2021 Ford F-150 vs 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty had a refreshed exterior with a more detailed grille and headlights, moving away from the chrome-heavy design of the 2019 model. The updated grille and contoured headlights contributed to a more mature appearance, although the overall design was a modest evolution from the 2017 model. Despite these updates, the cabin remained unchanged, with a blocky style that was functional for work use but less inviting compared to competitors like Ram. The F-350 was available in several trims, from the basic XL with its work-truck aesthetic to the luxurious Limited, which featured premium touches like a Bang & Olufsen audio system.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford F-150 retained its tough look with oversized wheel arches and a tall hood, but introduced a new front fascia with larger headlights and a rounder grille. The design was more aerodynamic, thanks to features like active grille shutters and an automatically-deploying air dam. The interior was also redesigned, maintaining a familiar theme with large air vents and a high centre console. The F-150 offered a range of trims, from the basic XL to the luxurious King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited, with the King Ranch featuring leather upholstery and wood trim for a more upscale feel.

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 6.7-litre turbodiesel Power Stroke V8 delivered 475 hp and an impressive 1,050 lb-ft of torque. New for 2020 was a 7.3-litre gas V8, offering 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The F-350 excelled in towing, with a conventional towing capacity of 10,977 kg, a fifth-wheel capacity of 14,742 kg, and a gooseneck capacity of 16,783 kg. The Tremor off-road package added features like 35-inch tires and a lifted suspension for enhanced off-road capability.

The 2021 Ford F-150 carried over most powertrains from the previous generation, including a base 3.3-litre V6 with 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.0-litre V8 with 400 hp and 410 lb-ft. Two EcoBoost V6 engines were available, a 2.7-litre with 325 hp and 400 lb-ft, and a 3.5-litre with 400 hp and 500 lb-ft. A 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 offered 250 hp and 440 lb-ft. The new PowerBoost hybrid combined a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 with an electric motor, producing 430 hp and 570 lb-ft. The F-150 excelled in payload and towing, with a maximum payload of 1,508 kg and a towing capacity of 6,350 kg with the non-hybrid 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6. The hybrid powertrain offered impressive power but had a less smooth transition between electric and hybrid modes.

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, while the Super Crew offered full-size rear doors and ample space for passengers. The F-350 provided two bed lengths, 2,081 mm and 2,492 mm, with the longer bed available in a dual-rear-wheel configuration. The interior offered practical storage solutions, including a large centre console and in-door pockets for water bottles. The bed featured a step for easier loading.

The 2021 Ford F-150 catered to the mobile office concept with features like a fold-flat shifter for a work surface and Max Recline Seats for rest. It offered a range of cab configurations, including a two-door regular cab, a SuperCab with rear half doors, and a SuperCrew with full-size rear doors. Bed sizes included 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8-foot options. The F-150 featured innovative storage solutions, such as a centre-console bin and an angled wireless-charging pad. The Pro Power Onboard system provided in-bed power outlets, with up to 7.2 kW of output available.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system had an intuitive menu layout but occasionally experienced hiccups. The F-350 excelled in towing technology, with Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance, making trailer manoeuvring easier.

The 2021 Ford F-150 introduced the new Sync 4 system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 12-inch option available. The system featured sensibly arranged menus and physical controls for key functions. The F-150 also included Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance, enhancing towing capabilities.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty came with standard safety features like airbags, automatic high beams, and traction control. Higher trims added features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim offered all safety features as standard.

The 2021 Ford F-150 included standard safety features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner, such as forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Additional features like lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control were available. The F-150 was set to receive Ford’s BlueCruise system for hands-free driving later in the year.