2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty was an imposing giant on the road, easily dwarfing smaller cars with its massive dual-bar grille and squared-off headlights. This beast carried a robust and somewhat industrial aesthetic, tracing its design roots back to a 2017 overhaul. Available in six trims—XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited—each had its unique personality. The base XL trim was utilitarian, featuring dark plastic bumpers and grille, and 17-inch steel wheels, while the higher-level XLT added chrome touches and 18-inch painted aluminum wheels.

The Lariat trim introduced a special black appearance package, showcasing a sporty look with black grille and wheels. In contrast, the King Ranch featured eye-catching chrome wheels and a distinctive two-tone paint scheme. The luxury trims—Platinum and Limited—boasted unique grille designs and full body-color bumpers, with the Limited including a massive dual-panel panoramic moonroof. Inside, the F-250 was exceptionally spacious, with the Lariat trim offering dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2020 RAM 2500 leaned more toward elegance and upscale design. Its grille, custom for each of its six trim levels, exuded a refined yet powerful presence. The available LED headlights and chrome or body-color bumpers added a sleek, stylish touch. The RAM 2500 carried a more carlike demeanor with rounded edges and smoother body panels, resembling its smaller sibling, the RAM 1500, but on a grander scale. The Limited trim showcased 20-inch chrome wheels and LED taillights, cementing its place as a paragon of luxury among heavy-duty trucks.

The RAM 2500’s interior was a marvel of craftsmanship, especially in the upper trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited. These variants featured soft-grained, perforated leather seats adorned with intricate stitching, light wood trim, and a stunning beige-and-navy-blue color scheme. The optional 12-inch vertical touchscreen added a futuristic feel, while the large switches, grab handles, and shifter knob exuded sophistication.

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty was powered exclusively by V8 engines. The standard 6.2-liter V8 produced 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The optional 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 boasted a remarkable 450 hp and a staggering 935 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine was also linked to a 6-speed automatic, though its acceleration was only moderate. The F-250 could tow up to 18,000 pounds and carry a payload of 4,270 pounds, making it a workhorse despite its somewhat stiff and top-heavy handling when unloaded. Over a week of combined driving, the trip computer reported an average fuel economy of just over 17 mpg.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered more engine options. The standard 6.4-liter Hemi V8 generated 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed the RAM 2500 to tow as much as 17,350 pounds and carry a payload of up to 4,380 pounds. For those opting for diesel power, the 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six engine provided 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque, enabling the truck to tow an impressive 19,780 pounds and haul a 3,060-pound payload.

The RAM 2500 diesel, however, exhibited a lazy acceleration but made up for it with quick highway merging capabilities. It provided a comfortable ride, though it was less precise than its sibling, the RAM 1500. Notably, the diesel's exhaust brake was extremely effective, slowing the truck significantly without needing the actual brakes, thus extending brake life. With an average fuel economy close to 19 mpg over 515 highway miles, the RAM 2500 diesel also proved to be relatively efficient.

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered three cab options: Regular, Super, and Crew Cab, with long and standard bed variations. The Regular cab was paired exclusively with an 8-foot bed, while the Super and Crew Cabs offered both 6.75-foot and 8-foot bed options. The F-250 featured a single-rear-wheel (SRW) setup but could come equipped with helpful bed features like a spray-in liner, bed LED lights, and an adjustable tie-down system.

The 2020 RAM 2500, meanwhile, provided more luxurious options. It came with three cab styles—Single, Crew, and Mega Cab. The Single cab could be paired with either an 8-foot or 6-foot-4-inch bed on the base Tradesman and Big Horn trims. The Crew Cab, available on all other trims, offered both bed lengths, while the Mega Cab was exclusively paired with the shorter bed, offering unparalleled rear passenger comfort.

Optional power running boards and a retractable tailgate step made it easier to access the lofty cab. The RAM 2500 also featured an optional RamBox storage system and a practical spray-in bed liner. Diesel models included dual alternators and a helpful gauge for Diesel Emissions Fluid levels. The RAM 2500’s rear air suspension allowed for trailer hitch adjustments and smoother rides with heavy loads.

All 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty trims came with SYNC infotainment, but the system varied by trim. The base XL and XLT featured a basic SYNC version with a small 4.2-inch LCD, AM/FM radio, and USB-C port. Higher trims sported SYNC 3, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SYNC 3 was user-friendly but lacked a dedicated home button, making navigation through menus a bit cumbersome. The premium B&O audio system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer was available from the Lariat trim upwards, enhancing the audio experience.

In comparison, the 2020 RAM 2500 started with a 5-inch touchscreen but offered an 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade that was essential for usability. Uconnect was known for its responsiveness and high resolution. The optional 12-inch display provided an impressive array of features, from dual-view capabilities to a plethora of control options for the truck’s extensive towing and hauling functions. The 360-degree camera system, two rear-view cameras, and customizable shortcuts made it exceptionally user-friendly.

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty included essential safety features like front and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, traction control, and trailer-sway control. Higher trims added advanced features such as automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Additional available features included a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring, all vital for maneuvering such a large vehicle.

Similarly, the 2020 RAM 2500 offered an array of driver aids, although most were optional. These included blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward emergency braking. While not rated by NHTSA or IIHS, the RAM 1500—closely related to the 2500—earned high safety marks, which added a layer of confidence in the RAM 2500’s safety credentials.