The Canadian truck market might be dominated by half-ton trucks like the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150, but there are plenty of bigger beasts available with much greater capabilities. Both the Ram and the Ford have larger siblings in the Ram 3500 and the Ford F-350, but which of these two heavy duty trucks is right for you? Read our short comparison review to find out.

Vast Power Under the Hood

Both of these trucks are built to take heavy workloads, and both have engines with huge power outputs. At the very highest level, both feature 6.7L diesel models generating in excess of 400 horsepower and breaking the 1,000lb-ft barrier for torque. The most expensive Ford has a slight edge in raw power terms, with its maximum of 475 horsepower compared to the Ram’s 410 hp, but at the entry level the tables are turned with the Ram 3500’s 410 horsepower outshining the F-350’s 385 hp.

Both trucks are rear-wheel drive as standard with all-wheel drive an option, but their transmissions differ. Each Ram is fitted with a smooth eight-speed automatic, while the Ford has either a six-speed automatic at the lower power levels or a ten-speed automatic higher up the range.

Payload and Towing Capacity

Both trucks share a similar payload capacity, with the Ford enjoying a slight lead with a maximum of 3,568kg compared to the Ram’s 3,140kg. However the Ram enjoys a significant advantage in the amount it can haul in trailer weight, with its maximum of 15.955kg comfortably higher than the Ford’s 14,773kg.

Considering the similar torque outputs of both diesel trucks, the difference can largely be put down to a combination of the Ram’s 5% lighter curb weight and optional double rear wheels that provide greater stability.

Size and Turning Diameter

The Ford is roughly 14cm longer than the Ram, and also nearly 42cm wider. Combine this extra size with the greater curb weight and it’s no surprise that the Ram has a comfortably better turning diameter, boasting a lithe 13.8m against the Ford’s 15.0m.

Interior and Technology

The Ram’s smaller 1500 sibling is an industry leader in terms of interior comfort, and this approach carries through into the 3500 too. Features including cloth or leather seating, optional multi-zone climate control, and heated seats and steering wheel combine to give the Ram a much more upscale feel than the Ford.

Both trucks are similarly equipped with infotainment tech, with touchscreen displays ranging from 8″ in the lower trims to 12″ higher up. Both the pickups also offer valuable features including a Wi-Fi hotspot facility, smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth connections. However, only the Ram 3500 provides the options of in-built navigation, HD radio, and a premium sound system.

Test Drive the 2022 Ram 3500 in Kelowna

Need a heavy duty truck that won’t let you down? Test drive the 2022 Ram 3500 from our Kelowna dealership and see how it could make your working days easier, more productive, and more profitable.