2020 RAM 1500 vs 2020 Ford Ranger

The 2020 RAM 1500 was a standout in the truck market, known for its iconic design and impressive sales figures. It was available in various trims, starting with the Tradesman, which offered basic features like 18-inch steel wheels and a 5-inch touchscreen. As buyers moved up the trim levels, they could enjoy more luxurious features, such as the Laramie's leather upholstery and advanced tech options. The RAM 1500 was praised for its large grille, a design element it had embraced long before it became a trend. The truck's interior was spacious and comfortable, with plenty of storage options, making it a practical choice for both work and leisure.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Ranger returned to the North American market with a fresh design, drawing from its international version. It featured a clean and sporty appearance, avoiding the bulkier trends of American trucks. Inside, the Ranger's cabin was functional but not as refined as some competitors, with hard plastics dominating the interior. The Ranger was available in three trims: XL, XLT, and Lariat, each offering different levels of features and comfort. The SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations provided flexibility in seating and cargo space, catering to different needs. Despite its utilitarian interior, the Ranger's exterior design and off-road capabilities made it an appealing choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2020 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 engine that produced 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 V8 engine options, including the 5.7-litre Hemi V8, delivered 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, offering a significant upgrade in power. The RAM 1500's EcoDiesel V6 engine, with 260 hp and a class-leading 480 lb-ft of torque, was ideal for towing, although it sometimes suffered from turbo lag. The RAM 1500's fuel efficiency varied depending on the engine and drivetrain, with the V6 achieving 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.7 on the highway.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was equipped with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada. The Ranger's turbo engine provided ample power for low-speed driving and highway passing, with a towing capacity of up to 3,401 kilograms (7,500 pounds). The Ranger's ride was somewhat stiff, with noticeable chatter and vibration over bumps, but it excelled in off-road conditions with the FX4 Off-Road package. This package included off-road tires, an electronically locking rear differential, and a Terrain Management System with various drive modes for different terrains.

The 2020 RAM 1500 was renowned for its spacious and comfortable interior, offering ample room for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats in higher trims could even recline, providing additional comfort. The RAM 1500 boasted over 151 litres of interior storage, with a giant centre console, hidden pockets, and storage beneath the rear floor. However, achieving the maximum towing capacity required specific configurations, limiting some of the truck's functionality. The RAM 1500's dials were sometimes loosely calibrated, making it challenging to select the desired settings.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations, with the SuperCab seating four and the SuperCrew seating five. The SuperCab's rear seats were tight and more suitable for children, while the SuperCrew offered more comfortable seating for adults. The Ranger's interior featured deep in-door pockets, a centre console bin, and a coin/key tray atop the dash. The SuperCab paired with a six-foot bed, while the SuperCrew had a five-foot bed. The Ranger offered a remote locking tailgate, LED bed lighting, and an optional spray-in bed liner, although it lacked a bed-step.

The 2020 RAM 1500 excelled in technology with its tablet-style 12-inch touchscreen and Uconnect system, which was user-friendly and paired easily with smartphones. The RAM 1500's engine technology, including the diesel and eTorque mild hybrid system, was noteworthy. All trims featured push-button start and a wealth of USB and USB-C inputs, ensuring ample charging options for passengers.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's XL trim featured a basic entertainment setup with an AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. FordPass Connect allowed for remote locking, unlocking, and starting, as well as 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, providing a premium audio experience.

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 optional LED lights. Most safety features were available across trims, with parking sensors and forward-collision and lane-departure mitigation reserved for higher trims. The RAM 1500's hood design improved visibility, and its braking performance was consistent, although stopping distances were average for the class.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, a child-seat anchoring system, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Ford's CoPilot360 suite, optional on the XL and standard on other trims, included automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, and blind spot monitoring. The XLT offered an available Technology Package with additional safety features. The Ranger earned top scores in most IIHS crash tests and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it had a recall for the ten-speed automatic transmission, which could indicate a mismatch between the gear position and the shifter.