2021 RAM 1500 vs 2020 Ford Ranger

The 2020 Ford Ranger marked its return to the North American market after an eight-year hiatus, bringing with it a design influenced by its international counterpart. This iteration was larger and more sophisticated than its predecessor, aligning itself with the F-Series lineup through similar grille styling. However, the Ranger distinguished itself with a clean, aggressive appearance that avoided the "bigger-and-blockier" trend prevalent among American trucks. Inside, the Ranger featured a function-first cabin with hard plastics, which, while durable, gave it a less premium feel compared to competitors like the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline. The Ranger was available in three trims: XL, XLT, and Lariat, each offering varying levels of features and comfort.

The 2021 RAM 1500, particularly the TRX model, was a carryover from the 2019 redesign, maintaining its bold and commanding presence. The TRX was inspired by off-road rally races and featured a functional hood scoop, massive grille, and fender vents. It was a crew cab-only 4x4 with a 5-foot, 7-inch box, and its dimensions were notably larger than the standard Ram 1500, straddling commercial vehicle territory. The TRX's interior was a blend of first-class comfort and technology, with premium materials and a focus on durability. The cabin was equipped with a 12-inch Uconnect infotainment display, offering a range of tech features and customization options.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing power to a standard 4WD system in Canada. The Ranger excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 3,401 kilograms, and offered a payload capacity of 748 kilograms in the SuperCab configuration. However, its ride was somewhat stiff, with noticeable chatter and body roll on uneven roads. The FX4 Off-Road package enhanced its off-road capabilities with features like off-road tires, an electronically locking rear differential, and Trail Control.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX was equipped with a 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi V8 engine, producing a staggering 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. This powerhouse allowed the TRX to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and tow up to 3,674 kilograms. Despite its impressive performance, the TRX was not fuel-efficient, with a combined consumption of 19.8 litres per 100 km. The TRX offered eight drive modes, including a Baja mode for off-road adventures, and featured a segment-exclusive four-corner air suspension for a comfortable ride. Its off-road prowess was demonstrated during a test drive through various challenging terrains, showcasing its capability and durability.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab, with its 2+2 layout, was less accommodating for adults in the rear seats, which were better suited for children. The SuperCrew offered more space with a full rear bench, providing comfortable seating for five. Both configurations featured practical storage solutions, including deep in-door pockets 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 2021 RAM 1500 TRX, despite its larger exterior dimensions, shared the same interior measurements as the standard Ram 1500. It offered ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, with numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin. The TRX Level 2 package included comfortable front seats and powered-adjustable pedals, enhancing driver comfort. The seating position was highly adjustable, providing a comfortable experience for drivers of all sizes. The TRX also featured full-length rock rails for added protection and convenience when entering the cabin.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's base XL trim featured a basic entertainment setup with an AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. FordPass Connect was included, offering remote access features and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim offered an optional B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen for a premium audio experience.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX came standard with a 12-inch Uconnect 4C infotainment system, offering a customizable display and a range of tech features. The system included wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker Alpine audio system, with an optional 19-speaker Harmon Kardon package. The TRX also featured a new head-up display, providing real-time driving information, and a range of SiriusXM enhancements for added convenience.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a child-seat anchoring system, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Ford's CoPilot360 suite was standard on higher trims, offering features like automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. The Ranger received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it had a recall related to its ten-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX offered over 100 safety and security features, though crash-test ratings were not available at launch. Standard features included a rear backup camera, with optional packages adding advanced safety technologies like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The TRX also featured passive safety measures like an auto-reverse feature for windows and sunroof, and an enhanced accident response system.