The experts have spoken. The best full-size truck for the money is the Ram 1500, and this comes as a bit of a surprise. Drivers seem to be ignoring its value as they buy other trucks, causing this winner to face declining sales.
What is the best full-size truck for the money?
According to U.S.News, the best full-size truck for the money is the 2025 Ram 1500. It also ranks as the best full-size pickup truck. However, the Ford F-150 received recognition as a finalist.
These rankings are based on vehicles that provide long-term value and a top-notch ownership experience based on measured quality and value.
Thousands of credible reviews are assessed to determine performance, comfort, interior quietly, tach, cargo space, safety, reliability data, and fuel economy. Value is assessed by analyzing ownership costs for fuel, repairs, and insurance.
Critics claim that the Ram 1500 is the best full-size pickup truck for the money because of its refinement, performance, and low operating costs.
The 2025 Ram 1500 has an MSRP of $40,275 while the 2025 Ford F-150 starts at $37,350. It only starts at about $2,925 more than the F-150.
But drivers aren’t biting. In 2023, the Ram truck sold 539,477 models. Then in 2024, it sold 439,037 trucks. This is a year-over-year sales decline of 100,440 units. Ram truck sales have been declining since 2019.
The Ford F-150 sold 750,789 trucks in 2023. This figure increased to 834,641 trucks in 2024, for a year-over-year gain of 83,852 sales.
Ram truck sales could be struggling due to supply chain disruptions and manufacturing issues that provide inconsistent inventory levels.
Also, some critics feel as if the Ram 1500 lags behind rivals as they go green. Electric and hybrid variants of the Ram 1500 are just now coming to market.
