs 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn
On paper, the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn wins on 95 more hp, 69 more lb-ft torque, 9.8″ longer. The 2026 Ford F-150 XLT has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $6,625 price gap, 325 vs 420 hp, 20 vs 20 MPG.
The F-150 XLT leads on $6,625 less. The 1500 Big Horn leads on 95 more hp, 69 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2026 Ford F-150 XLT | 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $49,495 | $56,120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.7L V6 Turbo | 3.0L I6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 325 hp | 420 hp |
| Torque | 400 lb-ft | 469 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 18 | 18 |
| Highway MPG | 23 | 24 |
| Combined MPG | 20 | 20 |
| Fuel Tank | 36.0 gal | 33.0 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,895 lbs | 5,373 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 145.4" | 153.5" |
| Length | 232.0" | 241.8" |
| Width | 79.9" | 82.1" |
| Height | 77.1" | 77.5" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | SuperCab | Crew Cab |
| Bed Length | 6.5 ft | 6.3 ft |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Ford F-150 XLT and 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn?
The 2026 Ford F-150 XLT starts at $49,495, $6,625 less than the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn at $56,120. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $116/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Ford F-150 XLT?
The 2026 Ford F-150 XLT is the stronger pick when you want to keep $6,625 in your pocket and the 2026 Ford F-150 XLT covers your needs.
Who should choose the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn?
The 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn is the stronger pick when you need the extra 95 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging; 69 lb-ft more torque for pulling trailers and heavy loads.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Ford F-150 XLT or 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn?
Both achieve 20 combined MPG, so fuel cost is not a factor in this decision.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Ford F-150 XLT or 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn?
The 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn produces 420 hp, 95 more than the 2026 Ford F-150 XLT at 325 hp. The 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn also leads in torque at 469 lb-ft vs 400 lb-ft. That torque gap matters most when towing or hauling heavy loads. The 2026 Ford F-150 XLT runs a 2.7L V6 Turbo; the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn uses a 3.0L I6 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Ford F-150 XLT bigger than the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn?
The 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn is 9.8″ longer at 241.8″ vs 232.0″. The 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn has a 8.1″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.
Explore more: Ford trims, Ford F-150 trims, Ram trims, Ram 1500 trims
- 2026 Ford F-150 XLT Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
F-150 vs 1500: What This Matchup Is Really About
The 2026 Ford F-150 XLT and 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn compete directly in the full-size truck segment, where towing capacity, payload, and cab comfort separate the contenders. The $6,625 gap adds up to $116/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
Under the Hood
The 2026 Ford F-150 XLT runs a 2.7L V6 Turbo; the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn uses a 3.0L I6 Turbo. The 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn has 95 more hp (420 vs 325). A gap that large affects towing confidence, highway merging, and how loaded the vehicle can feel before it struggles. The 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn also delivers 69 more lb-ft of torque (469 vs 400), which matters for trailer stability and pulling heavy loads up grades. Both use 4WD.
Running Costs: F-150 vs 1500
Annual fuel costs are nearly identical, so running costs will not separate these two.
How Each One Fits Your Daily Life
The 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn has a 8.1″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn weighs 478 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Bottom Line
Choose the 2026 Ford F-150 XLT when you want to keep $6,625 in your pocket and the 2026 Ford F-150 XLT covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn when you need the extra 95 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging. At $116/month more, the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Ford or Ram or any dealership.