2026 RAM 1500 Big Horn/Lone Star vs. 2026 Ford F-150 XLT: The Definitive Truck Showdown in Yukon, OK

When it comes to choosing a full-size pickup that blends power, comfort, and technical sophistication, the 2026 RAM Ram 1500 Big Horn/Lone Star 4x4 Crew Cab 5'7 stands out as a superior choice for drivers around Yukon, Moore, and Piedmont, OK. This comparison carefully contrasts RAM’s latest offering against the 2026 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew 5-1/2 Box, highlighting why the RAM 1500 is the more compelling option for discerning truck buyers throughout Bethany, Tuttle, and Newcastle.

At Joe Cooper Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Yukon, we’re proud to offer the 2026 RAM Ram 1500 lineup, backed by robust capability, refined comfort, and advanced technology. Let’s explore each key factor to see why RAM outperforms the Ford F-150, making your purchase both a smart and satisfying decision.

Table of Contents

• Trusted Performance and Value Overview
• The Story Behind the Trucks: Introducing Your Next Pickup
• Power and Handling: Who Takes the Lead on the Road?
• Distinctive Design: Exterior Appeal and Practicality
• Inside the Cab: Space, Comfort, and Craftsmanship
• Modern Tech and Connectivity Features
• Safety and Driver Assistance: Protecting What Matters Most
• Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Power with Fuel Smarts
• Everyday Practicality: Storage, Payload, and Bed Space
• Value Proposition: Ownership Benefits and Costs
• Making the Choice: Why the 2026 RAM Ram 1500 is the Optimal Truck

Trusted Performance and Value Overview

When evaluating full-size trucks, buyers in Oklahoma City, Edmond, and Valley Brook seek a blend of power, reliability, and advanced comfort. The 2026 RAM Ram 1500 Big Horn/Lone Star 4x4 Crew Cab 5'7 impresses with its versatile powertrain options, strong towing capacity, and upscale interior comforts, situating itself as the well-rounded truck for diverse needs.

While the 2026 Ford F-150 XLT maintains a respectable tradition as America’s best-selling pickup, this year’s model sticks closely to its 2024 iteration, with modest refinements and fewer powertrain innovations. RAM’s commitment to upgrading technology and ride quality gives it an edge for buyers near Mustang, Blanchard, and El Reno who want modern features without compromising rugged capability.

*RAM’s power and warranty figures apply to higher trims and select models.

**Towing capacity contingent on engine and bed configuration; higher on some F-150 trims and bed sizes.

The Story Behind the Trucks: Introducing Your Next Pickup

The RAM 1500 Big Horn/Lone Star offers a rich heritage of reliability combined with modern innovation, reflected in its balance of powerful engines and premium features, especially within Oklahoma’s communities like Norman and Edmond, where work and lifestyle blend. RAM delivers a truck that works hard but welcomes the family in with comfort and advanced tech.

Conversely, the Ford F-150 XLT carries the legacy of America’s best-selling truck but takes a conservative step for 2026. While familiar and steady, it lacks the significant refresh and comprehensive powertrain variety RAM provides — a crucial advantage if you are pursuing a combination of dynamic performance and modern convenience around Valley Brook or Mustang.

Both trucks are available in 4x4 configurations with Crew Cab/SuperCrew seating, but RAM’s suite of options and upscale interior put it ahead, catering to those who want more than just utility in their pickup.

Power and Handling: Who Takes the Lead on the Road?

Powertrain Options & Towing Brilliance

The 2026 RAM Ram 1500 elevates performance with several engine choices tailored to different need levels:

• 3.0L Hurricane Turbo Inline-6 — Designed for fuel efficiency with respectable power
• 3.6L Pentastar V6 — Proven balance of power and economy
• 5.7L HEMI V8 — The cornerstone for strength with a solid 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft torque. (Available on select trims)
• Towing Technology — Enhanced trailering aids and management systems that are among the most sophisticated in the segment

While the Ford F-150 offers a variety of gasoline and hybrid engines, the XLT’s standard offerings cap out at 400 horsepower in the 3.5L twin-turbo V6. Towing capacity for its 5.5-foot bed maxes near 13,500 lbs, besting RAM’s standard 11,610 lbs; however, this figure depends on specific engine and cab configurations, often requiring tradeoffs.

For drivers in Bethany, Tuttle, and Newcastle who prioritize responsiveness, RAM’s horsepower advantage and advanced towing controls translate to more confidence on demanding hauling jobs and road trips.

4x4 Systems and Driving Dynamics

RAM’s 4x4 system in the Big Horn/Lone Star benefits from refined suspensions, including optional Bilstein shocks on upper trims like the Rebel, offering smooth ride quality whether off-road or on pavement. This balanced approach makes the Ram 1500 equally at home navigating foothills near El Reno or urban streets around Blanchard.

Ford’s 4x4 system is equipped well but lacks the same level of suspension tuning as RAM’s off-road models. Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving is a notable tech feature on highways, but it does not directly enhance the fundamental drive feel or terrain adaptability that RAM emphasizes for diverse Oklahoma terrain.

*Top trims; powertrain dependent.
**Ford towing varies with engine and configuration; maximum for extended 6.5 ft bed.

Distinctive Design: Exterior Appeal and Practicality

The 2026 RAM Ram 1500’s bold new front grille design and muscular stance offer a commanding presence on Yukon and Norman roads. From its redesigned LED headlamps to sleek taillight assemblies, RAM signals modernity while retaining its rugged identity.

Interior styling also benefits from a harmonious blend of utility and luxury. The Big Horn/Lone Star trims introduce body-color accents, 20-inch wheels, and refined paint options, presenting an inviting yet authoritative aesthetic that complements Oklahoma drivers' tastes.

Conversely, the Ford F-150 XLT’s styling remains classic, slightly conservative for 2026, with few external refinements. While the truck’s proportions are functional, it lacks the fresh, visually compelling updates RAM supplies. This makes the RAM's appearance stand out, especially in communities like Edmond and Valley Brook, where drivers appreciate both appearance and substance.

Inside the Cab: Space, Comfort, and Craftsmanship

Space measurements for crew cab setups are comparable, but RAM excels with its 24-way power-adjustable front seats (available with heating, ventilation, memory, and massage options in higher trims) that define comfort on long drives between Oklahoma City and Mustang.

The Ram’s cabin features more extensive premium materials and technology integration, including over 50 inches of combined digital display area across digital clusters and infotainment. Ford’s dual 12-inch screens deliver solid connectivity but lack RAM’s immersive digital environment and seat customization.

Passenger comfort and quietness in the 1500 make family or work commutes notably more pleasant. For buyers in Blanchard and El Reno who spend significant time on the road, these interior refinements contribute significantly to driver satisfaction.

*Higher trims and options are dependent.

Modern Tech and Connectivity Features

RAM’s 2026 Ram 1500 thoughtfully integrates advanced technologies suited to Oklahoma drivers who demand convenience, safety, and entertainment in one package. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multi-screen digital displays, and an available premium audio system bring an elevated experience.

Ford offers the widely used BlueCruise hands-free driving tech and a Wi-Fi hotspot, but when it comes to intuitive user experience and customizable interfaces, RAM’s innovative large screens and powerful infotainment system provide a more seamless and immersive environment.

For tech-conscious customers in Valley Brook, Mustang, and Moore, RAM’s offering feels current and customer-friendly, enhancing both daily driving and longer excursions.

Key Technology Feature Comparison

*Trim dependent

Safety and Driver Assistance: Protecting What Matters Most

RAM’s extensive safety package includes trailer-specific assistive technologies combined with common features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist, providing confidence on work sites from Piedmont to Oklahoma City.

The Ford F-150 includes BlueCruise hands-free highway driving and a respectable set of safety aids. However, it carries a mixed IIHS rating with a poor score in the updated moderate overlap front crash test, an important factor for family safety-minded buyers in Bethany and Edmond. RAM’s newer design and advanced safety provisions give it a notable advantage in safeguarding passengers and cargo.

The confidence of a strong 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty from RAM adds peace of mind not matched by Ford’s 5-year/60,000-mile coverage.

Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Power with Fuel Smarts

While fuel economy figures vary by engine and trim, RAM’s new turbocharged inline-6 engines deliver competitive efficiency for both city and highway driving. The V6 and HEMI V8 also provide well-rounded power with reasonable fuel usage for their size and capability.

Ford’s F-150 offers a hybrid variant with higher EPA numbers, but the XLT trim does not typically include this option. For drivers focused on a blend of fuel economy and capability in Tuttle or Newcastle, RAM’s engine versatility and tuning provide a balanced solution.

Everyday Practicality: Storage, Payload, and Bed Space

Although the F-150 slightly surpasses RAM’s maximum payload and towing numbers on paper, this advantage often comes with compromises in cab configuration or specialized setups. RAM’s 5'7" bed length offers a middle ground for diverse needs in Yukon and Norman, supporting day-to-day flexibility with easy parking and comprehensive cargo arrangements.

The Ram also features user-friendly bed designs, enhanced tie-downs, and integrated lighting, designed to assist with Oklahoma work and recreational uses alike. RAM’s interior storage solutions complement these exterior features, supporting the lifestyle of customers from Valley Brook to Mustang.

Value Proposition: Ownership Benefits and Costs

Investing in a truck from Joe Cooper Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Yukon means partnering with a dealership that values heritage, personalized service, and community ties throughout Oklahoma’s diverse cities. RAM’s longer powertrain warranty and available extended service plans provide added security over the years.

Owning a RAM also opens exclusive access to genuine Mopar parts through our Parts Department, backed by expert technicians at our professional, welcoming Service Department. Scheduling maintenance is streamlined and honest, ensuring your Ram 1500 stays reliable for years beyond purchase.

For anyone considering trading in their current vehicle, our accurate Trade Valuation tool simplifies understanding your options. Explore our full selection at All New Vehicles and All Used Vehicles to find your perfect match.

Making the Choice: Why the 2026 RAM Ram 1500 is the Optimal Truck

In the full-size truck arena around Oklahoma’s communities—like Yukon, El Reno, and Bethany—the 2026 RAM Ram 1500 Big Horn/Lone Star 4x4 Crew Cab 5'7 stands as a forward-looking choice blending power, upscale comfort, and advanced technology. Its longer powertrain warranty and thoughtful design detail both rural and suburban lifestyles.

Though the Ford F-150 XLT offers some towing edge at specific configurations, its more limited powertrain lineup, conservative redesign for 2026, and less luxurious interior make it a less compelling option for customers seeking a balanced and progressive pickup.

We invite you to visit Joe Cooper Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Yukon, located at 12800 Nw 10th St, Yukon, OK 73099, or call us at (405) 265-1400 to experience the difference the RAM 1500 brings firsthand. Schedule a test drive today to see why so many Oklahoma drivers choose RAM for both work and family life.

© 2026 Joe Cooper Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Yukon