2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2019 Ford Ranger

The 2019 Ford Ranger returned as a midsize pickup, closely matching the dimensions of its bigger sibling, the F-150. It boasted a 7,500-pound towing capacity and a 1,860-pound maximum payload, nearly rivaling the V6 F-150. This was achieved through its 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Ford made specific augmentations for the American market, including tighter panel gaps and fortified frames for solid steel bumper mounts. The Ranger's pricing started at $24,300, with the base XL trim offering essential features like a rear-view camera and forward-collision warning. Upgrading to the XLT or Lariat trims added more luxury and tech options, such as the Ford Sync3 system, leather upholstery, and advanced safety packages.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty received visual updates, including a more restrained grille design and sleeker headlights. Available in six trims—XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited—the F-250's appearance varied significantly. The XL featured a black grille and bumpers, while higher trims like the King Ranch and Platinum added chrome accents and unique styling elements. The Tremor package, available on XLT-and-up trims, included off-road enhancements like upgraded shocks and 33-inch tires. Inside, the F-250's cabin was spacious and functional, with ample storage and practical features. Higher trims offered luxury touches like leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a twin-panel moonroof.

The 2019 Ford Ranger featured a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed transmission, the Ranger achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined. It excelled in Sport mode, reaching 60 mph in under 7 seconds. However, its steering and braking were somewhat numb, and the suspension, while optimized for on-road use, felt floaty over uneven surfaces. Off-road performance was limited due to insufficient suspension articulation.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty came standard with a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine, generating 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. It also offered a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 with 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. A new 7.3-liter gas V8 option produced 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The gas engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel used a six-speed automatic. The F-250 could tow up to 30,000 pounds when properly equipped. Despite its impressive power, the F-250's ride was bumpy when unloaded, and it felt top-heavy on ramps. The Tremor off-road package added features like a 2-inch lift and rock crawl mode for enhanced off-road capability.

The 2019 Ford Ranger offered versatility, from an affordable base model to more luxurious trims. However, its SuperCab configuration was best suited for luggage or small pets, and the softer suspension could cause motion sickness on rough roads. The SuperCrew cab and 4WD options reduced maximum payload by a few hundred pounds.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab configurations, with 6-foot-9-inch or 8-foot bed sizes. The cabin was spacious and functional, with deep cup holders and a massive center console. The rear seats in the SuperCrew and Crew Cab folded up to reveal a load floor for large items, providing secure storage for equipment.

The 2019 Ford Ranger's base XL trim included a rear-view camera, USB port, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered the Sync3 infotainment system, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and optional Bang & Olufsen stereo. The available safety systems provided near-Level 2 autonomy.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty's base XL trim came with four speakers, an AM/FM/MP3 radio, Bluetooth, and a USB-C port. The XLT added SiriusXM satellite radio, additional USB-C ports, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect, standard across the lineup, included a WiFi hotspot and remote vehicle management via a smartphone app.

Test data for the 2019 Ford Ranger was unavailable from NHTSA and IIHS. It had one recall affecting 3,500 vehicles due to an improperly installed wiring sub-harness for the shifter.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty included standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, trailer sway control, and hill start assist. Optional features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. It had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS.