2019 Ford Ranger vs 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty

The 2019 Ford Ranger returned as a midsize truck, closely matching the dimensions of the older F-150 models. It boasted a powerful 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, which allowed it to tow up to 3,400 kilograms and carry a maximum payload of 843 kilograms. The Ranger was designed with North American consumers in mind, featuring tighter panel gaps and fortified steel bumper mounts. It was priced competitively, starting at $31,069, with the base XL trim offering standard 4WD, a 6-foot bed, and SuperCab configuration. The Ranger's higher trims, like the XLT and Lariat, added luxury features such as leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and advanced infotainment systems.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty received a styling update with a more detailed grille and headlights, giving it a mature look. Despite the modest design evolution, the F-350 remained a workhorse with a focus on functionality. The interior, while not as luxurious as some competitors, was spacious and practical, especially in the Super Crew configuration, which offered ample headroom and legroom. The F-350 was available in various trims, from the basic XL to the luxurious Limited, each adding more features and comfort. The truck's bed options included a 2,081 mm or 2,492 mm length, with the longer bed available in a dual-rear-wheel configuration, enhancing its utility for heavy-duty tasks.

The 2019 Ford Ranger was powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo engine, known for its performance in the Focus RS and Mustang. It was paired with a 10-speed transmission, which, while sometimes reluctant to shift, allowed the Ranger to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under seven seconds. The Ranger's fuel economy was competitive, with a combined rating of 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres. However, its steering and braking were somewhat numb, and the suspension, while optimized for on-road use, struggled with off-road conditions.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty offered a range of powerful engines, including a 6.2-litre gas V8 with 385 horsepower, a 7.3-litre gas V8 with 430 horsepower, and a 6.7-litre turbodiesel V8 with 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque. These engines provided impressive towing capacities, with the F-350 capable of towing up to 16,783 kilograms with a gooseneck trailer. The truck's size and height were noticeable in corners, and models set up for higher towing capacities could be chattery over bumps. The Tremor off-road package added features like 35-inch tires and a lifted suspension, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2019 Ford Ranger offered versatility, catering to those seeking an affordable pickup or a more luxurious option without the bulk of a full-size truck. However, its SuperCab configuration had limited rear-seat legroom, making it more suitable for luggage or small pets. The softer suspension could cause discomfort on rough roads, and the SuperCrew cab reduced maximum payload capacity.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew configurations. The Super Crew offered a spacious interior with ample headroom and legroom, while the Super Cab provided a practical solution for occasional rear-seat use. The truck's bed options and dual-rear-wheel configuration enhanced its utility, and the bed step made loading easier.

The 2019 Ford Ranger's XL trim included basic technology like Bluetooth and a rear-view camera, while higher trims offered the Sync3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, though not the most responsive. The Ranger also featured safety systems that approached Level 2 autonomy, and options like a Bang & Olufsen stereo enhanced the driving experience.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which, while not the latest version, was still highly regarded for its intuitive layout and smartphone compatibility. The system occasionally experienced hiccups, particularly when switching between SYNC 3 and Apple CarPlay. The F-350's towing features, such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist, were particularly impressive, making trailer manoeuvring easier for drivers.

The 2019 Ford Ranger received a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated Good in most IIHS tests, except for the small front-overlap on the passenger side and headlights. It had one recall affecting 3,500 vehicles due to a wiring sub-harness issue.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty came with standard safety features like airbags and traction control. Higher trims added advanced features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The King Ranch trim offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist, enhancing safety during trailer manoeuvring.