2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty underwent subtle updates that were noticeable to keen observers. The front bumper featured more black-painted areas, reducing the bling factor, while the massive grille transitioned from a large two-bar design to a more restrained look. This change also resulted in sleeker headlights, maintaining the overall shape but adding a touch of sophistication. The F-250 was available in various trims, each offering distinct visual elements. The XL trim had a black grille and bumpers, while the XLT added brightwork and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Lariat introduced fog lights and different grille details. The King Ranch stood out with its two-tone paint job and chrome accents, while the Platinum and Limited trims added luxury touches like 20-inch alloy wheels and a satin-chrome grille. Inside, the F-250's cabin was functional, with a logical layout and ample storage, though it felt cold and mechanical compared to the more comfortable interiors of its competitors.

In contrast, the 2020 RAM 2500 exuded elegance and upscale design, setting it apart from its chunkier competitors. The grille, unique to each of the six trim levels, was a standout feature, complemented by chrome or painted body-colour bumpers. The LED headlights on upper trims were sleek and well-proportioned, contributing to the truck's refined appearance. The RAM 2500's design was reminiscent of the smaller RAM 1500, with widened and stretched features to accommodate its larger stature. The interior was a testament to luxury, especially in upper trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited. Soft-grained leather, intricate stitching, and light wood trim adorned the cabin, creating a Mercedes-like atmosphere. The attention to detail extended to the grab handles and shifter knob, while the optional 12-inch vertical touchscreen added a futuristic touch. The RAM 2500's interior was a class of its own, offering a level of comfort and sophistication unmatched by other heavy-duty pickups.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty came standard with a 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine, producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Ford also offered a 6.7-litre Power Stroke turbodiesel V8, delivering an impressive 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. A new 7.3-litre gas V8 option was introduced, generating 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The gas engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel V8 used a six-speed TorqShift automatic. The F-250's towing capacity reached up to 10,977 kilograms when equipped with the diesel engine, 3.55 axle ratio, and High Capacity Tow Package. Despite its heavy-duty nature, the F-250 offered surprising acceleration, particularly with the gas engines. However, its suspension, designed for towing and hauling, resulted in a bumpy ride when unloaded. The Tremor off-road package added features like 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires and a rock crawl driving mode, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered two engine options: a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.7-litre Cummins inline-six diesel engine, producing 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine allowed the RAM 2500 to tow up to 8,972 kg and haul up to 1,388 kg of payload. The RAM 2500's acceleration was leisurely, but it excelled in highway merging and towing capabilities. The diesel's exhaust brake was a standout feature, providing effective braking and extending brake life. The RAM 2500's ride was decent but stiffer compared to the RAM 1500, reflecting its heavy-duty nature. Fuel efficiency was not rated, but the RAM 2500 averaged 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres over 800 highway kilometres, showcasing its efficiency for a heavy-duty truck.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, extended SuperCab, and full four-door Crew Cab configurations. It offered two bed sizes: 2,081 mm (6-foot-9-inch) and 2,492 mm (8-foot). The cabin was spacious and functional, with deep cup holders and cubbies designed for large items. The centre console was massive, capable of storing files, tools, or even a laptop. The rear seats in the SuperCrew and Crew Cab folded up, revealing a load floor for large items, providing secure storage for equipment like a generator.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered three cab options and two bed sizes. Single cabs provided the most payload and seated three across with a fold-down centre console. The Crew Cab, available with either bed, offered ample space and comfort. The Mega Cab allowed rear passengers to recline and enjoy ultimate luxury. The RAM 2500's interior was designed for convenience, with features like power running boards and a retractable tailgate step. The RamBox storage bins, available on some models, provided lockable storage on the bed's outer flanks. The RAM 2500 also offered a 220-amp alternator, with options for dual alternators to support power-hungry equipment. Diesel models featured a countdown timer for cold starts and an analog gauge for Diesel Emissions Fluid (DEF) level, enhancing usability in cold climates.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty's base XL trim came with four speakers, an AM/FM/MP3 radio unit, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB-C port. The XLT trim added more speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect was standard across the lineup, offering a WiFi hotspot and remote vehicle access via a smartphone app. These features allowed users to lock and unlock the vehicle, receive status updates, and remotely start the truck.

The 2020 RAM 2500 featured a standard 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, with an optional 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade. The Uconnect system was praised for its quick response and high-resolution display. The 12-inch display, available on higher trims, offered a futuristic experience, with large maps, dual information tiles, and 360-degree camera views. The system allowed users to adjust settings for trailers and other features easily. The RAM 2500's infotainment system was well-executed, providing a seamless experience for drivers and passengers.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty included standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, trailer sway control, and AdvanceTrac traction control with roll stability control. Optional safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Additional options included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system. However, the F-250 had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, and some safety features were not standard.

The 2020 RAM 2500 was not rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the RAM 1500, its sibling, received a Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The RAM 2500 offered optional driver assists like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward emergency braking. These features were designed to enhance safety, especially when towing, but were not standard across the lineup.