
The Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 are the two most cross-shopped trucks in central Minnesota — and buyers in the Hutchinson, Litchfield, and Glencoe area ask us to compare them all the time. So let's settle it honestly.
At Jay Malone Motors in Hutchinson, we carry both. Our CDJR dealership stocks the full Ram 1500 lineup, and our Ford dealership carries the complete F-150 lineup — at the same location on Highway 7 West. We have no reason to push you toward one over the other. Our job is to help you find the right truck.
Where the Ram 1500 Wins
Ride quality — The Ram 1500's coil spring rear suspension delivers the smoothest, most car-like ride in the full-size truck segment. On gravel county roads, rough farm lanes, and the uneven pavement that central Minnesota is known for, the Ram absorbs it in a way the F-150 simply doesn't match. If you're driving 30,000+ miles a year, you feel this difference every single day.
Interior refinement — At the Laramie trim and above, the Ram's interior sets the standard for what a truck cabin can be. Premium materials, best-in-class touchscreen, and a level of comfort that makes long days behind the wheel genuinely enjoyable.
Towing capability — The Ram 1500 edges out the F-150 on maximum tow rating and delivers a mature towing technology suite — multiple tow modes, available trailer camera system, and an integrated trailer brake controller that's reliable and easy to use.
Where the Ford F-150 Wins — We'll Be Honest
Pro Power Onboard — The F-150 PowerBoost hybrid's up to 7.2 kW exportable generator has no Ram equivalent. For buyers who need job site power, cabin power, or ag equipment power from the truck bed, that's a real and meaningful advantage.
Off-road hardware at mid-tier prices — The FX4 Off-Road Package on an F-150 XLT delivers a locking rear axle, off-road shocks, and skid plates at a price point where Ram doesn't have a direct competitor.
Commercial options — Ford's broader commercial lineup — Transit vans, Super Duty, fleet programs — gives it the edge for business owners building out a vehicle fleet.
The Bottom Line for Minnesota Buyers
For daily driving comfort, interior refinement, and towing on Minnesota's roads — the Ram 1500 is the truck that surprises buyers who expected to choose the F-150. The ride quality difference alone is enough to convert a lot of shoppers once they feel it back to back.
That said, both trucks are exceptional. The right choice depends on how you use your truck and what you value most in the cab. If you need exportable power or extensive off-road hardware at a mid-tier price, the F-150 earns its reputation.
We've put together a comprehensive side-by-side comparison — full breakdown table, a Minnesota-specific buying framework, and answers to the most common questions we hear from buyers across the region.
Drive both on the same visit — only at Jay Malone Motors.
1165 Highway 7 West, Hutchinson, MN — (320) 587-4748