Sherman Ram – Which truck is better for comfort and towing in Evanston, IL – 2026 Ram 1500 or Ford F-150?
Truck shoppers want a clear answer to a familiar question: which model makes life easier on the road and on the job? In daily use around Evanston, IL, the combination of smooth ride quality, practical tech, and confident towing often determines satisfaction. That is where the latest Ram half-ton shines with its multi-link, coil-spring rear suspension, wide-view camera coverage, and layered displays that put navigation, media, and trailer info right where you need it. The Ford playbook is tried and true—robust engines, smart tailgate solutions, and available hands-free highway driving—yet many drivers find the Ram’s blend of comfort and control less fatiguing over time, especially when towing or crossing patched-up city streets.
On paper, Ford lists an available max tow rating up to 13,500 pounds, while Ram publishes up to 11,610 pounds. Ratings matter, but so does the experience of getting to the job and back. Ram’s available Trailer Reverse Steering Control, 360-degree camera views, and an optional front passenger interactive display make planning turns, lining up to a hitch, and navigating tight alleys more predictable. Add in the returning HEMI® V8 and the two available 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 engines, and you get confident torque delivery without giving up the quiet composure that defines this generation of Ram.
- Ride comfort first: A multi-link, coil-spring rear suspension helps the Ram track smoothly over cracked pavement and stabilize a trailer without a harsh empty-bed feel.
- Tow-friendly tech: Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control, an integrated trailer brake controller, and multi-angle camera views streamline backing and hitching.
- Driver focus: Uconnect® 5 with an available 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch cluster present key info cleanly; an optional passenger interactive display keeps the driver’s screen uncluttered.
- Confident power: The returning 5.7L HEMI® V8 and two available Hurricane I6 outputs deliver robust, modern power for towing and merging.
- Highway ease: Available Hands-Free Active Driving Assist supports long interstate stretches with supervised, hands-free comfort.
Ford’s 2025 F-150 counters with available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, Pro Power Onboard for worksite electricity, and the handy Pro Access Tailgate to make bed access easier. Those are meaningful advantages for certain users. The differentiator for many shoppers, however, is how the cabin and chassis interact to reduce the cognitive load of busy days. With up to 50+ inches of combined available display area and well-placed storage—including rear in-floor bins on Crew Cab models—the Ram makes it simpler to stage gear and keep critical information visible without distraction.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the Ram’s rear suspension really make a difference when towing?
Yes. The multi-link, coil-spring rear suspension helps the truck stay planted over uneven surfaces, which translates into less porpoising and improved composure with a trailer. Many drivers report less fatigue because the truck isn’t constantly pitching and bouncing, which can happen with stiff leaf-spring setups when unladen.
What about hands-free driving—how do the systems compare?
Ram offers available Hands-Free Active Driving Assist for supervised highway use, while Ford offers available BlueCruise on designated roads. Both systems aim to reduce strain on long drives. The difference many shoppers notice is Ram’s way of presenting supporting info across the cluster, center screen, and optional passenger display, which can make it easier to monitor the system without diverting focus.
If Ford can tow more, why pick Ram?
Towing capability is one factor. The way a truck hauls—visibility, steering control, camera guidance, and ride stability—matters just as much. Ram’s camera coverage, Trailer Reverse Steering Control, and calmer chassis dynamics can make the entire towing process more manageable day in and day out, even if your trailer is well under the maximum rating.
For a tailored walkthrough of configurations, visit Sherman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. Our team is serving Evanston, Niles, and Chicago with side-by-side demos, so you can feel the difference in ride quality, evaluate tech that matters to your routine, and pick the engine and axle setup that fit your towing and commuting profile.
