2020 Ford Ranger vs 2020 Ford F-150

The 2020 Ford F-150 showcased a design that balanced modern truck demands with a sense of timelessness. Unlike its competitors, which often leaned towards aggressive and abstract designs, the F-150 maintained a restrained aesthetic. Its clean lines and blocky grille exuded confidence without being overbearing, ensuring that the truck would remain visually appealing even as it aged. Inside, the F-150 featured a straightforward, mechanical-looking dashboard that initially felt cold but came to life upon startup. While the lower and upper trims were dominated by hard plastics, the more luxurious trims introduced soft-touch materials and leather, though they still fell short of the luxury offered by rivals like the Ram 1500. The F-150 prioritized durability and functionality over opulence, making it a practical choice for those who valued resilience.

The 2020 Ford Ranger, reintroduced to the North American market after an eight-year hiatus, drew inspiration from its international version, resulting in a larger and more sophisticated truck than its predecessor. While it shared some grille styling with the F-Series, the Ranger's design language was distinct, avoiding the "bigger-and-blockier" trend of American trucks. Its clean and somewhat aggressive appearance highlighted its sporty and capable nature. Inside, the Ranger's cabin was function-first, with hard plastics that could withstand abuse, though it felt less refined compared to competitors like the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline. The Ranger's interior was practical but lacked the premium feel of some rivals.

The 2020 Ford F-150 offered a variety of powertrain options, starting with a 3.3-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, standard on the XL and XLT trims. A 2.7-litre turbocharged EcoBoost V6 was also available, delivering 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. For those preferring more cylinders, a 5.0-litre V8 provided 395 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The lineup's most powerful engine was the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6, generating 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, a 3.0-litre Power Stroke turbodiesel V6 offered 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. The XL and XLT trims featured a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the rest of the lineup boasted a 10-speed automatic transmission with a Drive Mode selector. The F-150 excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 5,987 kilograms when properly equipped. The Raptor variant stood out with its off-road capabilities, featuring a lifted suspension and specialized drive modes.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came equipped with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission directed power to the four-wheel drive system, standard in Canada. The Ranger's turbo engine provided ample power for low-speed manoeuvres and highway passing. It could tow up to 3,401 kilograms, impressive for a midsize truck, and featured Trailer Sway Control. The Ranger's ride was somewhat stiff, with noticeable chatter and vibration over bumps, sacrificing some drivability for capability. The FX4 Off-Road package enhanced its off-road prowess with specialized tires, suspension, and drive modes.

The 2020 Ford F-150 offered three cab sizes: Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew, paired with three bed sizes: 5-and-a-half-, 6-and-a-half-, and 8-foot. The SuperCrew stood out for its spacious cabin, providing ample backseat legroom and a large load floor when the rear seats were flipped up. The F-150 featured numerous storage options, including deep in-door pockets and a large centre console bin. A bed step extended from the tailgate for easier access, though GM trucks offered a more straightforward solution with integrated corner bed steps.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab seated four with a 2+2 layout, while the SuperCrew offered seating for five with a full rear bench. The SuperCrew's rear seats were more adult-friendly, providing comfortable and spacious seating. Both body styles featured deep in-door pockets, bottle holders, and a centre console bin. The Ranger's bed options included a six-foot bed for the SuperCab and a five-foot bed for the SuperCrew, with available features like a remote locking tailgate and LED bed lighting.

The 2020 Ford F-150's XL trim featured a basic AM/FM radio with an auxiliary audio input jack, while the XLT added the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. SYNC 3 offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and enhanced voice recognition, with a user-friendly interface. FordPass with a 4G Wi-Fi modem was available on XLT-and-up trims, allowing remote vehicle access and status checks. Higher trims offered a B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen for premium audio.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's XL trim included an AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port. FordPass Connect was standard, providing remote vehicle access and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Lariat trim offered an optional B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen for enhanced audio quality.

The 2020 Ford F-150 came with standard safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, curve control, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite was available, offering driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. The F-150 received high safety ratings, with the SuperCrew earning 5 out of 5 stars from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS.

The 2020 Ford Ranger included standard front- and side-impact airbags and Ford's CoPilot360 suite, with features like automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. The XLT offered an available Technology Package with additional safety features. The Ranger received top scores in most IIHS crash tests and a Four-Star rating from the NHTSA, though it had a recall for a transmission issue.