2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty received a subtle facelift with a more detailed grille and headlights, moving away from the flashy chrome bars of the previous model. The updated grille and contoured headlights gave the truck a more mature appearance, though it remained a modest evolution of the design introduced in 2017. Despite the front-end refresh, the cabin retained its blocky styling, which was less inviting compared to competitors like Ram. However, the interior was practical for work use, offering ample space. The F-350 was available in six trim levels, from the basic XL with its work-truck aesthetic to the luxurious Limited, which featured premium amenities like a Bang & Olufsen audio system and a panoramic sunroof.

In contrast, the 2020 RAM 2500 stood out with its elegant design, offering a more upscale look compared to its chunkier competitors. Each of the six trim levels had a unique grille, and the truck's sleek LED headlights and chrome or body-colour bumpers added to its refined appearance. The RAM 2500's interior was a highlight, especially in upper trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited, where it featured luxurious materials and craftsmanship akin to a high-end vehicle. The cabin was adorned with soft-grained leather, intricate stitching, and light wood trim, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. The 12-inch vertical touchscreen was a standout feature, providing an intuitive and expansive interface for controlling various functions.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 6.2-litre gas V8 producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. A new 7.3-litre gas V8 delivered 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.7-litre turbodiesel Power Stroke V8 was the powerhouse of the lineup, generating 475 horsepower and an impressive 1,050 pound-feet of torque. The F-350's towing capabilities were remarkable, with a conventional towing capacity of 10,977 kilograms, a fifth-wheel towing capacity of 14,742 kilograms, and a gooseneck trailer capacity of 16,783 kilograms. The Tremor off-road package added features like 35-inch all-terrain tires and a lifted suspension, enhancing its off-road prowess.

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 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. The RAM 2500's towing capacity reached up to 8,972 kilograms with the diesel engine, while the gas V8 trims offered a maximum payload capacity of 1,986 kilograms. The diesel engine's exhaust brake was a standout feature, providing effective braking for heavy loads. Despite its size, the RAM 2500 offered a decent ride, though it was less refined than the RAM 1500.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew configurations. The Super Cab featured rear-hinged half-doors, providing decent space for rear-seat passengers, while the Super Crew offered a full four-door setup with ample headroom and legroom. The F-350 came with either a 2,081 mm or a 2,492 mm bed, with the longer bed available in a dual-rear-wheel configuration. The bed featured a step that extended from the tailgate, making it easier to load items.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered three cab options: Single Cab, Crew Cab, and Mega Cab, with the latter providing ultimate luxury for rear passengers. The RAM 2500's bed options included a 2,496.5 mm or a 1,938.5 mm bed, with the Crew Cab available with either bed length. The Mega Cab allowed rear passengers to recline and enjoy a spacious environment. The RAM 2500 also offered features like power running boards, a retractable tailgate step, and a spray-in bed liner. The rear air suspension allowed for easy trailer hitch height adjustment, enhancing its practicality for towing.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system was intuitive, with large icons and a user-friendly menu layout. However, it occasionally experienced hiccups when switching between SYNC 3 and Apple CarPlay. The F-350 also offered advanced towing features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which made backing up a trailer easier by allowing the driver to control the trailer's direction with a dial.

The 2020 RAM 2500 came standard with a 5-inch touchscreen, but the 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade was highly recommended for its quick and logical interface. The 12-inch display was a standout feature, providing a large and intuitive interface for controlling various functions. The RAM 2500's infotainment system offered features like 360-degree cameras and the ability to display multiple tiles of information on the home screen. The system was well-executed and scaled to the truck's size, making it a valuable addition to the RAM 2500's technology suite.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty came equipped with a full array of airbags, automatic high beams, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The XLT trim added features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, which could account for trailers. Higher trims offered additional safety features like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

The 2020 RAM 2500 was not rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the RAM 1500, which shared some safety features, received high ratings. The RAM 2500 offered optional driver assists like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward emergency braking. These features were valuable additions, enhancing the RAM 2500's safety profile.