2021 Ford F-150 vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 RAM 2500 stood out with its elegant design, setting it apart from its more rugged competitors like the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and Ford F-250 Super Duty. Its grille, tailored for each of the six trim levels, added a touch of sophistication, while the chrome or body-colour bumper options and sleek LED headlights enhanced its upscale appearance. The truck's design echoed the smaller Ram 1500 but was expanded to fit the 2500's larger frame. The Limited trim, with its 20-inch chrome wheels and LED taillights, exuded a carlike demeanour, offering a more refined look compared to its rivals. Inside, the RAM 2500 impressed with its luxurious materials and craftsmanship, especially in the upper trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited. The interior featured soft-grained leather, intricate stitching, and light wood trim, creating a Mercedes-like atmosphere. The attention to detail extended to the grab handles and shifter knob, while the optional 12-inch vertical touchscreen added a modern touch, making the RAM 2500 a class leader in interior design.

The 2021 Ford F-150 retained its signature tough look with oversized wheel arches and a tall hood, but introduced a new front fascia with larger headlights and a rounder grille. Ford offered 11 grille design options and new tailgate appliques, enhancing the truck's aerodynamic efficiency with active grille shutters and an automatically-deploying air dam. The F-150's aluminum bodywork reduced weight, improving fuel economy and payload capacity. Inside, the F-150 maintained its distinctive design with large angular air vents and a high centre console. The King Ranch trim featured luxurious leather upholstery and wood trim, elevating the interior's feel. Ford's focus on practicality was evident with features like the fold-flat shifter, creating a workspace for a 15-inch laptop, and the Max Recline Seats for added comfort. The F-150 offered various cab and bed configurations, with the SuperCrew cab providing ample space for rear passengers. The truck's bed featured power running boards and a fold-out step, while the Pro Power Onboard system provided in-bed power outlets, setting it apart from competitors.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered a choice between two powerful engine options. The 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine delivered 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. This configuration allowed for a maximum payload capacity of 1,986 kilograms and a towing capacity of up to 7,869 kilograms. The diesel variant featured a 6.7-litre Cummins inline-six engine, producing 370 horsepower and an impressive 850 pound-feet of torque. This setup enabled the RAM 2500 to tow up to 8,972 kilograms and haul a payload of 1,388 kilograms. Despite its size, the RAM 2500 offered decent acceleration and a comfortable ride, with an effective exhaust brake system for safe towing. Fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres over 800 kilometres.

The 2021 Ford F-150 provided a diverse range of powertrains, including a base 3.3-litre V6 with 290 horsepower and a 5.0-litre V8 with 400 horsepower. Two EcoBoost V6 engines were available, offering 325 and 400 horsepower, respectively. The PowerBoost hybrid powertrain combined a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 with an electric motor, delivering 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful option. The F-150 excelled in payload and towing capacity, with the 5.0-litre V8 achieving a maximum payload of 3,325 pounds and the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 towing up to 14,000 pounds. The hybrid powertrain offered smooth power delivery, although transitions between electric and hybrid modes were occasionally rough. The F-150's road manners were impressive, with a comfortable ride and low cabin noise, making it suitable for long journeys.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered versatility with three cab options and two bed sizes. Single cabs provided the highest payload and seating for three, while the Crew Cab and Mega Cab configurations offered more space and comfort. The Mega Cab allowed rear passengers to recline and enjoy a luxurious experience. The RAM 2500 featured power running boards and a retractable tailgate step for easy access, along with optional RamBox storage bins for added convenience. The truck's interior was spacious, with ample room for passengers and cargo. The RAM 2500 also offered practical features like a spray-in bed liner, LED lighting, and a rear air suspension for easy trailer hitch adjustments.

The 2021 Ford F-150 catered to practicality with features like a fold-flat shifter for a mobile workspace and Max Recline Seats for added comfort. The truck offered three cab options: regular, SuperCab, and SuperCrew, with the latter providing the most space for rear passengers. Bed sizes included 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8-foot options, with power running boards and a fold-out step for easy access. The F-150's tailgate featured rulers and power opening and closing, although it lacked the versatility of competitors' tailgate designs. The Pro Power Onboard system provided in-bed power outlets, offering up to 7.2 kW of output, a unique feature among its rivals.

The 2020 RAM 2500 came standard with a 5-inch touchscreen, but the 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade was highly recommended for its user-friendly interface and high-resolution display. The optional 12-inch display was a standout feature, offering a large, easy-to-use interface for navigation, settings, and camera views. The RAM 2500's infotainment system was complemented by a large display in the instrument cluster, providing additional information and controls.

The 2021 Ford F-150 featured the new Sync 4 infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 12-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster available on higher trims. The system's menus were well-organized, and physical buttons and knobs were provided for essential functions. The F-150 also included Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance, making towing easier and more intuitive.

The 2020 RAM 2500 was not rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the RAM 1500 received high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Optional safety features for the RAM 2500 included blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward emergency braking, which worked even with a trailer attached.

The 2021 Ford F-150 had not yet received full crash-test ratings, but the IIHS gave it a "good" rating for roof strength. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Additional features like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring were available. The F-150 was also set to receive Ford's BlueCruise system for hands-free driving on designated highways.