2020 RAM 1500 vs 2020 Ford F-150

The 2020 RAM 1500 was a standout in the truck market, known for its iconic design and growing popularity. Despite the presence of the older Ram 1500 Classic, the combined sales of both models allowed the RAM 1500 to surpass the Chevrolet Silverado in sales, a testament to its appeal. The redesigned RAM 1500 boasted a bold grille, a feature it had been perfecting since the '90s, setting a standard that others were only beginning to follow. The truck offered a range of trims, starting with the Tradesman, which provided essential features like 18-inch steel wheels and a 5-inch touchscreen. As buyers moved up the trim levels, they could enjoy additional luxuries such as air suspension, leather upholstery, and advanced safety features, culminating in the opulent Limited trim with its premium leather and 12-inch touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford F-150 maintained a more restrained design, focusing on clean lines and a blocky grille that exuded confidence without being overly aggressive. The interior was straightforward, with a mechanical-looking dash that came to life upon startup. While the lower trims featured hard plastics, the higher trims introduced soft-touch materials and leather, though they still fell short of the luxury offered by the RAM 1500. The F-150's trim levels ranged from the basic XL, with its steel wheels and manual locks, to the luxurious Limited, which featured premium leather and a dual-panel moonroof. The F-150 Raptor stood out with its off-road capabilities, including a lifted suspension and specialized running gear, making it a unique offering in the lineup.

The 2020 RAM 1500 offered a variety of engine options, starting with a reworked 3.6-litre V6 engine that delivered 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and featured a mild-hybrid system called "eTorque," which provided an additional 90 lb-ft of torque when needed. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine offered 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,783 kilograms (12,750 pounds) when properly configured. The 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6, with its class-leading 480 lb-ft of torque, was another option, though it sometimes suffered from turbo lag.

The 2020 Ford F-150 also provided a range of powertrain options. The base 3.3-litre V6 engine produced 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.7-litre turbocharged EcoBoost V6 offered 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 5.0-litre V8 engine matched the RAM's V8 with 395 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful engine in the lineup was the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6, delivering 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The F-150's 3.0-litre Power Stroke turbodiesel V6 provided 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. The F-150's towing capacity reached up to 5,987 kilograms (12,300 pounds) with the right configuration, making it a leader in the light-duty truck segment. The F-150 Raptor, with its specialized off-road capabilities, offered a unique driving experience with its Terrain Management System and advanced suspension.

The 2020 RAM 1500 excelled in interior space and comfort, offering a spacious cabin with class-leading storage options. With over 151 litres of interior storage, the RAM 1500 nearly doubled its nearest competitor, providing a giant centre console, hidden pockets, and storage beneath the rear floor. The rear seats in higher trims could recline, offering ample legroom even for taller passengers. However, achieving the maximum towing capacity required specific configurations, which could limit some functionality.

The 2020 Ford F-150 offered three cab sizes and three bed sizes, providing flexibility for various needs. The SuperCrew cab stood out with its exceptional backseat legroom and rear seats that flipped up to create a large load floor. The F-150 provided numerous storage options, including deep in-door pockets and a large centre console storage bin. The bed step, which extended from the top of the tailgate, was a helpful feature for accessing the bed, though it had moving parts that could potentially break over time.

The 2020 RAM 1500 impressed with its technology offerings, particularly the tablet-style 12-inch touchscreen and the Uconnect system, which was user-friendly and paired easily with smartphones. The RAM 1500 also featured push-button start and a wealth of USB and USB-C inputs, ensuring ample charging options for passengers. The engine technology, including the diesel and eTorque mild hybrid system, was noteworthy and set a standard for the industry.

The 2020 Ford F-150's technology offerings varied by trim. The XL trim featured a basic AM/FM radio, while the XLT added the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and enhanced voice recognition. The FordPass system, available on XLT and higher trims, allowed remote vehicle access and status checks via a mobile app. Higher trims offered a B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen, providing crisp sound with 10 speakers and a subwoofer.

The 2020 RAM 1500 received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was the first full-size pickup truck to be named a Top Safety Pick Plus by the IIHS, provided it was equipped with the Crew Cab model and all active safety equipment. While most safety features were available across the board, none came standard, allowing buyers to choose only the features they wanted. The RAM 1500's hood design improved visibility, and the braking feel was consistent, though stopping distances were average for the class.

The 2020 Ford F-150 came with standard safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, curve control, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. The F-150 also offered pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking as standard, even on the XL trim. Higher trims featured Ford Co-Pilot360, which included blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist made towing easier by allowing drivers to control the trailer's direction with a knob on the dash. The F-150 SuperCrew received top marks from the NHTSA and IIHS in crash tests, while the SuperCab and regular cab received slightly lower ratings.